Lemon Garlic Shrimp
This recipe delivers a quick and flavorful dish featuring succulent shrimp bathed in a bright lemon-garlic sauce, complemented by tender-crisp red pepper and green onions. Served alongside a convenient broccoli au gratin rice mix, it's a balanced and zesty meal perfect for a busy weeknight.
Equipment
- 1 Large Skillet
- 1 Medium Saucepan
- 1 Chef's knife
- 1 Cutting Board
- 1 Whisk
Ingredients
Main
- 1 6.5 ounce package RICE-A-RONI® Broccoli Au Gratin
- 1 pound uncooked medium shrimp peeled and deveined
- 1 medium sweet red pepper julienned
- 3 green onions cut into 1/2-inch pieces
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon grated lemon peel divided
Instructions
- Prepare the RICE-A-RONI® Broccoli Au Gratin according to package directions in a medium saucepan. Keep warm.
- While the rice cooks, pat the peeled and deveined shrimp dry with paper towels. Julienne the sweet red pepper, cut green onions into 1/2-inch pieces, and mince the garlic.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the prepared shrimp and Italian seasoning. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, just until the shrimp turn pink and are cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Add the julienned red pepper and minced garlic to the same skillet. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the pepper is slightly tender-crisp.
- Stir in the 1/2-inch pieces of green onion and 1/2 teaspoon of the grated lemon peel. Cook for 1 minute more, stirring occasionally.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and chicken broth until completely smooth. Stir in the lemon juice and the remaining 1/2 teaspoon grated lemon peel.
- Pour the cornstarch mixture into the skillet with the vegetables. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens.
- Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss gently to coat with the thickened sauce and vegetables. Heat through for 1-2 minutes, just until warmed.
- Serve the lemon garlic shrimp mixture immediately over the prepared RICE-A-RONI® Broccoli Au Gratin.
Notes
1. For the best flavor, always use fresh garlic and lemon. Zest the lemon finely for maximum aromatic impact without bitterness. 2. Do not overcook the shrimp; they cook quickly, typically 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Overcooked shrimp become rubbery. 3. When preparing the cornstarch slurry, ensure it's completely smooth before adding to the skillet to avoid lumps in your sauce. For an extra layer of flavor, consider deglazing the pan with a splash of dry white wine before adding the chicken broth. 4. Taste and adjust seasoning before serving; a pinch of red pepper flakes could add a subtle kick.