If you love bold flavors and impressive presentation, you are in for a treat with this Colossal Shrimp in a Spicy Tomato Sauce Recipe. It’s a vibrant, mouthwatering dish where jumbo shrimp meet a luscious, slightly smoky tomato sauce with just the right amount of heat. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe combines freshness, spice, and richness that will have you coming back for more every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines because of its simple yet carefully selected ingredients, each bringing vital texture and flavor to the table. From the succulent colossal shrimp to the aromatic garlic and zesty lemon, every element plays a part in crafting a dish that’s both satisfying and elegant.
- 1½ pounds colossal shrimp (U-15 count), peeled and deveined: These large shrimp offer a meaty texture that holds up beautifully in the sauce.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Provides a rich base for searing the shrimp and building the sauce’s foundation.
- 4 garlic cloves, minced: Brings a fragrant pungency that’s essential in balancing the spicy tomato sauce.
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste): Adds the perfect kick to keep your palate excited without overwhelming.
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika: Imparts a subtle smokiness that deepens the flavors.
- ¼ cup tomato paste: Concentrated tomato flavor that creates the sauce’s rich body and vibrant color.
- ½ cup chicken broth or white wine: Deglazes the pan, lifting up flavorful bits and introducing moisture to the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Brightens the dish with a fresh, tangy note that balances the heat.
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce (like Sriracha or your favorite): Infuses an extra layer of spicy complexity tailored to your preference.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to elevate all the components.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish: Adds a fresh, herbaceous finishing touch and lovely color contrast.
How to Make Colossal Shrimp in a Spicy Tomato Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Season the Shrimp
Begin by patting your colossal shrimp dry to ensure a perfect sear. Lightly season with salt and black pepper to enhance their natural sweetness. This simple start sets the foundation for layers of flavorful complexity.
Step 2: Sear the Shrimp
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Place the shrimp in a single layer and cook for about 2 minutes on each side. You want them just pink with a slight golden hue—a quick sear locks in their juiciness and adds a lovely color contrast.
Step 3: Create the Spicy Tomato Sauce
Remove the shrimp and reduce heat to medium. In the same skillet, add minced garlic, crushed red pepper flakes, and smoked paprika. Sauté for about 30 seconds until the aroma fills your kitchen. Stir in the tomato paste and cook it out for 1 minute to deepen its flavor.
Step 4: Deglaze and Simmer
Pour in chicken broth or white wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up those delightful browned bits—that’s where a lot of the magic happens. Add lemon juice and your favorite hot sauce, stirring the sauce until well combined. Let it simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes until it thickens slightly, enveloping your shrimp in a spicy, tangy hug.
Step 5: Finish Cooking the Shrimp
Return the shrimp to the skillet, tossing them in the sauce to coat evenly. Cook for another 1 to 2 minutes until the shrimp are heated through, soaking up every bit of that vibrant sauce. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or cilantro before serving for a burst of color and freshness.
How to Serve Colossal Shrimp in a Spicy Tomato Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Finishing touches like chopped fresh parsley or cilantro are more than decoration—they add a brightness that complements the spicy tomato sauce perfectly. For a bit of richness, consider a few shavings of Parmesan or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil just before serving.
Side Dishes
This dish is incredibly versatile, pairing beautifully with fluffy white rice, creamy polenta, or al dente pasta, all of which soak up the luscious sauce. Rustic crusty bread is another fantastic option to mop every last drop from your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, serve the shrimp and sauce atop a bed of sautéed greens or roasted vegetables. Alternatively, present the shrimp on skewers with a generous spoonful of sauce drizzled on top for a casual yet elegant appetizer or finger food at your next gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Colossal Shrimp in a Spicy Tomato Sauce Recipe stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. This allows the flavors to meld even more, making the dish taste fantastic when reheated.
Freezing
While freezing seafood can sometimes affect texture, this shrimp dish freezes fairly well. Place leftovers in a freezer-safe container, leaving some headspace, and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the shrimp and sauce slowly on the stovetop over low heat to avoid overcooking the shrimp and maintain that tender, juicy texture. Adding a splash of broth or water can help loosen the sauce if it has thickened too much.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to fully thaw and pat the shrimp dry before cooking to get that perfect sear and prevent excess moisture from diluting the sauce.
How spicy is the Colossal Shrimp in a Spicy Tomato Sauce Recipe?
The heat is adjustable. Starting with 1 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes plus hot sauce gives a pleasant kick, but you can dial it up or down to suit your taste buds perfectly.
What can I substitute for chicken broth?
White wine adds a lovely depth and brightness, or vegetable broth works well as a non-meat alternative. Even water with a pinch of salt will suffice in a pinch.
Can I make this recipe without hot sauce?
Yes! If you prefer less heat, omit the hot sauce and reduce the crushed red pepper flakes. You’ll still have a robust and flavorful tomato sauce that’s beautifully balanced.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it suitable for those with gluten sensitivities without any modifications.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving something impressive yet approachable, the Colossal Shrimp in a Spicy Tomato Sauce Recipe should be on your culinary radar. With its blend of smoky, zesty, and spicy notes paired with succulent shrimp, it brings restaurant-quality excitement right to your home kitchen. I encourage you to dive in and savor every flavorful bite—this one’s a definite crowd-pleaser!
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Colossal Shrimp in a Spicy Tomato Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Fusion
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Colossal Shrimp in a Spicy Sauce recipe features perfectly seared jumbo shrimp bathed in a flavorful, slightly smoky tomato-based sauce with a kick of heat from crushed red pepper flakes and hot sauce. The dish is quick to prepare, making it ideal for a satisfying weeknight main course. Garnished with fresh herbs, it pairs beautifully with rice, pasta, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Ingredients
Shrimp
- 1½ pounds colossal shrimp (U-15 count), peeled and deveined
Sauce & Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or white wine
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce (like Sriracha or your favorite)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or cilantro
Instructions
- Prepare Shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt and black pepper to enhance flavor and ensure proper searing.
- Sear Shrimp: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp in a single layer and cook for about 2 minutes on each side until shrimp turn pink and develop a slightly golden crust. Remove shrimp and set aside to prevent overcooking.
- Sauté Aromatics: Reduce heat to medium and add minced garlic, crushed red pepper flakes, and smoked paprika to the same skillet. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add Tomato Paste: Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to deepen the sauce’s flavors and remove its raw taste.
- Deglaze Pan: Pour in chicken broth or white wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits stuck to the skillet, which adds depth to the sauce.
- Build Sauce: Stir in lemon juice and hot sauce, mixing well to combine all flavors. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Finish Cooking Shrimp: Return the shrimp to the skillet and toss them in the sauce to coat evenly. Cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes just to reheat the shrimp through without overcooking.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or cilantro on top for brightness and serve immediately, ideally over rice, pasta, or with crusty bread to enjoy the flavorful sauce.
Notes
- Serve over rice, pasta, or with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
- For extra richness, stir in a tablespoon of butter at the end of cooking.
- Adjust spice levels by increasing or decreasing the amount of hot sauce and red pepper flakes.
- Make sure to not overcook the shrimp to keep them tender and juicy.
