Garlic Chili Shrimp is a flavorful, quick-to-make dish that perfectly balances the richness of shrimp with bold garlic, paprika, and chili flakes. This recipe is a great option for a quick weeknight dinner or as a tapas-style appetizer. The shrimp are cooked to tender perfection in a fragrant olive oil infused with garlic and chili, and a touch of tomato paste adds depth. This dish can be served with crusty bread, pasta, or a fresh salad, making it versatile and delicious. Garnished with parsley for a fresh finish, this dish is sure to impress seafood lovers.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 250g Shrimp (with tail on, cleaned and deveined)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tsp Paprika
- 1 tsp Garlic powder
- 1 tsp White pepper powder
- 2 tsp Tomato paste
- 6 cloves Garlic (thinly sliced or minced)
- 1 cup Olive oil
- 1 tsp Dried chili flakes (adjust to taste)
- Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1: Season the Shrimp
- Prepare the Shrimp:
- Rinse the shrimp under cold water, then pat them dry with a paper towel.
- Leave the tails on for better presentation and flavor during cooking.
- Season the Shrimp:
- In a bowl, toss the shrimp with salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and white pepper.
- Make sure the shrimp are evenly coated with the spices. Let them sit for about 10 minutes to absorb the flavors.
Step 2: Prepare the Garlic Chili Oil
- Heat the Olive Oil:
- In a large skillet or frying pan, add 1 cup of olive oil and heat it over low to medium heat. Be careful not to let the oil smoke.
- Add Garlic and Chili Flakes:
- Add the thinly sliced or minced garlic and dried chili flakes to the hot oil. Cook gently for about 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until the garlic becomes golden and fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as this will create a bitter taste.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
- Add the Shrimp:
- Once the garlic and chili flakes are infused in the oil, increase the heat to medium-high and add the seasoned shrimp to the pan.
- Sauté the Shrimp:
- Sauté the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until they turn pink and opaque. The shrimp will cook quickly, so avoid overcooking, which can make them tough.
- Add the Tomato Paste:
- After the shrimp are mostly cooked through, stir in the tomato paste. Let the shrimp cook in the tomato-garlic-chili mixture for an additional 1-2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
- Remove from Heat:
- Once the shrimp are cooked and the sauce is fragrant, remove the pan from the heat.
- Garnish with Parsley:
- Garnish the shrimp with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor.
- Serve:
- Serve the Garlic Chili Shrimp hot, drizzled with the flavorful garlic-chili oil from the pan. This dish pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, rice, or pasta to soak up the delicious sauce.
Cooking Tips:
- Shrimp Doneness: Shrimp cook very quickly, typically in 3-5 minutes depending on their size. Once they turn pink and curl into a C-shape, they are done. Overcooking can make them rubbery.
- Infusing the Oil: Be careful not to burn the garlic when making the garlic chili oil. Keep the heat on low to medium and stir frequently to avoid bitter, burnt garlic.
- Spice Level: If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the amount of chili flakes or add fresh chopped chilies for extra heat. For a milder version, reduce the chili flakes or omit them altogether.
- Tomato Paste: The addition of tomato paste adds a layer of richness and helps create a slightly thicker sauce. If you prefer a more liquid sauce, you can add a splash of white wine or stock when cooking the shrimp.
Storage:
- Refrigeration: Leftover Garlic Chili Shrimp can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, gently warm the shrimp in a skillet over low heat. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp during reheating, as they can become tough.
- Freezing: This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but if you need to freeze it, place the cooked shrimp in an airtight container and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Nutritional Facts (per serving, based on 2 servings):
- Calories: 520
- Total Fat: 42g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Cholesterol: 225mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 30g
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp for this recipe. Make sure to fully thaw the shrimp before cooking by placing them in a bowl of cold water for 15-20 minutes, then pat them dry before seasoning.
2. Can I make this dish spicier?
Yes! For a spicier version, increase the amount of chili flakes or add fresh chopped chili peppers. You can also drizzle with hot sauce or chili oil before serving for an extra kick.
3. What can I serve with Garlic Chili Shrimp?
This dish pairs well with crusty bread, pasta, rice, or quinoa. You can also serve it alongside a fresh salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.
4. Can I use a different type of seafood?
Absolutely! This recipe works well with other types of seafood such as scallops, mussels, or calamari. Just adjust the cooking time depending on the seafood used.
5. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While the shrimp are best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the garlic chili oil ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, simply reheat the oil and cook the shrimp.
Conclusion:
Garlic Chili Shrimp is a quick, flavorful, and versatile dish that’s perfect for seafood lovers. The combination of garlic, chili, and paprika creates a bold and aromatic sauce that enhances the natural sweetness of the shrimp. With the addition of fresh parsley and a hint of tomato paste, this dish offers layers of flavor with minimal effort. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just looking for a fast weeknight meal, this Garlic Chili Shrimp recipe will leave everyone satisfied. Serve it with your favorite sides and enjoy the rich, garlicky goodness!