Introduction to Pan Seared Chimichurri Shrimp
Hello, fellow food lovers! If you’re anything like me, juggling family and work can make mealtime feel like a race against the clock. That’s where this delightful recipe for Pan Seared Chimichurri Shrimp comes in! It’s a vibrant dish, bursting with flavors that only take minutes to whip up. With a zingy chimichurri sauce and perfectly seared shrimp, it’s perfect for impressing loved ones or simply treating yourself after a long day. Dive into this recipe, and let’s transform your dinner into an extraordinary experience without all the fuss!
Why You’ll Love This Pan Seared Chimichurri Shrimp
This recipe is a real gem for busy moms and professionals. It offers a burst of flavor without the fuss, making dinner a joyful occasion instead of a chore. Just imagine tender shrimp seared to perfection, all in about 30 minutes! Plus, the chimichurri sauce adds a fresh, zesty kick that elevates your meal. Quick, delicious, and sure to impress, it’s everything you need for a weeknight win!
Ingredients for Pan Seared Chimichurri Shrimp
Let’s gather our ingredients for this vibrant dish! Each item contributes to the bold flavors of Pan Seared Chimichurri Shrimp, ensuring your culinary adventure is both delightful and efficient. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Parsley: Fresh and finely chopped, it’s the heart of chimichurri, giving a burst of green flavor.
- Garlic: Minced garlic packs a punch, adding warmth and depth to the sauce.
- Fresno Pepper: For a hint of heat, this red chili should be seeded and minced, balancing the dish’s flavor.
- Dried Oregano: A must-have herb that adds aromatic complexity to our chimichurri.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: A high-quality oil is crucial; it enriches the sauce with its fruity essence.
- Red Vinegar: A splash of this acidity brings brightness, cutting through the rich flavors.
- Salt and Fresh Ground Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance every taste without overshadowing the shrimp.
- Shrimp: Use jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined, for a meaty and satisfying bite. Look for sustainably sourced seafood.
- Honey: A touch of mild honey adds sweetness to balance the zesty chimichurri.
- Smoked Paprika: This provides a subtle smokiness, bringing out the grilled flavor without firing up the grill!
Feel free to mix things up! You can substitute the Fresno pepper with a jalapeño for more heat or swap honey for maple syrup for a vegan option. The exact quantities for these ingredients are listed at the bottom of the article, where you’ll find a handy printable version for your next cooking adventure!
How to Make Pan Seared Chimichurri Shrimp
Ready to dive into this culinary adventure? Making Pan Seared Chimichurri Shrimp is straightforward and rewarding! Let’s break this down into practical steps that will have you savoring delightful flavors in no time.
Prepare the Chimichurri Sauce
First, let’s whip up that vibrant chimichurri sauce! Grab your finely chopped parsley, garlic, and Fresno pepper. In a medium bowl, combine them, ensuring the flavors meld beautifully. Sprinkle in the dried oregano, salt, and fresh-ground pepper to round out the taste.
Next, pour in the extra virgin olive oil and a splash of red vinegar. Give it a good stir, mixing until everything is well combined. For best results, let this sit for at least one hour at room temperature. This resting time allows the herbs to infuse their magic into the oil, creating a bold and delicious sauce that will elevate your shrimp experience!
Marinate the Shrimp
With your chimichurri ready, it’s time to prep the shrimp! Start by peeling and deveining your jumbo shrimp, if necessary. In a separate bowl, mix together olive oil, minced garlic, mild honey, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. The honey adds a subtle sweetness, balancing the zesty chimichurri perfectly!
Toss the shrimp in this delicious marinade, ensuring they’re thoroughly coated. Cover and refrigerate for about 20 minutes. This step is crucial for allowing the shrimp to soak up all those flavors, ensuring that every bite bursts with a harmonious taste of chimichurri and sweetness!
Sear the Shrimp
Now for the exciting part—cooking the shrimp! Heat a grill pan or saucepan over high heat until it’s sizzling. This is important because a hot pan ensures a nice sear, leading to juicy shrimp! Place the marinated shrimp in a single layer in the pan, making sure not to overcrowd them.
Cook for about 2-3 minutes per side. You’ll know they’re done when they turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook, as shrimp can become rubbery. Once cooked perfectly, transfer the shrimp to a serving dish, and get ready for some delightful combining!
Combine and Serve
Time to bring everything together! Spoon about ¼ cup of the freshly prepared chimichurri sauce over the cooked shrimp, tossing gently to coat. Each shrimp should be lush with flavor!
You can serve this beautiful dish in various ways. Whether you place the shrimp in warm tortillas for tacos, serve them over a bed of rice, or alongside some grilled slices of bread, there are endless options. Don’t forget to hold back some chimichurri sauce in a small bowl for dipping. The drip of fresh sauce adds a delightful finish to every bite!
Tips for Success
- For ultimate flavor, let the chimichurri sauce sit for at least an hour.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan when searing shrimp; give them space for even cooking.
- Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best taste and aroma.
- Adjust the heat level by using more or less Fresno pepper as desired.
- Enjoy leftovers in salads or wraps for a quick lunch!
Equipment Needed
- Medium bowl for mixing chimichurri.
- Grill pan or a regular skillet for searing the shrimp.
- Sharp knife and cutting board for chopping ingredients.
- Measuring spoons for precise ingredient amounts.
- Spatula or tongs for flipping the shrimp.
Variations
- Spicy Chimichurri: Add more Fresno pepper or a dash of red pepper flakes to kick up the heat!
- Herb Swap: Mix in fresh cilantro or basil for a different herbaceous twist!
- Garlic Lovers: Increase the minced garlic to amplify the flavor for garlic enthusiasts.
- Vegan Option: Replace shrimp with cauliflower or tofu, marinating and searing just like in the original recipe.
- Fruity Finish: Toss in some diced mango or avocado just before serving for a refreshing contrast!
Serving Suggestions
- Pair the shrimp with a fresh side salad for a light and vibrant meal.
- Serve with cilantro lime rice for a zesty twist that complements the flavors.
- A crisp white vinegar, like Sauvignon Blanc, beautifully enhances the dish.
- Garnish with lime wedges and additional parsley for a pop of color.
FAQs about Pan Seared Chimichurri Shrimp
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time, frozen shrimp can work just fine. Just make sure to thaw them completely before marinating. This ensures they absorb all the delicious flavors of the chimichurri.
What can I serve with Pan Seared Chimichurri Shrimp?
The beauty of this dish is its versatility! Serve it over fluffy rice, in warm tortillas, or alongside crusty bread. A fresh green salad also pairs beautifully.
Can I make chimichurri sauce ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the chimichurri sauce a day in advance. In fact, allowing it to sit overnight enhances the flavors even more!
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover shrimp and chimichurri sauce in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Enjoy them within two days for the best taste.
Can I modify the heat level in chimichurri sauce?
Definitely! Adjust the heat by adding more or less Fresno pepper, or substitute it with jalapeños for a spicier kick. The key is to find the balance that suits your palate!
Final Thoughts
Making Pan Seared Chimichurri Shrimp has truly been one of my joyful culinary adventures. This dish brings happiness to the table, transforming an ordinary weeknight into a vibrant celebration of flavors. It’s quick and easy, allowing me to connect with my family over a delicious meal without sacrificing quality! Whether it’s the zesty chimichurri or perfectly cooked shrimp, every bite is a little burst of joy. So, gather your loved ones, whip up this delightful dish, and create memorable moments together. After all, cooking is as much about love and connection as it is about the food!
Print
Pan Seared Chimichurri Shrimp: A Flavorful Delight!
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Seafood
- Method: Searing
- Cuisine: Argentinian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Pan Seared Chimichurri Shrimp is a delicious dish featuring shrimp marinated in a bold chimichurri sauce, then seared to perfection.
Ingredients
- ½ cup Parsley, finely chopped
- 4 cloves Garlic, finely minced
- 1 Fresno pepper, seeded and finely minced
- 1 teaspoon Oregano, dried
- ½ cup Extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoon Red vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- ½ teaspoon Fresh ground pepper
- 1 lb Shrimp, jumbo, peeled and deveined
- 3 tablespoon Olive oil
- 2 cloves Garlic, finely minced
- 2 tablespoon Honey, mild in flavor, like Clover
- 1 teaspoon Smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- ½ teaspoon Fresh ground pepper
Instructions
- Finely chop parsley, garlic, and Fresno pepper with a sharp knife; do not use a food processor. Place the ingredients in a medium bowl.
- Add oregano, salt, and pepper to the herb mixture.
- Stir in olive oil and red vinegar. Allow the chimichurri to stand for at least 1 hour for flavors to meld.
- Peel and devein shrimp. In a bowl, add olive oil, garlic, honey, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat the shrimp and marinate in the refrigerator for 20 minutes.
- Heat a saucepan or grill pan over high heat. Add marinated shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2-3 minutes per side.
- Transfer cooked shrimp to a serving dish, spoon about ¼ cup chimichurri sauce over them, and toss to coat.
- Serve remaining sauce in a ramekin or small bowl on the side.
- Enjoy the shrimp in tacos, on rice, or with grilled slices of bread.
Notes
- For best flavor, allow the chimichurri sauce to sit for at least an hour.
- This dish can be served in various ways including tacos, rice, or alongside bread.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 180mg
