Chimichurri Shrimp Recipe: Fresh Flavor for Simple Meals Recipe

Introduction

This Chimichurri Shrimp recipe brings a fresh, zesty flavor to your dinner table with minimal effort. Perfect for quick meals, the vibrant herb sauce complements tender shrimp for a delightful and healthy dish.

Ingredients

• 1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined with tails on)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (can substitute with avocado oil)
• 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (or white pepper as an alternative)
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, adjust to taste)
• 2 tablespoons lime juice (fresh lemon juice works as a substitute)
• 1 cup fresh parsley (primary herb; cilantro can be added)
• 3 cloves garlic (fresh is best, but powdered works too)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano (can use fresh if available)
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (sweet paprika can be an alternative)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin (omit if unavailable)
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar (apple cider vinegar as a substitute)
• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil (any high-quality oil is good)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Prepare the chimichurri sauce by finely chopping fresh parsley and garlic. In a bowl, combine parsley, garlic, red pepper flakes, salt, black pepper, and oregano. Add red wine vinegar and lime juice, then gradually stir in the extra virgin olive oil. Let the sauce sit for about 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
2. Step 2: (Optional) Marinate the shrimp by placing them in a medium bowl with olive oil, smoked paprika, ground cumin, salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and lime juice. Toss to coat evenly and let marinate for 15 to 20 minutes.
3. Step 3: Cook the shrimp using your preferred method:
   1. Grilling: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Place shrimp on the grill and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
   2. Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until cooked through.
   3. Oven: Preheat to 400°F (200°C). Arrange shrimp on a baking sheet and bake for 6-8 minutes until done.
4. Step 4: Serve the cooked shrimp topped with the chimichurri sauce. Enjoy immediately while warm.

Tips & Variations

• Use cilantro along with parsley for a brighter, fresher chimichurri flavor.
• Adjust red pepper flakes according to your preferred spice level or omit for a milder sauce.
• For extra depth, add a splash of fresh lemon juice to the chimichurri before serving.
• If you don’t have smoked paprika, sweet paprika adds a lovely mild flavor without smoke.
• Serve shrimp over rice, salad, or with warm tortillas for a more substantial meal.

Storage

Store any leftover chimichurri sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cooked shrimp is best eaten fresh but can be refrigerated for up to 2 days. Reheat shrimp gently in a skillet or microwave to avoid overcooking.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, frozen shrimp works well. Just thaw completely and pat dry before marinating and cooking.

Is it necessary to marinate the shrimp?

Marinating is optional but enhances flavor and tenderness. You can cook the shrimp directly and simply top with chimichurri sauce.

Chimichurri Shrimp Recipe: Fresh Flavor for Simple Meals Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 108 reviews

• Author: Julian
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

This Chimichurri Shrimp recipe offers a fresh and vibrant twist on a classic South American sauce paired with succulent shrimp. Quickly marinated and cooked using your preferred method—grilling, stovetop, or oven—this dish is perfect for simple, flavorful meals that come together in just 45 minutes.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Shrimp

• 1 pound Large Shrimp (peeled and deveined with tails on)
• 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (can substitute with avocado oil)
• 1 teaspoon Salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper (or white pepper as an alternative)
• 1/4 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes (optional, adjust to taste)
• 2 tablespoons Lime Juice (fresh lemon juice works as a substitute)
• 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika (sweet paprika can be alternative)
• 1/2 teaspoon Ground Cumin (omit if unavailable)

Chimichurri Sauce

• 1 cup Fresh Parsley (primary herb; cilantro can be added)
• 3 cloves Garlic (fresh is best, powdered works too)
• 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano (fresh if available)
• 2 tablespoons Red Wine Vinegar (apple cider vinegar as substitute)
• 1/2 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil (any high-quality oil is good)
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes (optional)
• 2 tablespoons Lime Juice

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Instructions

1. Prepare Chimichurri Sauce: In a bowl, combine fresh parsley, garlic, red pepper flakes, salt, black pepper, and oregano. Add red wine vinegar and lime juice. Gradually stir in extra virgin olive oil and let the mixture sit for about 15 minutes to meld the flavors.
2. Marinate Shrimp (Optional): In a medium bowl, mix peeled and deveined shrimp with olive oil, smoked paprika, ground cumin, salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and lime juice. Toss well to coat and marinate for 15-20 minutes for enhanced flavor.
3. Cook Shrimp – Grilling: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Place shrimp on the grill and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until pink and opaque.
4. Cook Shrimp – Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until fully cooked and nicely seared.
5. Cook Shrimp – Oven: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake for 6-8 minutes until shrimp are pink and cooked through.
6. Serve: Serve the cooked shrimp with the chimichurri sauce drizzled on top or on the side for dipping. Enjoy with your favorite sides or over rice or salad.

Notes

• Marinating shrimp is optional but adds extra flavor and tenderness.
• Choose your preferred cooking method: grilling, stovetop, or oven, depending on convenience and season.
• Adjust the level of red pepper flakes to control the spiciness of the dish.
• Fresh herbs in the chimichurri can be substituted or combined for varied flavor; cilantro is a popular addition.
• Ensure shrimp are fully cooked but not overcooked to maintain juiciness.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Grilling, Stovetop, Baking
• Cuisine: South American

Keywords: chimichurri, shrimp, grilled shrimp, South American recipe, marinade, fresh herbs, quick dinner