Sautéed Shrimp with Cherry Tomatoes
Sautéed Shrimp with Cherry Tomatoes is quick, easy, and perfect for a weeknight dinner. The tender shrimp and fresh cherry tomatoes make a delicious combination that you'll love.
Equipment
- 1 Skillet medium to large size
Ingredients
- 1 pound of fresh shrimp peeled and deveined
- 6 cloves of garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon shallot finely chopped
- 1 long red chili pepper finely chopped
- 16 cherry tomatoes halved
- 1 tablespoon capers
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup of dry white wine
- Fresh parsley leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Shrimp: Add salt, pepper, and paprika to the shrimp and mix well to coat them.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a pan or saucepan, heat 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic (save some for sautéing the shrimp), finely chopped chili pepper, and chopped shallot to the pan. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and slightly softened.
- Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the pan and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to break down and release their juices.
- Using a spoon or a potato masher, lightly crush the tomatoes to create a thick sauce consistency.
- Stir in the tomato paste, mixing well to combine all the flavors.
- Add a splash of dry white wine to deglaze, wait for 30 seconds, then add 1/2 cup of water.
- Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for another 8-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Keep the cherry tomato sauce warm while preparing the shrimp.
- Cook the Shrimp: In a separate skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the remaining minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant and lightly golden.
- Add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque.
- Combine Shrimp and Sauce: Pour the prepared cherry tomato sauce into the skillet used for sautéing the shrimp. Stir well to combine the sauce and any residual flavors from the shrimp.
- Cook for an additional 30 seconds to a minute to heat the shrimp through and allow the shrimp to absorb the flavors of the sauce.
- Final Touches: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
- Transfer the sautéed shrimp with cherry tomato sauce to a serving dish.
- Serve hot as a main dish with your choice of sides or over cooked pasta for a delightful pasta dish.
Video
Notes
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh shrimp and cherry tomatoes will give the best flavor and texture to your dish. If using frozen shrimp, make sure to properly thaw and pat them dry before cooking.
- Pat Dry Your Shrimp: Moisture is the enemy of a good sear. Before you start cooking, make sure to pat your shrimp dry. This will allow them to sear and not steam, resulting in a much more flavorful dish.
- Don't Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cooks very quickly, usually in 2-3 minutes per side depending on their size. Overcooked shrimp can become rubbery and lose flavor, so keep a close eye on them.
- Season Well: Shrimp and tomatoes both benefit from a good amount of seasoning. Salt, pepper, and garlic are great, but consider adding some red pepper flakes for a bit of heat or some paprika for a smoky flavor. Lemon zest or juice can also help brighten up the flavors.
- Sauté Cherry Tomatoes Until Just Bursting: You want to sauté your cherry tomatoes until they start to burst and release their juices, but not so long that they become mushy. This will give you a nice mix of whole tomatoes and flavorful sauce.
- Use a Good Quality Olive Oil: This dish has very few ingredients, so the ones you use should be high quality. A good olive oil will add a lot of flavor to your dish.
- Finish with Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of fresh basil, parsley, or even mint can add a fresh touch to this dish. If you don't have fresh herbs, a small amount of dried ones will do.
- Serve Immediately: This dish is best served immediately after it's prepared. If left to sit, the shrimp can become overcooked and the tomatoes can become soggy.
- Pair it Right: Pair this dish with a light, citrusy white wine like a Sauvignon Blanc or a light pasta, like angel hair pasta, to create a balanced meal.
Nutrition
Calories: 283kcal