Garlic Paprika Shrimp Skillet (Printable View)

Savory shrimp with garlic and smoked paprika, cooked in one skillet for a quick Mediterranean meal.

# What You Need:

→ Seafood

01 - 1 lb large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined

→ Vegetables & Aromatics

02 - 4 cloves garlic, minced
03 - 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
04 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
05 - 1 lemon, cut into wedges

→ Oils & Fats

06 - 2 tablespoons olive oil

→ Spices

07 - 1½ teaspoons smoked paprika
08 - ½ teaspoon sweet paprika
09 - ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
10 - ½ teaspoon sea salt
11 - ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

# How-To Steps:

01 - Pat the shrimp completely dry with paper towels to ensure proper searing and set aside.
02 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
03 - Add minced garlic and bell pepper to the hot oil. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until fragrant and slightly softened.
04 - Sprinkle both paprikas, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes into the skillet. Stir well to coat the vegetables and bloom the spices.
05 - Arrange shrimp in a single layer. Cook for 2–3 minutes per side until pink, opaque, and just cooked through.
06 - Remove from heat immediately and stir in chopped parsley. Serve with lemon wedges on the side.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Everything cooks in one pan so cleanup is practically nonexistent
  • The smoky paprika and bright lemon create layers of flavor that taste like you spent hours on them
02 -
  • Crowding the pan will make the shrimp steam instead of sear, work in batches if needed
  • Shrimp turn from translucent to opaque very quickly, overcooking makes them rubbery
03 -
  • Buy wild caught shrimp if you can find it, the flavor and texture are noticeably better
  • Leave the tails on for a more elegant presentation if serving guests