Charred Shrimp with Crispy Garlic and Chili Oil
Ingredients
- 1 poundlarge shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 6 clovesgarlic
- ½ teaspoonred pepper flakes
- ½ teaspoonsmoked paprika
- 4 tablespoonolive oil
- 1lemon
- ·sea salt
- ·black pepper
Prep
- 01
Mince 6 cloves garlic.
- 02
Cut 1 lemon in half for juicing.
Method
- 01
Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and black pepper.
- 02
Heat 3 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers and just begins to smoke, about 2 minutes.
- 03
Working in a single layer, add the shrimp and let them sit undisturbed for 2–3 minutes until the bottoms char deeply. Flip and cook for another 1–2 minutes until cooked through and the second side is golden. Transfer to a plate.
- 04
In the same pan, reduce heat to medium and add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil with the sliced garlic. Cook, stirring frequently, until the garlic is golden and crispy, about 2 minutes. Watch carefully so it doesn't burn.
- 05
Sprinkle in the red pepper flakes and smoked paprika, stir for 30 seconds until fragrant, then pour the garlic oil over the shrimp.
- 06
Squeeze fresh lemon juice over everything, toss gently, and serve immediately with crusty bread or over rice.
Spice Tips
For serious heat, increase red pepper flakes to 1 teaspoon or add 1/4 teaspoon cayenne. If you prefer mild, reduce flakes to 1/4 teaspoon. A pinch of fresh thyme or oregano stirred into the garlic oil adds herbal depth.