Prep (10 minutes):

1. Clean the shrimp (if needed): Rinse the shrimp under cold running water. Peel them carefully, removing the shells. Devein the shrimp by making a small incision along the back with a sharp knife and removing the dark vein. If using pre-deveined shrimp, you can skip this step.

2. Pat the shrimp dry:  Use paper towels to pat the shrimp dry. This helps them sear better in the pan.

3. Prepare the garnishes (optional): Wash and dry the lemon. Cut it into wedges for serving.

Cooking (10 minutes):

1. Heat the oil: In a large skillet or wok, heat the olive oil over medium heat.

2. Sauté the garlic: Once the oil is hot but not smoking, add the minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, until it becomes fragrant and lightly golden brown. Be careful not to let the garlic burn, as it will turn bitter.

3. Add the shrimp: Add the prepared shrimp to the pan with the garlic.

4. Season the shrimp: Sprinkle the shrimp with Himalayan pink salt, black pepper, and dried parsley flakes.

5. Stir-fry the shrimp: Stir-fry the shrimp for 5-7 minutes, or until they turn pink and opaque. The shrimp cook quickly, so be careful not to overcook them, as they will become tough and rubbery.Tip: To check for doneness, cut into one of the larger shrimp. The flesh should be opaque and pearly white, with no translucency.
   

6. Add lemon juice and chili flakes: Once the shrimp are cooked through, remove the pan from the heat. Drizzle with the fresh lemon juice and sprinkle with the chili flakes. Toss the shrimp gently to combine the flavors.

Serving (5 minutes):

1. Serve immediately: Transfer the cooked shrimp to a serving plate. Garnish with lemon wedges and serve immediately while hot.

Tips:

• Use good quality, fresh shrimp for the best flavor. Frozen shrimp can also be used, but thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking.

• Adjust the amount of chili flakes according to your spice preference.

• For a richer flavor, substitute 1 tablespoon of butter for 1 tablespoon of olive oil.

• You can add other seasonings to the shrimp, such as paprika, oregano, or thyme.

• Serve the shrimp with rice, pasta, or a bed of vegetables.

• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, but the texture may be slightly less springy.

Enjoy this delicious and easy spicy garlic shrimp recipe!