Irresistible Chimichurri Shrimp is a delightful dish that can transform any ordinary weeknight dinner into something special. With its vibrant, herbaceous chimichurri sauce and succulent shrimp seared to perfection, this recipe brings a burst of flavor that’s both refreshing and robust. Whether you’re looking for a quick meal after a long day or something to impress guests, this dish is sure to satisfy.
Why Make This Irresistible Chimichurri Shrimp for Easy Weeknight Dinners
Chimichurri shrimp are not only irresistibly tasty but also incredibly quick to make. Within just a few minutes, you can have a colorful platter ready to serve. The combination of fresh herbs, tangy lime juice, and smoky paprika creates a light yet satisfying dish that pairs well with a variety of sides. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to incorporate seafood into your weeknight lineup, providing a healthy dose of protein while keeping the meal exciting.
How to Make Irresistible Chimichurri Shrimp for Easy Weeknight Dinners
Making chimichurri shrimp is straightforward and fun. The key is in the vibrant sauce made from fresh herbs, which you can prepare while the shrimp cooks. This method not only saves time but also ensures maximum flavor in every bite. With just a bit of prep and sautéing, you’ll have a mouthwatering dish ready to impress.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb Large raw shrimp or prawns (peeled and deveined; choose 21-26 in a pound for the best size)
- 2 tsp Olive oil (for sautéing; gives the shrimp a lovely golden color)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 1 bunch Cilantro (about 1 cup packed)
- 1 bunch Italian parsley (about 1 cup packed)
- 1/4 cup Fresh lime juice (about 1-2 limes)
- 1/4 cup Chopped onion
- 2 Garlic cloves
- 1/2-3/4 tsp Salt (adjust to personal taste)
- 1/2 tsp Smoked paprika
- Cayenne (a pinch)
- Jalapeno slices (a few, for additional heat)
- Fresh oregano (a sprinkle, optional for garnish)
Directions:
- Start by making the chimichurri sauce. In a food processor, combine the cilantro, Italian parsley, chopped onion, garlic, lime juice, and salt. Blend until the herbs are finely chopped but not puréed. Stir in smoked paprika and a pinch of cayenne for a bit of kick. Adjust seasoning to taste and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the shrimp. Season with salt and pepper and sauté for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they turn pink and opaque.
- Remove the skillet from heat and pour the chimichurri sauce over the shrimp. Toss to combine, ensuring each shrimp is coated in the vibrant sauce.
- Serve immediately, garnished with fresh oregano and jalapeno slices if desired.
Nutritional Information
Per serving (based on 4 servings):
- Calories: 220
- Total Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
- Sodium: 650mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 6g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 1g
- Protein: 28g
How to Serve Irresistible Chimichurri Shrimp for Easy Weeknight Dinners
This chimichurri shrimp can be served in various ways. Consider placing it over a bed of fluffy rice or quinoa for a hearty meal. It also pairs wonderfully with grilled vegetables or a fresh salad. For a lighter option, serve it inside lettuce wraps, letting the crisp leaves complement the savory shrimp.
How to Store Irresistible Chimichurri Shrimp for Easy Weeknight Dinners
If you have leftovers, place the shrimp and chimichurri sauce in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over low heat to avoid overcooking the shrimp. You can also serve it cold as a salad topping for a refreshing lunch.
Expert Tips for Perfect Irresistible Chimichurri Shrimp for Easy Weeknight Dinners
- Choose Fresh Shrimp: If possible, buy shrimp that is as fresh as you can find, as it greatly affects the flavor and texture.
- Adjust Spice Levels: If you’re sensitive to heat, skip the jalapeno slices or reduce the cayenne pepper.
- Chop Herbs Wisely: Instead of using a food processor, finely chop the herbs by hand for a more rustic sauce if you prefer.
- Experiment with Herbs: Feel free to mix in other herbs, such as mint or dill, for a unique twist on the traditional chimichurri.
Delicious Variations
- Garlic-Butter Version: Add a tablespoon of butter to the skillet after cooking the shrimp for a rich, buttery flavor.
- Coconut-Lime Chimichurri: Mix in some coconut milk into the chimichurri for a tropical flair.
- Grilled Version: Marinate the shrimp in the chimichurri for an hour before grilling for an enhanced flavor profile.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, frozen shrimp work well. Just ensure they’re fully thawed before cooking for even results. -
What can I serve with chimichurri shrimp?
Serve it with rice, quinoa, roasted vegetables, or your favorite salad for a balanced meal. -
How do I make chimichurri ahead of time?
You can prepare the chimichurri sauce up to 2 days in advance. Store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container until ready to use.
Conclusion
This Irresistible Chimichurri Shrimp recipe is your ticket to a flavorful, quick weeknight dinner! With its combination of fresh ingredients and straightforward preparation, it transforms everyday cooking into an exciting experience. Don’t hesitate to give it a try — your taste buds will thank you! Share your creations or any variations you try; we’d love to hear from you!
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Irresistible Chimichurri Shrimp
- Total Time: 16 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Pescatarian
Description
A delightful dish featuring succulent shrimp in a vibrant chimichurri sauce, perfect for transforming your weeknight dinner into a flavorful experience.
Ingredients
- 1 lb Large raw shrimp or prawns (peeled and deveined)
- 2 tsp Olive oil (for sautéing)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 1 bunch Cilantro (about 1 cup packed)
- 1 bunch Italian parsley (about 1 cup packed)
- 1/4 cup Fresh lime juice (about 1–2 limes)
- 1/4 cup Chopped onion
- 2 Garlic cloves
- 1/2–3/4 tsp Salt (adjust to personal taste)
- 1/2 tsp Smoked paprika
- Cayenne (a pinch)
- Jalapeno slices (for additional heat)
- Fresh oregano (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- In a food processor, combine cilantro, Italian parsley, chopped onion, garlic, lime juice, and salt. Blend until finely chopped but not puréed. Stir in smoked paprika and cayenne, adjusting seasoning to taste.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and sauté for 2-3 minutes on each side until pink and opaque.
- Remove from heat and pour chimichurri sauce over shrimp. Toss to combine and coat each shrimp with the sauce.
- Serve immediately, garnished with fresh oregano and jalapeno slices if desired.
Notes
Fresh shrimp enhances flavor; adjust spice levels to your preference.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Argentinian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Keywords: chimichurri, shrimp, quick dinner, weeknight meal, seafood
