• Fast

Ingredients

1. 1/3 cup olive oil
2. 4 cloves garlic, cut into thin slices
3. 1 bay leaf
4. 1/4 teaspoon dried red-pepper flakes
5. 2 pounds large shrimp, shelled
6. 1 1/4 teaspoons salt
7. 1/4 teaspoon fresh-ground black pepper
8. 3 tablespoons dry sherry
9. 2 tablespoons lemon juice
10. 3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Directions

1. In a large frying pan, heat the oil over moderate heat. Add the garlic, bay leaf, and red-pepper flakes and cook for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
2. Add the shrimp, salt, and black pepper to the pan and stir to combine. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the shrimp are just done, 4 to 5 minutes. Stir in the sherry, lemon juice, and parsley.

Notes

Fish Alternatives
Squid would be delicious with the garlic sauce. Cook it quickly (for about two minutes), or it will become tough and rubbery. Sea scallops are another alternative; cook them for about two minutes per side, without stirring, so they brown nicely.

Deveining Shrimp:
Dark shrimp veins are usually removed for aesthetic purposes. We find that it's not essential to take them out, especially if you're pressed for time.