Why You’ll Love This Chimichurri Shrimp
- Fresh and Zesty: The fresh herbs and garlic in chimichurri pair perfectly with tender, juicy shrimp.
- Quick and Flavorful: Ready in under 20 minutes, this dish brings bright, bold flavors with minimal effort.
- Versatile: Serve as a main dish, over salads, in tacos, or as an appetizer.
Tools You’ll Need
- Tongs or spatula
- Food processor or blender (optional, for sauce)
- Skillet or grill pan
- Mixing bowl
Chimichurri Shrimp
- Total Time: 20 minutes
Description
This Chimichurri Shrimp is packed with vibrant flavors and is super easy to make! Juicy shrimp are tossed in a zesty chimichurri sauce full of fresh herbs, garlic, and a hint of spice, making this dish perfect for busy weeknights or a weekend gathering. Serve it as an appetizer, over rice, or even as taco filling—the possibilities are endless.
Ingredients
For the Chimichurri Sauce:
- 1 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional, for extra zing)
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Shrimp:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chimichurri Sauce
- In a mixing bowl, combine parsley, cilantro, minced garlic, olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
- Stir to combine. For a smoother texture, blend the ingredients in a food processor until coarsely combined, but don’t over-process.
Step 2: Marinate the Shrimp
- Place the shrimp in a bowl and season with salt and pepper.
- Add 2-3 tablespoons of the chimichurri sauce to the shrimp and toss to coat evenly. Let it marinate for about 10 minutes (optional for more flavor).
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
- Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
- Once the pan is hot, add the shrimp in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque.
- Remove from heat and transfer the shrimp to a serving platter.
Step 4: Toss with Chimichurri and Serve
- Drizzle more chimichurri sauce over the cooked shrimp, tossing to coat.
- Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley or cilantro if desired.
Notes
- Fresh Herbs: Use fresh parsley and cilantro for the best flavor in your chimichurri.
- Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cook quickly; keep an eye on them to avoid a rubbery texture.
- Adjust Spice Level: Control the heat by adjusting the amount of red pepper flakes in the chimichurri sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Cuisine: American
Serving Suggestions
- With Rice or Quinoa: Serve the shrimp over cooked rice or quinoa for a complete meal.
- In Tacos: Add the chimichurri shrimp to warm tortillas, topped with shredded cabbage or avocado slices.
- As an Appetizer: Arrange the shrimp on a platter with toothpicks for easy serving at parties.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerate: Store leftover shrimp and sauce in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet over low heat or enjoy cold on salads or wraps.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can I use frozen shrimp?
A: Yes! Just thaw them first by running them under cold water, then pat dry before marinating.
Q2: Is this dish spicy?
A: The red pepper flakes add a mild kick, but you can reduce or omit them for a milder flavor.
Q3: What if I don’t like cilantro?
A: You can substitute extra parsley or use basil instead for a different flavor profile.
Conclusion: A Bold and Fresh Dish You’ll Love!
This Chimichurri Shrimp is a quick, flavorful meal that’s as versatile as it is delicious. With the bright, herby chimichurri sauce and perfectly cooked shrimp, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Give it a try, and you may find it becomes one of your favorite go-to dishes!
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Fat: 14g
- Calories: 230
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
