While shrimp is available year-round in most parts of the world, so you can enjoy it any time of the year.

In terms of shrimp, the peak seasons depend on where you live. For Mediterranean-style dishes like this one, sourcing wild-caught shrimp from reputable suppliers is always ideal because of their natural flavor and firm texture.

As for lemons, they are most abundant during the winter months. Using fresh, in-season lemons enhances the dish’s brightness and adds a perfect balance to the garlic and olive oil. Garlic, on the other hand, can be found year-round, but its flavor is best when harvested between late summer and early autumn. If you can source freshly harvested garlic and juicy, ripe lemons, your Shrimp in Lemon Garlic Sauce will reach a whole new level of taste. So as you can see, this dish is perfect anytime.

One of the great things about this recipe is that all the ingredients are relatively easy to find. Here’s a quick rundown of where you can purchase everything:

Shrimp can be bought from several sources, including local fish markets, grocery stores, or even online seafood suppliers. When shopping for shrimp, fresh or frozen, always look for shrimp that’s sustainably sourced. Many supermarkets also carry pre-cleaned shrimp, which makes preparation even easier.

Garlic can be found in every grocery store. For the freshest garlic, check out your local farmers’ market or organic stores. Fresh garlic will have firm cloves with tight skins and no signs of sprouting.

Organic lemons are preferred for this recipe since you’ll be using them for the juice. You can find organic lemons at most grocery stores or food markets.

High-quality extra virgin olive oil is key to achieving the authentic Mediterranean flavor in this dish. Specialty food stores, grocery stores, and online retailers all carry a wide range of olive oils. Look for oils produced in Mediterranean countries such as Italy, Greece, Spain and Portugal for the most authentic flavor.

Smoked paprika, salt, and pepper are widely available in supermarkets. Smoked paprika adds a beautiful depth of flavor to the dish, so it’s worth investing in a good-quality one from a reputable brand or spice shop.

While the ingredients in this Mediterranean Shrimp in Lemon Garlic Sauce recipe work beautifully together, there’s always room for the changes.

If shrimp isn’t your favorite seafood, or if you’re catering to guests with shellfish allergies, you can easily substitute shrimp with other types of seafood like scallops, calamari, or even white fish such as cod or halibut. Keep in mind that cooking times may vary depending on the seafood you choose.

Garlic is a key ingredient in Mediterranean cuisine, but if you’re sensitive to its bold flavor, you can reduce the amount or substitute it with shallots for a milder taste. Roasted garlic is another option if you want a sweeter, caramelized flavor.

If you don’t have fresh lemons on hand, bottled lemon juice can be used in a pinch, though fresh lemons are always recommended for the best flavor. You could also experiment with lime or even orange juice for a different citrus flavor.

Smoked paprika brings a smoky depth to the dish, but if you don’t have it on hand, regular paprika or cayenne pepper (for a spicier version) can be used as substitutes.

If you’re out of olive oil, avocado oil or another high-quality vegetable oil can be used. However, the olive oil provides that signature Mediterranean flavor that’s hard to substitute with other oils.

Absolutely! Shrimp in Lemon Garlic Sauce is a versatile dish that can either be the star of the meal or part of a larger Mediterranean-inspired lunch. Here are a few ideas on how you can incorporate it into a menu:

As an appetizer – start with the Shrimp in Lemon Garlic Sauce to set the tone with its light and refreshing flavors.

For a main course, serve these delicious Foil Baked Sea Bream with Oven Baked Fries for a satisfying and nutritious meal. Or you can go with Grilled Octopus Skewers.

For a dessert, go with my Kiwi Pavlova or Apple Cinnamon Cake.

The bright and zesty flavors of Shrimp in Lemon Garlic Sauce pair wonderfully with a variety of beverages, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic. Here are some ideal pairings:

White Wine: A crisp and refreshing white wine like a Sauvignon Blanc or a Pinot Grigio is a classic pairing for this dish. Both wines have bright acidity that complements the citrus and garlic flavors in the sauce.

Rosé: If you prefer something with a bit more sophisticated, a dry Mediterranean rosé is a fantastic choice. Its slight fruitiness will balance the richness of the olive oil and garlic.

Non-Alcoholic: if you avoid alcohol, sparkling water with a squeeze of fresh lemon or a mint-infused lemonade will enhance the citrusy notes of the dish without overpowering the shrimp.

Beer: A light, citrusy beer is another option that pairs beautifully with seafood, adding a subtle sweetness to the meal.

If you happen to have any leftovers, Mediterranean Shrimp in Lemon Garlic Sauce can be stored and enjoyed later. However, seafood is best consumed fresh, and shrimp, in particular, can become tough if overcooked when reheating. Store any leftover shrimp in an airtight container in the fridge up to 2 days.

While shrimp can be frozen, the lemon sauce may not freeze as well. If you plan to freeze the shrimp, do so before tossing them in the sauce. Stored in an airtight container or freezer bag, the shrimp lasts up to 1 month. Thaw them in the fridge overnight and reheat gently on the stovetop, adding the sauce at the end.

When reheating shrimp, do so gently over low heat to prevent them from becoming rubbery. Add a splash of water or olive oil to the pan to loosen the sauce and keep the shrimp tender.

I have listed a few tips for your convenience:

• Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cook incredibly fast, and overcooking them will result in a tough, rubbery texture. They should only take about 2-3 minutes per side, turning pink when done. As soon as they curl slightly and turn opaque, they’re ready to be removed from the heat.
• Use Fresh Lemon Juice: Always opt for fresh lemon juice, as bottled juice tends to have a muted flavor and can’t provide the same brightness.
• Serve Immediately: This dish is best enjoyed fresh off the stove. Serve it immediately with your favorite bread to soak all the juices.

This Shrimp in Lemon Garlic Sauce is quick to prepare, packed with zesty flavors, and so delicious!