Imagine a dish that combines the succulence of perfectly cooked shrimp with a vibrant, spicy tomato sauce that dances on your palate. This Shrimp in Spicy Tomato Sauce is more than just a meal – it’s a quick, flavor-packed experience that transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy dinner in just minutes. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or an impressive dish to serve at a dinner party, this recipe promises to tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more.
Ingredients
- 400g (14 oz) raw, peeled shrimp (medium to large)
- 1 medium onion (150g / 5.3 oz), finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, finely minced
- 1 fresh red chili (or 1/2 teaspoon chili powder)
- 1 can (400g / 14 oz) chopped tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh coriander or flat-leaf parsley leaves for garnish
- Juice of half a lemon (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients
- Rinse the shrimp under cold water and drain thoroughly
- Finely chop the onion
- Mince the garlic cloves
- Remove seeds from the chili for less heat, then finely chop
- Sauté the Aromatics
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat
- Add chopped onion and sauté for 4-5 minutes until translucent
- Add garlic and chili, cook for 1 additional minute
- Build the Flavor Base
- Sprinkle paprika and cumin over the vegetable mixture
- Stir to coat and cook for 30-60 seconds to release aromatics
- Pour in chopped tomatoes
- Add sugar to balance tomato acidity
- Cook the Shrimp
- Add shrimp to the sauce
- Cook for 2-3 minutes until shrimp turn pink and are just cooked through
- Season with salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the dish
- Serve and Garnish
- Transfer to serving plates
- Garnish with fresh herbs
- Serve hot with crusty bread or rice
Nutrition and Serving Details
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Nutritional Highlights (per serving):
- Calories: Approximately 220
- Protein: 20g
- Healthy Fats: 10g
- Low in Carbohydrates
Why This Shrimp Dish is a Nutritional Powerhouse
This Spicy Shrimp in Tomato Sauce isn’t just delicious – it’s incredibly nutritious. Shrimp provides high-quality protein with low calories, while tomatoes offer a rich source of lycopene, an powerful antioxidant. The olive oil adds heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, and the blend of spices not only creates an explosion of flavor but also provides anti-inflammatory benefits. It’s a perfect balance of taste and nutrition that supports overall wellness.
Pro Tip: For an extra kick, adjust the chili to your heat tolerance. The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility to suit every palate!