If you’re looking for a dish that combines bold flavors, healthy ingredients, and a quick cooking time, this Spicy Shrimp with Green Sauce recipe is a total game changer. It’s not just for special occasions either – this recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner when you’re craving something light, fresh, and satisfying! The combination of tender shrimp, vibrant green sauce, and just the right amount of heat will make this one of your go-to easy weeknight dinners. Ready to dive in? Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Spicy Shrimp with Green Sauce might have a quirky name, but it’s a dish that’s guaranteed to impress. Not only is it quick and easy (taking just about 20 minutes from start to finish), but it’s also packed with healthy ingredients like shrimp, fresh parsley, and garlic. The best part? The green sauce adds a tangy kick, making it a flavor-packed dish that your whole family will love. If you’re in search of healthy comfort food that doesn’t sacrifice flavor, this is a recipe you won’t want to miss.
The shrimp are super versatile—you can enjoy them hot right out of the oven, or you can chill them and serve them cold for a refreshing appetizer. Plus, if you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, they make a perfect filling for Shrimp Puffs, a delicious snack you can easily prepare.
It’s an amazing, budget-friendly option for those who need something quick, healthy, and flavorful. No fancy ingredients, no stress, just a simple yet mouthwatering meal that you can whip up in no time!
What Makes This Recipe Special?
The green sauce in this recipe isn’t quite a salsa verde, nor is it a chimichurri, but it’s definitely something you’ll want to savor! It’s made from simple ingredients like garlic, fresh parsley, scallions, and olive oil, blended together in a food processor. The result is a creamy, flavorful green sauce that clings to the shrimp, adding both richness and brightness.
What makes this recipe truly special is how quickly it comes together. With just a 30-minute marinating time and only 10-15 minutes in the oven, you’ll have a stunning meal on the table in less than half an hour. Perfect for busy nights when you want something delicious but don’t have a ton of time to cook.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Garlic
- Olive Oil
- Scallions
- Parsley
- Shrimp
- Salt and Pepper
- Red Pepper Flakes
- White Wine
How to Make It Step-by-Step
- Prepare the Green Sauce: Start by mincing garlic and blending it with olive oil in a food processor until smooth. Add parsley and scallions, then pulse until the mixture resembles a pesto consistency.
- Season the Shrimp: Transfer the green sauce to a medium bowl. Toss your shrimp into the sauce along with a pinch of red pepper flakes, white wine, and salt and pepper. Make sure the shrimp are evenly coated in the flavorful sauce. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 500°F (260°C).
- Roast the Shrimp: Line a large baking sheet with foil. Spread the shrimp mixture out onto the sheet in an even layer, then pop it into the oven. Roast for 10-15 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink and fully cooked through. You’ll know it’s ready when the sauce is bubbly, and the shrimp have turned a lovely shade of pink.
- Serve & Enjoy: That’s it! Serve these flavorful shrimp hot, or chill them for a cold appetizer.
Tips for Best Results
- Don’t Skip the Marinating: Allowing the shrimp to marinate for at least 30 minutes gives the green sauce time to infuse the shrimp with incredible flavor. If you have a bit more time, letting them marinate for an hour or so will deepen the flavor even further.
- Use Fresh Shrimp: For the best results, use fresh, high-quality shrimp. If you’re using frozen shrimp, be sure to thaw them thoroughly before cooking.
- Keep an Eye on the Oven: The shrimp cook quickly, so don’t overdo it. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t overcook and turn rubbery.
Ingredient Substitutions & Variations
- Shrimp: If you’re not a fan of shrimp, this green sauce works well with other types of seafood too! Try it with scallops, lobster, or even fish like tilapia or cod.
- Red Pepper Flakes: If you prefer a milder flavor, you can skip the red pepper flakes or reduce the amount to taste. On the other hand, if you love heat, feel free to add extra red pepper flakes or even a dash of cayenne pepper.
- Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil is the best option here, but you can also substitute avocado oil for a similar healthy fat profile.
- Herbs: While parsley is the star in this dish, you can experiment with other herbs like cilantro or basil for a different twist on the green sauce.
Serving Suggestions
These Spicy Shrimp with Green Sauce are perfect as a main dish for dinner, but you can also serve them as part of a larger meal spread. Here are a few ideas:
- Over Rice: Serve the shrimp and green sauce over a bed of jasmine rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for a complete meal.
- In Tacos: Use the shrimp as the filling for tacos, adding some fresh slaw, avocado, and a squeeze of lime.
- As a Salad: Toss the shrimp on top of a green salad with fresh veggies for a light, healthy meal.
Pairing Ideas (Drinks, Sides, etc.)
- Drink Pairing: Pair this dish with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light beer like a pale ale for a refreshing contrast to the spicy shrimp.
- Side Dishes: Roasted vegetables, a simple salad, or roasted potatoes would make fantastic sides for this dish. You could also serve it with some crusty bread to soak up the extra green sauce.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (lucky you!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. Reheat the shrimp in the microwave for about 1-2 minutes or gently warm them in a skillet on the stove. Just be careful not to overheat them, as shrimp can become tough when reheated.
Make-Ahead and Freezer Tips
This recipe is best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the green sauce in advance. Store the sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days before using it to marinate your shrimp. If you’re looking to make this recipe ahead of time, it’s also possible to freeze the shrimp in the marinade for up to a month. When you’re ready to cook, just thaw in the fridge overnight and follow the recipe as usual.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the Shrimp: The most common mistake when making shrimp is cooking them too long. Shrimp cook very quickly, and you want to pull them out of the oven as soon as they turn pink and opaque.
- Not Letting the Shrimp Marinate: The marinade is what makes this dish so flavorful, so don’t skip the marinating step. The shrimp need that time to absorb all the delicious flavors of the green sauce.
- Using Old Shrimp: Fresh shrimp are key to this dish, so make sure you’re using the freshest shrimp you can find. They should have a clean smell and a firm texture.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make this dish without a food processor?
Yes! You can chop the garlic, parsley, and scallions by hand, though the texture won’t be as smooth. A blender would also work as an alternative to a food processor.
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw the shrimp fully before using them in this recipe.
Can I use a different type of seafood?
Yes! This green sauce would pair wonderfully with scallops, lobster, or even a mild white fish.
Cooking Tools You’ll Need
- Food Processor: For blending the green sauce.
- Baking Sheet: For roasting the shrimp.
- Foil: To line the baking sheet for easy cleanup.
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Spicy Shrimp with Green Sauce
Ingredients
- 4-6 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 cup parsley
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/3 cup white wine
- to taste salt and pepper
- pinch red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Combine minced garlic with olive oil in a food processor and blend until smooth.
- Add parsley and scallions and pulse until the mixture is minced and resembles a pesto consistency.
- Transfer the mixture to a medium bowl. Toss the shrimp with the green sauce, wine, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Mix well and refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.
- Preheat the oven to 500°F (260°C). Line a large baking sheet with foil.
- Spread the shrimp mixture evenly on the baking sheet and roast for 10-15 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink and cooked through.
- Serve hot or cold as desired, and enjoy!
