Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Pan Seared Chimichurri Shrimp is a vibrant, flavor-packed dish featuring juicy shrimp coated in a zesty, herbaceous chimichurri sauce. Quick to prepare and bursting with garlic, parsley, and citrus, this dish is perfect for weeknights, meal prep, or an impressive appetizer. Serve it over rice, salad, or on skewers for a fresh and satisfying meal.

ingredients

Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.

for the shrimp
large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
olive oil
salt
black pepper
paprika (optional, for color)

for the chimichurri sauce
fresh parsley (finely chopped)
fresh cilantro (optional)
garlic (minced)
red wine vinegar
lemon or lime juice
red pepper flakes
olive oil
salt
black pepper

directions

In a bowl, toss shrimp with olive oil, salt, pepper, and paprika if using. Set aside.

In a small bowl, combine parsley, garlic, red wine vinegar, citrus juice, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Whisk in olive oil until well blended. Set aside to let flavors meld.

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a little oil and sear shrimp for 1–2 minutes per side until pink and opaque.

Remove from heat and toss with chimichurri sauce, or serve with sauce drizzled over the top.

Garnish with extra herbs and a wedge of lime if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 2–4.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 5 minutes
Total time: 15 minutes

Variations

Use the chimichurri sauce as a marinade before cooking.
Add avocado slices or grilled vegetables for a heartier meal.
Serve on tacos or over cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
Substitute shrimp with scallops or white fish.
Add chopped mint or oregano to the chimichurri for extra depth.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Reheat gently in a skillet to avoid overcooking shrimp.
Chimichurri sauce can be made ahead and kept refrigerated for up to 5 days.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, thaw and pat dry before cooking.

Do I need to marinate the shrimp?
No, but you can toss them with chimichurri and chill for extra flavor.

Is the chimichurri spicy?
It has a mild kick from red pepper flakes—adjust to taste.

Can I grill the shrimp instead?
Absolutely, they grill beautifully on skewers.

Can I skip cilantro in the chimichurri?
Yes, use all parsley or substitute with more herbs of your choice.

Can I make this dairy-free and gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally both.

What can I serve this with?
Rice, quinoa, salads, grilled veggies, or warm tortillas.

Do I need a food processor for the sauce?
No, chimichurri can be hand-chopped and stirred.

Why are my shrimp rubbery?
They were overcooked—shrimp cook quickly, so watch them closely.

Can I double the recipe?
Yes, scale ingredients and cook shrimp in batches if needed.

Conclusion

Pan Seared Chimichurri Shrimp is a fast and flavorful dish that turns simple ingredients into something truly exciting. With bold herb and garlic notes and juicy, golden shrimp, it’s an easy go-to for healthy meals or entertaining. Serve it hot and fresh with your favorite sides and enjoy the vibrant burst of flavor in every bite.