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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
