Mediterranean Shrimp Skillet with Lemon Garlic Sauce Recipe
Introduction
This Mediterranean Shrimp Skillet with Lemon Garlic Sauce offers a vibrant blend of fresh shrimp, tangy lemon, and savory olives. It’s a quick and flavorful dish perfect for a weeknight dinner or an impressive meal for guests.

Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: red pepper flakes for a touch of heat
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Step 2: Add the fresh shrimp to the skillet and cook until they turn pink, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Step 3: Toss in the cherry tomatoes and Kalamata olives, stirring gently to combine with the shrimp.
- Step 4: Drizzle fresh lemon juice over the skillet and season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired.
- Step 5: Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Step 6: Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle chopped parsley over the dish for a burst of freshness.
- Step 7: Serve hot, garnished with additional parsley and lemon wedges for a vibrant presentation.
Tips & Variations
- Use fresh, high-quality shrimp for the best flavor and texture.
- Adjust garlic and lemon juice amounts to suit your taste.
- For a richer sauce, add a splash of white wine or chicken broth before cooking the shrimp.
- Serve over cooked pasta or steamed rice for a more substantial meal.
- Substitute shrimp with scallops or white fish for a different seafood option.
- Add capers, artichoke hearts, bell peppers, or zucchini for extra flavor and color.
- Stir in a dollop of Greek yogurt or crème fraîche for a creamy sauce.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat to avoid overcooking the shrimp. This dish is best enjoyed fresh but can be prepared ahead by prepping ingredients and cooking just before serving.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, you can use thawed frozen shrimp. Just make sure to drain and pat them dry thoroughly to prevent excess moisture in the skillet.
How can I make this dish spicier?
Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to give the dish a spicier kick.
PrintMediterranean Shrimp Skillet with Lemon Garlic Sauce Recipe
This Mediterranean Shrimp Skillet with Lemon Garlic Sauce is a vibrant, flavorful dish featuring succulent shrimp sautéed with garlic, cherry tomatoes, and Kalamata olives, all brought together with a fresh lemon juice drizzle and a sprinkle of parsley. Perfect for a quick, healthy, and elegant meal that embodies the essence of Mediterranean cuisine.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Shrimp and Vegetables
- 1 pound fresh shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
Seasonings and Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: Red pepper flakes for a touch of heat
Instructions
- Heat and Sauté Garlic: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, being careful not to burn it, about 1-2 minutes.
- Cook Shrimp: Add the fresh shrimp to the skillet and cook until they turn pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes per side, ensuring they are cooked through but tender.
- Add Tomatoes and Olives: Toss in the halved cherry tomatoes and Kalamata olives, stirring gently to combine with the shrimp evenly.
- Add Lemon Juice and Season: Drizzle fresh lemon juice over the skillet and season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired, stirring carefully to distribute the flavors.
- Simmer to Meld Flavors: Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to allow all the ingredients to meld together, creating a vibrant and flavorful sauce.
- Add Fresh Parsley: Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle chopped parsley over the dish for a fresh burst of flavor and color.
- Serve: Serve the Mediterranean Shrimp Skillet hot, garnished with extra parsley and lemon wedges if desired, perfect alongside couscous, rice, or crusty bread.
Notes
- Use fresh, high-quality shrimp for the best taste and texture.
- Adjust garlic and lemon juice amounts to your personal preference.
- For a richer sauce, add a splash of white wine or chicken broth before cooking the shrimp.
- Serve over pasta or steamed rice for a more filling meal.
- Frozen shrimp can be used if fully thawed and dried before cooking.
- Increase red pepper flakes or add cayenne pepper to make it spicier.
- Prepare ingredients ahead but cook just before serving for optimal freshness.
Keywords: Mediterranean shrimp skillet, lemon garlic shrimp, easy shrimp recipe, healthy shrimp dish, garlic shrimp skillet

