Citric Acid Free Garlic Shrimp Skillet

Total time25 min

Prep time10 min

Cook time15 min

4.8

(29)

Garlicky, a little spicy, and loaded with tender shrimp, wilted spinach, and burst cherry tomatoes, this skillet dinner is the kind of weeknight meal that looks far more impressive than the effort it takes. The bright finish comes from fresh lemon juice rather than any processed citric acid additives, which makes it a genuinely clean option for anyone navigating that particular sensitivity. So many sauces, seasonings, and packaged shortcuts sneak in citric acid as a preservative or flavor enhancer, but this recipe builds all its brightness the natural way — real garlic, real tomatoes, real lemon. A pinch of turmeric adds a warm, subtle depth to the shrimp that you might not expect but will absolutely notice. Everything comes together in a single skillet, which means less cleanup and more time enjoying a plate that tastes like it came from a proper restaurant. Serve it straight from the pan with a few extra lemon wedges and a scatter of fresh parsley, and dinner is genuinely done.

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Ingredients

4 servings

1 ½ lb large shrimp (21–25 count), peeled and deveined, tails on or off
3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, divided
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
¼ tsp red pepper flakes
6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
1 pint (10 oz) cherry tomatoes, halved
3 cups baby spinach, loosely packed
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
¼ tsp ground turmeric

For serving

2 tbsp fresh parsley, roughly chopped (optional)
lemon wedges, for serving (optional)

Instructions

1
Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels, then toss in a bowl with 1 tbsp of the olive oil, the salt, black pepper, and turmeric until evenly coated.
2
Heat the remaining 2 tbsp olive oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook undisturbed for 1 1/2 to 2 minutes, until the undersides are pink and opaque. Flip with tongs and cook for 1 minute more, until the shrimp are pink and opaque throughout with no translucent gray at the center. Transfer to a plate.

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