Easy & Healthy Herb Pan Seared Shrimp: Your Quick Citrus-Marinated Weeknight Dinner Solution

Life has a way of getting busy, doesn’t it? After a couple of weeks off-schedule, we’re finally easing back into our daily routines. Bedtimes are back to normal, homemade dinners are once again a regular occurrence, and those early morning alarms are ringing again. As a creature of habit, I must admit, there’s a certain comfort in the predictability, even if my alarm clock occasionally inspires a moment of rebellion! Are you also finding your rhythm again, or perhaps embracing a new routine focused on healthier habits?

For those looking to keep health goals on track without sacrificing flavor or precious time, I have the perfect solution today. Following up on Monday’s delicious Tuscan Chicken dinner – a healthy and satisfying meal ideal for new year’s resolutions – I’m excited to share another fantastic recipe that’s equally simple and packed with vibrant flavors: Herb Pan Seared Shrimp. This dish is not just a super quick and easy sautéed shrimp recipe; it’s a revelation that’s ready to eat in mere minutes, making it an absolute lifesaver for busy evenings.

Why You’ll Love This Herb Pan Seared Shrimp Recipe

What makes this Herb Pan Seared Shrimp so special? Beyond its incredible taste, it’s remarkably versatile and incredibly healthy. The secret lies in a dynamic herb and citrus marinade that infuses the shrimp with an explosion of fresh flavors, all without adding unnecessary calories or fat. While the shrimp does benefit from a 30-minute marinade, this hands-off time is perfect for multitasking. You can get ahead on laundry, assist with homework, or prepare any delicious side dishes you plan to serve alongside. Once marinated, the actual cooking time is astonishingly short – just 3 to 5 minutes in a hot pan, and dinner is served!

This dish proved to be an instant hit with my family when I first made it. My son, in particular, couldn’t get enough of the extra marinade (which we smartly set aside before adding the shrimp). He enjoyed it as a delightful dipping sauce, and even drizzled it over his quinoa with toasted walnuts, transforming a simple grain into something extraordinary. It’s truly a bright, fresh, and invigorating meal, perfect for dispelling the gloom of a winter evening or any time you crave a burst of flavor.

The Secret to Incredible Flavor: A Vibrant Herb & Citrus Marinade

The heart of this Herb Pan Seared Shrimp recipe is its fresh, aromatic marinade. It’s a simple blend of ingredients that work together to create a complex, zesty, and herbaceous profile. We’re talking fresh cilantro, parsley, and basil, balanced with bright citrus notes from orange and lemon juice, a hint of Dijon mustard for depth, and pungent garlic. A little olive oil helps to carry these flavors and tenderize the shrimp.

Choosing and Substituting Herbs

Fresh cilantro and parsley are typically easy to find year-round at most grocery stores, adding distinct layers of peppery and earthy notes. Fresh basil can sometimes be a bit trickier, especially outside of summer months. If you can’t find fresh basil, don’t worry! I’ve successfully used Gourmet Garden Basil paste (about 2 tablespoons) as a convenient and effective substitute. Alternatively, a small amount of dried basil could work in a pinch, though fresh or paste will always yield the most vibrant results. No matter your herb choice, you’ll end up with a wonderfully citrusy, flavor-packed sauce that everyone at your table will adore.

The Magic of Citrus

Freshly squeezed orange and lemon juice are not just for tang; they also act as a natural tenderizer for the shrimp, breaking down proteins slightly to ensure a perfectly succulent bite. The bright acidity cuts through the richness and enhances all the other flavors, making each bite feel incredibly fresh and invigorating. Paired with finely chopped green onions, these citrus notes elevate the marinade from good to truly exceptional.

Mastering the Pan-Sear Technique for Shrimp

Cooking shrimp perfectly is easier than you think, and pan-searing is arguably one of the best methods to achieve that ideal texture. The key is high heat and quick cooking. You want your pan to be hot enough to sear the outside quickly, locking in moisture and flavor, without overcooking the delicate shrimp meat. Overcooked shrimp can become rubbery, which we definitely want to avoid.

Start with a good quality, heavy-bottomed skillet – cast iron or stainless steel work wonderfully. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat until it shimmers. This ensures an even sear. Once the pan is hot, add your marinated shrimp in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. If you have too many shrimp, cook them in batches. This allows for proper searing instead of steaming. Cook for just 1-2 minutes per side, or until the shrimp turn opaque and pink. They cook very quickly, so stay vigilant!

Serving this delectable Herb Pan Seared Shrimp is just as simple. Once cooked, transfer the shrimp to plates and drizzle generously with the reserved herb and citrus marinade. This adds an extra layer of fresh, uncooked flavor that brightens the entire dish.

Serving Suggestions & Meal Pairings

This Herb Pan Seared Shrimp is incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes. For a light and healthy meal, serve it with a simple quinoa salad, a vibrant green salad, or steamed asparagus. The nutty flavor of quinoa with toasted walnuts, as my son enjoyed, creates a fantastic textural contrast and adds extra protein. Fluffy white rice or brown rice also make an excellent canvas for soaking up the delicious marinade. If you’re craving something a bit heartier, consider pairing it with a light pasta dish or roasted vegetables like broccoli or bell peppers. The fresh, bright flavors of the shrimp mean it won’t overpower delicate sides, but rather enhance them.

For those who love quick, healthy, and flavorful meals, this Herb Pan Seared Shrimp is a must-try. It epitomizes what a great weeknight dinner should be: minimal effort, maximum taste, and wholesome ingredients. It’s a perfect addition to your repertoire of healthy eating recipes and proves that delicious meals don’t have to be complicated or time-consuming.

Looking for more easy meal ideas? Check out all of our other One Pan Dinner Recipes. Here are some more fantastic options you might enjoy:

Tuscan Chicken
One Pan Cajun Pasta
One Pan Macaroni and Cheese by Comfortably Domestic
Cheesy Kielbasa, Rice and Broccoli Skillet by Mom on Timeout

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Herb Pan Seared Shrimp

By

Erin Sellin

Herb Pan Seared Shrimp – quick and easy sauteed shrimp in a herb and citrus marinade. Ready in minutes, and the whole family will love it!

Prep:

30 minutes

Cook:

5 minutes

Total:

35 minutes

Servings:
4

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Ingredients

▢

3
Tablespoons

olive oil
, divided
▢

1/3
cup
fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
▢

3/4
cup

fresh parsley leaves
, chopped
▢

1/2
cup

fresh basil leaves
, chopped
▢

2

green onions
, finely chopped
▢

1

orange
, juiced
▢

1

lemon
, juiced
▢

1
teaspoon

Dijon mustard
▢

1/2
teaspoon

kosher salt
▢

1/4
teaspoon

black pepper
▢

2
cloves

garlic
▢

1 1/2
pounds
large/jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined

Instructions

In a food processor, combine 2 Tablespoons of olive oil with all remaining marinade ingredients (up to the shrimp). Process until the mixture is smooth.
Set aside about 2 Tablespoons of this flavorful herb mixture. Pour the remaining marinade over the shrimp and stir gently to ensure each piece is well coated. Place the shrimp in the fridge to marinate for 30 minutes.
In a large skillet, heat the remaining 1 Tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.
Add the marinated shrimp to the hot pan in a single layer (cook in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding). Cook for 3-5 minutes, flipping once, until the shrimp turn opaque pink and are thoroughly cooked through.
Serve immediately, drizzling the cooked shrimp with the herb mixture you set aside earlier. Enjoy your delicious and healthy meal!

Notes

Adapted from Cooking Light

Nutrition

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Author:

Erin Sellin

Prep Time:

30 minutes

Cook Time:

5 minutes

Total Time:

35 minutes

Course:
Dinner Recipes

Cuisine:
American

Servings:
4

Calories:
323

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