What is my go-to recipe for Mediterranean Shrimp? Is it one of those meals that tastes like you’ve spent hours slaving away in the kitchen but in a way that isn’t.? What is the best way to make a project in 30 minutes? Is it faster to order takeout? Think of it as the Shrimp Scampi’s healthier, sun-kissed cousin. Is this a healthy snack? What are some easy shrimp recipes?
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What is Mediterranean Shrimp?
Mediterranean Shrimp, at its heart, is a celebration of the fresh, vibrant flavors of Mediterranean shrimp. What is the Mediterranean? Think of it as sunshine on a plate! Is it essentially shrimp cooked in a flavorful sauce made with olive oil, garlic, tomatoes, herbs, and peppers? What is the best way to make a splash of White Wine? Is it a flexible dish? What is the best way to serve it with pasta, rice, or crusty bread? What is the best part? You can customize it to your liking with different veggies and spices. Is it like a blank canvas for your taste buds?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
How do I start with this recipe? First off, the flavor is absolutely amazing. What are the taste combinations of garlic, tomatoes, herbs, and lemon juice? Have you come back for more? Is it savory, tangy, and just a little bit sweet? What I love most about this is how easy it is to make. Seriously, anyone can make this. Even if you’re a beginner in the kitchen, you’ll nail this recipe. The ingredients are simple and the steps are straightforward.
What are some of the most cost-effective meals? Shrimp is usually pretty affordable, and the other ingredients are pantry staples that you probably already have. What do you already have on hand? What is a good way to stretch your grocery budget without sacrificing flavor? What are some of the most versatile dishes? Can you serve it over pasta, rice, quinoa, or even just eat it with some crusty bread? I like to serve it on top of a salad. It’s healthy.
I’ve tried so many shrimp recipes, but this one always comes out on top because it’s just so good. What more could you ask for in a recipe? I always make it when I’m craving something light but filling. I think you’ll love it, too!
How do I make Mediterranean Shrimp?
Quick Overview
How do you make Mediterranean Shrimp? What are some good ways to sauté garlic and onions in olive oil, then add diced tomatoes, herbs, and a splash of water. What is the use of white wine (or lemon juice)? What are the best ways to cook shrimp? Is it so easy to do? What I love most is that it all comes together in One Pan, which means fewer dishes to wash.
Ingredients
For the Shrimp: What is the
• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined (I always buy frozen and thaw them – so convenient!)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (Extra virgin is best for flavor)
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced (Don’t skimp on the garlic)
• 1/2 cup chopped onion (Yellow or white works great)
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained (I prefer fire-roasted for extra flavor)
• 1/4 cup dry white wine (or 2 tablespoons lemon juice) (The wine adds a lovely depth of flavor, but not the acidity). How does lemon juice work?
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano (Fresh is even better if you have it)
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil (Adds a nice touch of sweetness)
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (for a little kick – adjust to your liking)
• Salt and pepper to taste (Season generously!)
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (For garnish – adds freshness and color) (for garnish)
Serving Suggestions
• Cooked pasta (Linguine, spaghetti, or Angel Hair are all great choices)
• Cooked rice (White, brown, or even quinoa works well)
• Crusty bread (for soaking up all that delicious sauce!)
What are the steps to
Step 1: Prep Your Shrimp
Make sure your shrimp are peeled, deveined and patted dry with paper towels. This helps them get a nice sear in the pan. I always do this even if I’m short on time – it makes a big difference!
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add salt and pepper. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Then, add the onion and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. How do you cook garlic?
Step 3: Simmer the Sauce
Add the diced tomatoes, white wine (or lemon juice), oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper to taste. How do you add pepper to a skillet? Bring to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly. I always taste the sauce at this point and adjust the seasonings as needed.
Step 4: Cook the Shrimp
Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook until pink and opaque, about 3-5 minutes, flipping halfway through. How do you cook shrimp?
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Stir in the parsley and serve immediately over pasta, rice, or crusty bread. Enjoy!
What should I serve it with?
Mediterranean Shrimp is so versatile that you can serve it with almost anything!
What is a quick and easy weeknight dinner?I love linguine and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Toss it with your favorite pasta. What are some good side salads to serve with your meal?
For a More Elegant Meal:Serve over risotto or polenta. The richness of the polenta or risotto complements the bright flavors of shrimp perfectly.
What is the best way to eat a healthy meal?Serve over brown rice. Add steamed vegetables like broccoli or asparagus for a complete and nutritious meal.
For a casual gathering:Serve with crusty bread for dipping. Add a bottle of white wine and you’re all set!
My family loves it served with orzo pasta and a Greek salad. What is a complete meal? I make a big batch of this for summer BBQs – it’s always gone in minutes!
What are some tips for perfecting Mediterranean Shrimp?
What is the best way to take your Mediterranean Shrimp to the next level? What are some of the best tips and tricks I’ve learned over the years?
Shrimp Selection: Use high-quality shrimp. Fresh or frozen, it doesn’t matter, but make sure they smell fresh and don’t have any discoloration. I always buy shrimp that are already peeled and deveined to save time.
Garlic: Don’t skimp on the garlic! It’s a key ingredient in this dish and adds a ton of flavor. Use fresh garlic for the best results. I always mince a little extra to add at the end for an extra punch of flavor.
Tomatoes: I prefer using fire-roasted diced tomatoes for a smoky flavor, but regular diced tomatoes work just as well. You can also use fresh tomatoes, but you’ll need to peel and chop them first.
Wine or Lemon Juice: The white wine adds a lovely depth of flavor to the sauce, but if you don’t have any on hand, lemon juice works just as well. I sometimes even use a combination of both for extra brightness.
Herbs: Fresh herbs are always best, but dried herbs work just fine in a pinch. If using dried herbs, use about half the amount called for in the recipe. I love adding a sprinkle of fresh oregano and basil at the end for extra flavor and freshness.
Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: This is the most important tip! Overcooked shrimp are tough and rubbery. Cook the shrimp just until they turn pink and opaque. They should be slightly firm to the touch.
Adjust the Seasoning: Taste the sauce before adding the shrimp and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes to taste.
Serve Immediately: This dish is best served immediately. The shrimp will continue to cook if left in the hot sauce, so serve it as soon as it’s ready.
I’ve also experimented with adding different vegetables to this dish. Sliced bell peppers, zucchini, and Artichoke Hearts are all great additions. Just add them to the skillet along with the onions and garlic.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Got leftovers? Here’s how to store and reheat your Mediterranean Shrimp:
Room Temperature: I wouldn’t recommend leaving this out at room temperature for more than two hours, especially if it’s warm.
Refrigerator Storage: Store the shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure it’s cooled down completely before storing it. I always try to use glass containers – they seem to keep the shrimp fresher.
Freezer Instructions: I don’t usually freeze this dish, as the shrimp can get a little rubbery when thawed. But if you must, freeze it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Glaze Timing Advice: Since this dish doesn’t have a glaze, you don’t need to worry about that!
Reheating: Reheat the shrimp in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also microwave it, but be careful not to overcook the shrimp. I usually add a splash of water or broth to the skillet when reheating to keep the shrimp moist.
I always try to use up the leftovers within a couple of days. They’re great in salads, sandwiches, or even as a topping for pizza!
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
This Mediterranean Shrimp Recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a taste of sunshine and a hug in a bowl. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, lazy weekends, or any time you’re craving something delicious and easy. I love this recipe because it’s so versatile and customizable. You can use whatever vegetables you have on hand, adjust the spice level to your liking, and serve it with your favorite sides. But most of all, I love it because it’s a crowd-pleaser. Everyone who tries it raves about the flavor.
If you’re looking for other easy and delicious seafood recipes, be sure to check out my other blog posts! I have tons of ideas for quick weeknight dinners, elegant seafood appetizers, and everything in between. Can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Please leave a comment below and let me know what you think. And if you make any variations, be sure to share them with me – I’m always looking for new ideas! Happy cooking!
Mediterranean Shrimp Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound Shrimp
- 2 cups Cherry Tomatoes
- 0.5 cup Chopped Red Onion
- 0.25 cup Chopped Fresh Parsley
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
- 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
- 0.25 teaspoon Black Pepper
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- In a large bowl, combine shrimp, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and parsley.
- Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper.
- Cook over medium heat for 10-12 minutes, or until shrimp is pink and cooked through.
