Thaw the shrimp if frozen, then pat dry thoroughly with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Prepare your garlic by mincing it finely, and zest your lemon with a microplane, then juice about half for the sauce.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering and just starting to ripple. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, making sure it doesn’t brown or burn.
Place the shrimp in a single layer in the skillet. Cook for about 2-3 minutes, then flip them over. Continue cooking until they turn pink and opaque, feeling firm to the touch. The edges may curl slightly, signaling they’re nearly done.
Pour in the freshly squeezed lemon juice, scraping the bottom of the pan to loosen any tasty browned bits. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes, then season with salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste. Cook for another minute until the sauce slightly thickens and coats the shrimp beautifully.
Remove the skillet from the heat and sprinkle the chopped herbs over the shrimp. The fresh herbs will add a bright, herbal aroma that complements the citrus and garlic perfectly.
Serve the lemon garlic shrimp immediately, spooned over cauliflower rice, greens, or enjoyed straight from the pan. Garnish with additional lemon zest and herbs if desired for an extra burst of freshness.