Spicy Sautéed Shrimp Recipe: A Quick and Flavorful Dinner
This spicy sautéed shrimp recipe is a quick and easy weeknight dinner that is packed with flavor. Tender shrimp are seasoned with a blend of spices, then sautéed with sweet bell peppers, juicy onions, and a spicy jalapeno pepper, before being finished with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Served over rice, quinoa, or your favorite grain, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
1 pound large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined: Raw shrimp is the star of this dish and should be fresh, plump, and juicy for the best results. Peeling and deveining the shrimp makes them easier to eat and eliminates the risk of consuming any unwanted additives.
2 tablespoons olive oil: Olive oil is used to sauté the ingredients in the skillet and adds a rich, fruity flavor to the dish.
4 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic adds a pungent flavor and aroma to the dish. Mincing the garlic releases its natural oils, which infuse the oil and add depth to the dish.
1 red bell pepper, sliced: Red bell peppers are sweet and crunchy and add a nice color contrast to the dish.
1 green bell pepper, sliced: Green bell peppers are slightly bitter but still sweet and add a nice color contrast to the dish.
1 yellow onion, sliced: Yellow onions are slightly sweet and add a nice crunch to the dish.
1 jalapeno pepper, sliced: Jalapeno peppers are spicy and add a nice heat to the dish.
1 teaspoon salt: Salt enhances the flavors of the dish and balances out the heat from the spices.
1 teaspoon black pepper: Black pepper adds a warm, slightly bitter flavor to the dish and complements the spices.
1 teaspoon cumin: Cumin is earthy and slightly bitter, and it adds depth to the flavor of the dish.
1 teaspoon paprika: Paprika is sweet and slightly smoky and adds a nice color to the dish.
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes: Red pepper flakes add a hot and spicy flavor to the dish.
1 lemon, cut into wedges: Fresh lemon juice adds a bright and tangy flavor that balances out the heat from the spices.
Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish): Fresh cilantro adds a pop of fresh herb flavor and is a nice garnish for the dish.
Instructions:
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. When the oil is hot, it's time to add the garlic.
Mince the garlic cloves and add them to the skillet. Sauté the garlic for 1 minute, stirring frequently, until it becomes fragrant. The garlic's natural oils will release and infuse the oil, adding a depth of flavor to the dish.
While the garlic is sautéing, slice the red bell pepper, green bell pepper, yellow onion, and jalapeno pepper into thin slices. Add these to the skillet and continue sautéing for 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables are tender and slightly charred. The combination of bell peppers, onion, and jalapeno will add a sweetness and crunch to the dish, while also providing a mild heat that will complement the spicy seasonings.
Now it's time to add the star of the dish, the shrimp. Season the shrimp with salt, black pepper, cumin, paprika, red pepper flakes, and chili powder. Toss everything together in the skillet until the shrimp is fully coated in the spices.
Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side, until they turn pink and are fully cooked. You'll know the shrimp is done cooking when it has turned from its original gray color to a bright pink and has become firm to the touch. Overcooking the shrimp will make them tough and chewy, so be sure to keep a close eye on them.
Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the shrimp and vegetables in the skillet. The lemon will add a bright acidic flavor that will balance out the heat from the spices.
Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro and lemon wedges, if desired. Fresh cilantro adds a pop of fresh herb flavor, while the lemon wedges provide a bright citrus accent to the dish.
This spicy sautéed shrimp recipe is the perfect weeknight dinner that's quick, easy, and packed with flavor. The juicy and tender shrimp pair perfectly with the smoky and spicy seasonings, while the sautéed vegetables add crunch and freshness to the dish. Serve it over rice, quinoa, or your favorite grain to soak up the delicious sauce. This dish is sure to become a family favorite, so get ready to impress your friends and family with your cooking skills!
