Garlic-Infused Mediterranean Shrimp Delight
Experience the vibrant and bold flavors of the Mediterranean with this Garlic-Infused Mediterranean Shrimp Delight. Inspired by traditional Portuguese and Spanish cuisines, this dish features succulent shrimp sautéed in aromatic olive oil with a generous dose of minced garlic, complemented by a hint of heat from red pepper flakes. The addition of sweet paprika and medium-dry sherry enhances the overall depth of flavor, while fresh parsley and a splash of lemon juice brighten the dish. Perfect as a main course or served as an appetizer, this deliciously fragrant dish is sure to transport your taste buds to the sun-soaked shores of Southern Europe.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
olive oil
1/3 cup (measured)
garlic
5 cloves (minced)
red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon (optional)
unshelled shrimp
1 lb (cleaned and deveined)
sweet paprika
2 teaspoons (measured)
medium-dry sherry
1/4 cup (measured)
fresh parsley leaves
1/4 cup (minced)
lemon juice
to taste (freshly squeezed)
salt
to taste (seasoning)
freshly ground black pepper
to taste (seasoning)
Instructions
1
In a large heavy skillet, heat the olive oil over moderately high heat until it shimmers but does not smoke.
2
Add the minced garlic to the hot oil, stirring constantly to prevent burning. Cook until the garlic becomes pale golden and fragrant.
3
If using, sprinkle in the red pepper flakes and add the unshelled shrimp to the skillet. Stir-fry for about 1 minute until the shrimp turns pink and is just firm.
4
Sprinkle the sweet paprika over the shrimp and mix well, cooking for an additional 30 seconds to incorporate the flavors.
5
Pour in the medium-dry sherry and allow the mixture to boil for 30 seconds, letting the alcohol evaporate and intensify the flavors.
6
Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the fresh parsley. Season with lemon juice, salt, and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
7
Serve immediately, either on its own or over a bed of rice or with crusty bread for dipping.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Garlic-Infused Mediterranean Shrimp Delight?
It is a vibrant dish featuring succulent shrimp sautéed in aromatic olive oil, garlic, and sweet paprika, inspired by traditional Portuguese and Spanish cuisines.
How many ingredients are required for this recipe?
This recipe requires 10 ingredients: olive oil, garlic, red pepper flakes, unshelled shrimp, sweet paprika, medium-dry sherry, fresh parsley, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper.
Is this shrimp recipe easy to prepare?
Yes, it is categorized as an easy recipe and a quick meal, suitable for both beginners and experienced cooks.
What kind of oil should I use?
The recipe calls for 1/3 cup of olive oil, which provides the traditional Mediterranean flavor base.
How much garlic is needed?
You will need 5 cloves of garlic, finely minced, to provide a bold, aromatic flavor.
How should the shrimp be prepared before cooking?
The 1 lb of unshelled shrimp should be cleaned and deveined before starting the cooking process.
What is the first step in cooking this dish?
In a large heavy skillet, heat the olive oil over moderately high heat until it shimmers but does not smoke.
How do I know when to add the garlic?
Add the minced garlic once the olive oil is shimmering and hot, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
How long does it take to cook the shrimp?
The shrimp should be stir-fried for about 1 minute until they turn pink and are just firm.
What role does sweet paprika play in the recipe?
Sweet paprika enhances the overall depth of flavor and adds a rich, vibrant color to the shrimp.
When should I add the sweet paprika?
Sprinkle the sweet paprika over the shrimp after they turn pink and mix well for about 30 seconds.
What type of sherry is recommended?
The recipe specifies using 1/4 cup of medium-dry sherry to intensify the flavors.
Why is the sherry boiled for 30 seconds?
Boiling the sherry for 30 seconds allows the alcohol to evaporate while concentrating the liquid's flavor.
When do I add the fresh parsley?
The fresh parsley is stirred in after the skillet has been removed from the heat.
How much parsley is required?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of minced fresh parsley leaves.
What gives the dish its bright finish?
A splash of freshly squeezed lemon juice added at the end brightens the overall flavor profile.
Is this dish spicy?
It has a hint of heat from 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes, though this ingredient is optional.
How do I prevent the garlic from burning?
Stir the garlic constantly once it is added to the hot oil and cook only until it becomes pale golden.
What are some serving suggestions for this shrimp dish?
It can be served immediately on its own, over a bed of rice, or with crusty bread for dipping in the sauce.
Is this recipe suitable for an appetizer?
Yes, it is perfect as either a main course or an appetizer.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy recipe featuring fresh seafood, aromatics, and olive oil.
What type of skillet should be used?
A large heavy skillet is recommended for even heat distribution while sautéing.
Can I substitute the lemon juice?
Freshly squeezed lemon juice is best, but you can adjust the amount to your personal taste.
What is the seasoning for this dish?
The dish is seasoned with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
What cuisines inspired this recipe?
This recipe is inspired by the traditional Mediterranean flavors found in Portuguese and Spanish cuisines.
How should the garlic be cut?
The 5 cloves of garlic should be minced for the best infusion into the oil.
What is the preparation for the red pepper flakes?
The red pepper flakes are optional and measured at 1 teaspoon if you desire a bit of heat.
Does the recipe use dried or fresh parsley?
The recipe specifically calls for minced fresh parsley leaves for the best flavor and color.
Can I make this as a quick weeknight meal?
Yes, it is tagged as a quick meal, taking very little time once the ingredients are prepped.
What should the oil look like before adding garlic?
The oil should be heated until it shimmers but does not smoke.