Venture beyond basic shrimp dishes with these 35 pan-seared Mediterranean recipes! Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or elegant entertaining, they bring sunny coastal flavors to your kitchen. From garlicky lemon shrimp to herb-infused delights, you’ll find fresh, vibrant options that are simple to prepare yet impressive to serve. Get ready to transform ordinary evenings into Mediterranean feasts—let’s dive into these delicious ideas!
Garlic Butter Pan Seared Shrimp
Whip up restaurant-quality shrimp in under 15 minutes. This garlic butter sauce is rich, savory, and clings to every bite. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or impressive appetizer.
Serving: 2 | Pre Time: 5 minutes | Cooking Time: 8 minutes
Ingredients
– Raw shrimp, peeled and deveined – 1 lb
– Salt – ½ tsp
– Black pepper – ¼ tsp
– Unsalted butter – 4 tbsp
– Garlic, minced – 4 cloves
– Fresh lemon juice – 2 tbsp
– Fresh parsley, chopped – 2 tbsp
Instructions
1. Pat the shrimp completely dry with paper towels.
2. Season the shrimp evenly with salt and black pepper.
3. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat for 2 minutes.
4. Add 2 tablespoons of butter to the hot skillet and let it melt.
5. Place the shrimp in the skillet in a single layer without crowding.
6. Cook the shrimp for 2 minutes without moving them to develop a sear.
7. Flip each shrimp and cook for 1 more minute until opaque and pink.
8. Transfer the cooked shrimp to a clean plate.
9. Reduce the skillet heat to medium-low.
10. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet.
11. Add the minced garlic to the melted butter and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
12. Pour the fresh lemon juice into the skillet and stir to combine.
13. Return all the cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce.
14. Remove the skillet from the heat.
15. Stir in the chopped fresh parsley until evenly distributed.
16. Serve immediately.
Plump, juicy shrimp are coated in a glossy, garlic-infused butter sauce with a bright lemon finish. The texture is perfectly tender with a slight sear. Serve it over pasta, with crusty bread to soak up the sauce, or atop a simple green salad.
Lemon Herb Pan Seared Shrimp
Unexpectedly easy, this lemon herb shrimp is your weeknight hero. Pan-seared to golden perfection in under 15 minutes, it’s a flavor bomb that feels fancy but requires zero fuss. Get ready to ditch takeout for good.
Serving: 4 | Pre Time: 5 minutes | Cooking Time: 8 minutes
Ingredients
– Raw large shrimp, peeled and deveined – 1 lb
– Olive oil – 2 tbsp
– Unsalted butter – 2 tbsp
– Fresh lemon juice – 3 tbsp
– Garlic, minced – 3 cloves
– Fresh parsley, chopped – ¼ cup
– Dried oregano – 1 tsp
– Salt – ½ tsp
– Black pepper – ¼ tsp
Instructions
1. Pat the 1 lb of raw shrimp completely dry with paper towels to ensure a crisp sear.
2. In a medium bowl, toss the dried shrimp with ½ tsp salt and ¼ tsp black pepper.
3. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers, about 1 minute.
4. Add the shrimp to the hot skillet in a single layer, making sure they don’t touch for even cooking.
5. Cook the shrimp for 2 minutes without moving them to develop a golden crust.
6. Flip each shrimp and cook for another 1–2 minutes until opaque and pink throughout.
7. Transfer the cooked shrimp to a clean plate, leaving any oil in the skillet.
8. Reduce the heat to medium and add 2 tbsp unsalted butter to the skillet.
9. Once the butter melts, add 3 cloves of minced garlic and 1 tsp dried oregano, cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant.
10. Pour 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice into the skillet and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom.
11. Return the shrimp to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce for 30 seconds.
12. Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley.
Outrageously tender with a snappy bite, each shrimp is coated in a bright, buttery sauce with pops of garlic and herb. Serve it over creamy polenta to soak up every drop, or pile it into warm tortillas for zesty shrimp tacos.
Pan Seared Shrimp with White Wine Sauce
Nailing restaurant-quality shrimp at home is easier than you think. This pan-seared shrimp with white wine sauce delivers elegance in under 30 minutes—perfect for weeknight wins or impressing last-minute guests.
Serving: 4 | Pre Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Ingredients
– Large shrimp – 1 lb, peeled and deveined
– Olive oil – 2 tbsp
– Unsalted butter – 3 tbsp
– Garlic – 3 cloves, minced
– Dry white wine – ½ cup
– Chicken broth – ½ cup
– Heavy cream – ¼ cup
– Lemon – 1, juiced
– Fresh parsley – 2 tbsp, chopped
– Salt – 1 tsp
– Black pepper – ½ tsp
Instructions
1. Pat the shrimp completely dry with paper towels to ensure a crisp sear.
2. Season the shrimp evenly with ½ tsp salt and ¼ tsp black pepper.
3. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, about 2 minutes.
4. Add the shrimp in a single layer without overcrowding and sear for 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Transfer to a plate.
5. Reduce heat to medium and melt 1 tbsp butter in the same skillet.
6. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
7. Pour in the white wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits with a wooden spoon for extra flavor.
8. Simmer the wine for 3 minutes until reduced by half.
9. Stir in the chicken broth and heavy cream, then bring to a gentle simmer for 5 minutes to thicken slightly.
10. Whisk in the remaining 2 tbsp butter, lemon juice, ½ tsp salt, and ¼ tsp black pepper until the sauce is smooth and glossy.
11. Return the shrimp to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce for 1 minute to reheat.
12. Remove from heat and stir in the chopped parsley.
Unbelievably tender shrimp swim in a velvety, garlic-infused sauce with bright lemon notes. Serve it over creamy polenta to soak up every drop or with crusty bread for dipping—this dish transforms simple ingredients into a showstopper.
Chili Lime Pan Seared Shrimp Tacos
A zesty, vibrant dish that’s ready in minutes. These chili lime pan-seared shrimp tacos deliver bold flavor with minimal effort—perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a lively weekend gathering. Get your skillet hot and let’s go.
Serving: 4 | Pre Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Ingredients
– Raw shrimp, peeled and deveined – 1 lb
– Chili powder – 1 tbsp
– Ground cumin – 1 tsp
– Lime juice – 2 tbsp
– Olive oil – 2 tbsp
– Salt – ½ tsp
– Corn tortillas – 8
– Red cabbage, shredded – 1 cup
– Cilantro, chopped – ¼ cup
– Avocado, sliced – 1
Instructions
1. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels to ensure a good sear.
2. In a bowl, combine the shrimp, chili powder, cumin, lime juice, and salt; toss to coat evenly.
3. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, about 2 minutes.
4. Add the shrimp in a single layer, cooking for 2–3 minutes per side until opaque and lightly charred.
5. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
6. Warm the corn tortillas in the same skillet for 30 seconds per side until pliable.
7. Assemble the tacos by placing shrimp on each tortilla.
8. Top with shredded red cabbage, chopped cilantro, and avocado slices.
Bright, tangy lime and smoky chili create a flavor explosion in every bite. The shrimp stay juicy with a crisp sear, while the crunchy cabbage and creamy avocado add perfect texture. Serve these tacos with extra lime wedges for a zesty kick, or pair them with a cold beer for a refreshing meal.
Pan Seared Shrimp with Basil Pesto
Viral-worthy shrimp? Yes. Pan Seared Shrimp with Basil Pesto is your new 20-minute hero. Get that golden sear, toss it in fresh pesto, and watch it disappear.
Serving: 4 | Pre Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Ingredients
– Large shrimp, peeled and deveined – 1 lb
– Olive oil – 2 tbsp
– Salt – ½ tsp
– Black pepper – ¼ tsp
– Basil pesto – ½ cup
Instructions
1. Pat the 1 lb of shrimp completely dry with paper towels. (Tip: Dry shrimp ensures a perfect sear, not steam.)
2. Season the shrimp evenly with ½ tsp salt and ¼ tsp black pepper.
3. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers, about 2 minutes.
4. Add the shrimp to the hot skillet in a single layer, ensuring they do not touch.
5. Cook the shrimp for 2 minutes without moving them to develop a golden-brown crust.
6. Flip each shrimp and cook for another 1–2 minutes until opaque and firm to the touch. (Tip: Do not overcook; shrimp cook fast.)
7. Remove the skillet from the heat immediately.
8. Add ½ cup basil pesto to the hot skillet with the shrimp.
9. Toss everything gently until the shrimp are evenly coated in the pesto. (Tip: The residual heat will warm the pesto perfectly.)
10. Transfer the shrimp to a serving plate.
Golden, garlicky pesto clings to each tender, juicy shrimp. Serve it over creamy polenta for a cozy meal or pile it onto crusty bread for an instant appetizer—every bite is bright, herby, and totally irresistible.
Spicy Cajun Pan Seared Shrimp
Ready to level up your weeknight dinner game? This Spicy Cajun Pan Seared Shrimp delivers bold flavor in under 30 minutes. Grab your skillet—let’s get cooking.
Serving: 4 | Pre Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Ingredients
– Raw shrimp (peeled, deveined) – 1 lb
– Cajun seasoning – 2 tbsp
– Olive oil – 2 tbsp
– Butter – 2 tbsp
– Garlic (minced) – 3 cloves
– Lemon juice – 2 tbsp
– Fresh parsley (chopped) – ¼ cup
Instructions
1. Pat the raw shrimp completely dry with paper towels.
2. Toss the shrimp with 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning in a bowl until evenly coated.
3. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering (about 1 minute).
4. Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer without overcrowding.
5. Cook the shrimp for 2 minutes without moving them to develop a sear.
6. Flip each shrimp and cook for another 1–2 minutes until pink and opaque.
7. Transfer the cooked shrimp to a plate and set aside.
8. Reduce the heat to medium and add 2 tbsp butter to the same skillet.
9. Add 3 cloves minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
10. Pour in 2 tbsp lemon juice and scrape up any browned bits from the pan.
11. Return the shrimp to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce.
12. Remove from heat and stir in ¼ cup fresh parsley.
Unlock restaurant-quality results at home: these shrimp boast a crispy sear with juicy interiors, balanced by the smoky heat of Cajun spices and bright lemon-garlic butter. Serve over creamy grits, toss with pasta, or pile onto toasted baguettes for an instant crowd-pleaser.
Garlic Parmesan Pan Seared Shrimp
Obliterate boring weeknight dinners with this lightning-fast, flavor-packed shrimp. Garlic and Parmesan create a crispy, savory crust that’s ready in minutes. Serve it over pasta, rice, or just devour straight from the pan.
Serving: 4 | Pre Time: 5 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Ingredients
– Large shrimp, peeled and deveined – 1 lb
– Olive oil – 2 tbsp
– Garlic, minced – 4 cloves
– Grated Parmesan cheese – ½ cup
– Salt – ½ tsp
– Black pepper – ¼ tsp
– Lemon juice – 1 tbsp
– Fresh parsley, chopped – 2 tbsp
Instructions
1. Pat the shrimp completely dry with paper towels to ensure a good sear.
2. Season the shrimp evenly on both sides with the salt and black pepper.
3. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers, about 1 minute.
4. Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer, making sure they are not touching.
5. Cook the shrimp for 2 minutes without moving them to develop a golden-brown sear.
6. Flip each shrimp and cook for another 1-2 minutes until opaque and pink throughout.
7. Reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic to the skillet, cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant.
8. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the shrimp.
9. Let the cheese melt and form a crust for about 1 minute, then gently toss the shrimp to coat.
10. Remove the skillet from the heat and immediately stir in the lemon juice and chopped parsley.
11. Transfer the shrimp to a serving plate, scraping any crispy cheese bits from the pan.
The shrimp boast a perfect crisp exterior with juicy, tender meat inside. That garlic-Parmesan crust adds a salty, umami punch that’s irresistible. Try piling them on toasted baguette slices for an easy appetizer or tossing with fresh arugula for a light salad.
Pan Seared Shrimp with Lemon Garlic Butter
Overwhelmed by complicated seafood recipes? This pan-seared shrimp with lemon garlic butter is your weeknight hero—ready in 15 minutes and packed with restaurant-quality flavor. Serving: 4 | Pre Time: 5 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Ingredients
– Raw shrimp (peeled, deveined) – 1 lb
– Unsalted butter – 4 tbsp
– Garlic cloves – 4, minced
– Lemon – 1
– Olive oil – 1 tbsp
– Salt – ½ tsp
– Black pepper – ¼ tsp
– Fresh parsley – 2 tbsp, chopped
Instructions
1. Pat the shrimp completely dry with paper towels to ensure a crisp sear.
2. Season the shrimp evenly with salt and black pepper.
3. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil.
4. Once the oil shimmers, add the shrimp in a single layer without overcrowding.
5. Sear the shrimp for 2 minutes per side until opaque and lightly browned.
6. Transfer the shrimp to a plate and reduce the heat to medium.
7. Add butter to the skillet and let it melt completely.
8. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
9. Squeeze the juice of the lemon directly into the skillet.
10. Return the shrimp to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce for 1 minute.
11. Remove from heat and stir in chopped parsley.
Velvety butter coats each tender shrimp, while the lemon cuts through with a bright, zesty punch. Serve it over creamy polenta or toss with pasta for an instant upgrade—leftovers (if any) make a killer shrimp taco filling tomorrow.
Pan Seared Shrimp with Creamy Tuscan Sauce
Nailing restaurant-quality seafood at home just got easier. This pan-seared shrimp with creamy Tuscan sauce delivers bold flavor in under 30 minutes—perfect for weeknight dinners that feel special. Serving: 4 | Pre Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Ingredients
– Large shrimp – 1 lb
– Olive oil – 2 tbsp
– Garlic – 4 cloves
– Sun-dried tomatoes – ½ cup
– Baby spinach – 2 cups
– Heavy cream – 1 cup
– Parmesan cheese – ½ cup
– Chicken broth – ½ cup
– Salt – 1 tsp
– Black pepper – ½ tsp
Instructions
1. Pat the shrimp completely dry with paper towels.
2. Season the shrimp evenly with ½ tsp salt and ¼ tsp black pepper.
3. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
4. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
5. Transfer the shrimp to a plate and set aside.
6. Reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining 1 tbsp olive oil to the skillet.
7. Mince the garlic and add it to the skillet, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
8. Chop the sun-dried tomatoes and add them to the skillet.
9. Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
10. Add the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
11. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until fully melted and the sauce thickens slightly.
12. Add the baby spinach and cook for 2 minutes until wilted.
13. Return the shrimp to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce.
14. Season the sauce with the remaining ½ tsp salt and ¼ tsp black pepper.
15. Simmer everything together for 1 minute to heat through. Here’s how it turns out: the shrimp stay juicy with a crisp sear, while the sauce is luxuriously creamy with pops of tangy sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach. Heap it over pasta or crusty bread to soak up every drop, or serve alongside roasted vegetables for a lighter meal.
Honey Garlic Pan Seared Shrimp
Let’s make weeknight dinner feel like a restaurant experience. This honey garlic shrimp comes together in minutes but delivers bold flavor that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.
Serving: 4 | Pre Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 8 minutes
Ingredients
– Raw shrimp – 1 lb
– Olive oil – 2 tbsp
– Garlic – 4 cloves
– Honey – 3 tbsp
– Soy sauce – 2 tbsp
– Lemon juice – 1 tbsp
– Salt – ½ tsp
– Black pepper – ¼ tsp
Instructions
1. Pat the shrimp completely dry with paper towels to ensure a proper sear.
2. Season the shrimp evenly with salt and black pepper.
3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, about 2 minutes.
4. Add shrimp to the skillet in a single layer without crowding.
5. Cook shrimp for 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque, then transfer to a plate.
6. Reduce heat to medium and add minced garlic to the same skillet.
7. Sauté garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
8. Pour honey, soy sauce, and lemon juice into the skillet.
9. Simmer the sauce for 2 minutes until slightly thickened, stirring constantly.
10. Return shrimp to the skillet and toss to coat thoroughly in the sauce for 1 minute.
11. Remove from heat immediately to prevent overcooking.
12. Serve immediately while hot.
What you get is shrimp with a caramelized exterior that gives way to tender bites. The sauce clings perfectly—sweet from honey, savory from soy, with garlic punch in every forkful. Try it over rice to soak up every drop, or toss with zucchini noodles for a lighter take.
Pan Seared Shrimp in Coconut Curry Sauce
Hear me out: this coconut curry shrimp is the 30-minute weeknight hero you didn’t know you needed. Bold flavors, minimal effort—your taste buds will thank you.
Serving: 4 | Pre Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Ingredients
– Shrimp – 1 lb
– Coconut milk – 1 (13.5 oz) can
– Curry powder – 2 tbsp
– Garlic – 3 cloves, minced
– Ginger – 1 tbsp, grated
– Vegetable oil – 2 tbsp
– Salt – 1 tsp
– Lime – 1, juiced
– Cilantro – ¼ cup, chopped
Instructions
1. Pat the shrimp completely dry with paper towels.
2. Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, about 2 minutes.
3. Add shrimp in a single layer and sear for 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp and set aside.
4. Reduce heat to medium and add remaining 1 tbsp oil to the same skillet.
5. Add minced garlic and grated ginger. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
6. Stir in curry powder and cook for 30 seconds to toast the spices.
7. Pour in the entire can of coconut milk, scraping up any browned bits from the pan.
8. Bring sauce to a gentle simmer and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
9. Return shrimp to the skillet and simmer for 2 more minutes to heat through.
10. Remove from heat and stir in lime juice and salt.
11. Garnish with chopped cilantro before serving.
Melt-in-your-mouth shrimp swim in a velvety, aromatic sauce with just the right kick. Serve it over steamed jasmine rice to soak up every drop, or spoon it into lettuce cups for a lighter twist. The creamy coconut balances the warm curry spices perfectly—it’s restaurant-quality without the fuss.
Herbed Pan Seared Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles
Nailing a restaurant-worthy dinner in under 30 minutes is totally doable. This herbed shrimp and zucchini noodle combo is your new weeknight hero—light, flavorful, and seriously satisfying.
Serving: 2 | Pre Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Ingredients
– Raw shrimp, peeled and deveined – 1 lb
– Zucchini – 2 medium
– Olive oil – 2 tbsp
– Garlic – 3 cloves
– Lemon – 1
– Fresh parsley – ¼ cup
– Fresh dill – 2 tbsp
– Salt – ¾ tsp
– Black pepper – ½ tsp
– Red pepper flakes – ¼ tsp
Instructions
1. Pat the shrimp completely dry with paper towels to ensure a good sear.
2. Use a spiralizer to turn the zucchini into noodles, then set them aside.
3. Mince the garlic cloves finely.
4. Chop the fresh parsley and dill.
5. Zest the lemon, then cut it in half to juice it later.
6. Season the shrimp evenly with ½ tsp salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
7. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers, about 2 minutes.
8. Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer without crowding.
9. Sear the shrimp for 2 minutes per side, until opaque and lightly browned, then transfer to a plate.
10. Reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining 1 tbsp olive oil to the same skillet.
11. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, just until fragrant to prevent burning.
12. Add the zucchini noodles to the skillet and toss to coat in the oil and garlic.
13. Cook the zucchini noodles for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until just tender but still al dente.
14. Return the seared shrimp to the skillet with the zucchini noodles.
15. Add the lemon zest, juice from half the lemon, chopped parsley, and chopped dill to the skillet.
16. Toss everything together gently until well combined and heated through, about 1 minute.
17. Taste and adjust seasoning with the remaining ¼ tsp salt if needed.
What you get is tender, juicy shrimp with a crisp sear, tangled in delicate, garlicky zucchini noodles brightened with fresh herbs and lemon. Serve it straight from the skillet for a warm, comforting meal, or chill it for a refreshing next-day lunch—the flavors meld beautifully overnight.
Conclusion
Kitchens across North America can now bring the sunny Mediterranean coast home with these 35 pan-seared shrimp recipes. From quick weeknight dinners to impressive weekend feasts, there’s a dish here for every cook. We’d love to hear which recipe becomes your new favorite—leave a comment below! If you enjoyed this roundup, please share it on Pinterest to help other home cooks discover these delicious ideas.
