4 Minute Spicy Garlic Shrimp

Quick, Fiery, and Delicious

Need a super-fast, flavorful shrimp recipe? These 4-Minute Spicy Garlic Shrimp Recipes are perfect for busy weeknights or quick lunches. Tender shrimp, bold garlic, and a kick of spice come together in under 5 minutes, making it a light, protein-packed, and mouthwatering meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ultra-Fast: Ready in just 4 minutes.
Spicy & Flavorful: Garlic and chili create a bold, savory taste.
Versatile: Perfect for pasta, rice bowls, tacos, or salads.
Healthy & Protein-Packed: Low in calories, high in protein, and gluten-free.

Ingredients (Serves 2)

1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
4 cloves garlic, minced
1–2 tsp red chili flakes (adjust to taste)
2 tbsp olive oil or butter
1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
Juice of 1/2 lemon
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1–2 tbsp chopped parsley or cilantro

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Heat the Pan

Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

2. Cook the Garlic & Shrimp

Add minced garlic and red chili flakes, sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add shrimp in a single layer. Sprinkle with smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.

3. Sear the Shrimp

Cook shrimp 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Shrimp cooks very quickly—overcooking will make it rubbery.

4. Add Lemon & Herbs

Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the shrimp and sprinkle with parsley or cilantro. Toss to combine.

5. Serve Immediately

Enjoy on its own, over rice, with pasta, in tacos, or on a salad for a spicy, garlicky boost.

Quick Variations

Spicy Garlic Shrimp Pasta: Toss cooked spaghetti with shrimp, olive oil, garlic, chili flakes, and Parmesan.
Garlic Shrimp Tacos: Serve shrimp in soft tortillas with cabbage slaw and avocado.
Garlic Shrimp Stir-Fry: Add bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli for a veggie-packed meal.

Pro Tips for Perfect 4-Minute Shrimp

High Heat: Essential for searing shrimp quickly.
Pat Dry: Removing excess moisture ensures shrimp browns, not steams.
Adjust Spice: Add more or less chili flakes depending on your heat tolerance.
Serve Immediately: Shrimp is best when hot and fresh.

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Final Thoughts

These 4-Minute Spicy Garlic Shrimp Recipes are a game-changer for busy kitchens. With bold flavor, minimal prep, and lightning-fast cooking, they’re perfect for anyone craving a zesty, garlicky, and satisfying seafood meal.

OTHER RECIPES

Ingredients

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, 2 turns of the pan
4 cloves garlic, crushed away from skin
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
24 jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails in tact, ask for easy peels at your fish counter
2 teaspoons grill or steak seasoning blend (recommended: Montreal Seasoning by McCormick) or coarse salt and pepper
1 lemon, zested and juiced
2 tablespoons chopped parsley leaves, a handful

Directions

Heat a large skillet over medium high heat.

Add extra-virgin olive oil, 2 turns of the pan, garlic, red pepper flakes and shrimp.

Season with grill seasoning or salt and pepper and cook shrimp 3 minutes or until just pink.

Toss with lemon zest, juice and chopped parsley.

Remove shrimp to a serving platter leaving the garlic cloves in the pan. Enjoy !

VIDEO:

GARLIC SHRIMP RECIPE

4 Minute Spicy Garlic Shrimp