Go Back
–+ servings
Close-up of perfectly pan-seared shrimp with lemon wedges and parsley, a key part of The Ultimate Shrimp Recipes Guide for Beginners.

The Ultimate Shrimp Recipes Guide for Beginners

This guide offers a simple, quick, and delicious shrimp recipe perfect for beginners. Learn essential shrimp cooking techniques and gain confidence in the kitchen.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: Seafood
Calories: 221
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 pounds medium shrimp deveined (tail-on or peeled)
  • 0.75 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 0.75 teaspoon smoked paprika (or standard paprika)
  • 0.75 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 0.75 teaspoon onion powder
  • 0.75 teaspoon cumin
  • 3 tablespoons butter or olive oil
  • 3 wedges lemon
  • Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish

Equipment

  • Medium bowl
  • Large skillet
  • Tongs
  • Paper towel

Method
 

  1. Thaw the shrimp, if frozen. Pat the shrimp dry with a paper towel.
  2. In a medium bowl, mix shrimp with salt, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cumin.
  3. In a large skillet, heat the butter on medium-high heat.
  4. Add the shrimp and cook for 1-2 minutes per side until just opaque and cooked through, turning them with tongs.
  5. Spritz with lemon juice and serve immediately.

Nutrition

Calories: 221kcalProtein: 34.3gFat: 9.5gSaturated Fat: 5.5gPotassium: 451.4mgVitamin A: 72.8IUCalcium: 111.4mgIron: 0.9mg

Notes

If you are new to cooking shrimp, olive oil is a good starting point as it handles heat well. Butter can burn easily. For added flavor, you can start with oil and finish with a pat of butter. Sauteed shrimp is best eaten fresh. It can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Allow the shrimp to cool to room temperature before storing. You can include the cooking juices to keep them moist. Gently reheat in a skillet over low heat to prevent them from becoming rubbery.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!