Description
This dish features plump, tender shrimp enveloped in a rich, velvety sauce. The sauce offers a complex flavor profile, combining savory notes with a distinct, aromatic spice blend that delivers a satisfying warmth. Fresh parsley provides a bright, herbaceous counterpoint to the deep, reddish-orange hue of the sauce, which is achieved through a gentle simmering process.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 lbs large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup finely diced yellow onion or shallots
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp salt, or to taste
- 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (ensure no alcohol/pork derivatives)
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Pat the peeled and deveined shrimp dry with paper towels. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or pan over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 1-2 minutes per side, just until they begin to turn pink. Remove shrimp from the pan and set aside. Do not fully cook them at this stage.
- Reduce heat to medium. Add the diced onion or shallots to the same pan and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and tomato paste, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the paprika, cayenne pepper, oregano, thyme, black pepper, and salt to the pan. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, to toast the spices.
- Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Stir in the heavy cream, Worcestershire sauce, and fresh lemon juice. Return the sauce to a gentle simmer.
- Add the partially cooked shrimp back into the sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the shrimp are opaque and fully cooked through. Be careful not to overcook.
- Remove from heat and garnish generously with fresh chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
Do not overcook the shrimp; they cook quickly and can become rubbery if left on the heat too long.
Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to suit your preferred spice level.
For a thicker sauce, you can simmer it for a few extra minutes before adding the shrimp.
This dish pairs well with rice, crusty bread, or pasta to soak up the flavorful sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 420
- Fat: 26g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Protein: 35g