Description
This Shrimp with Tomato and Basil recipe is a vibrant, flavorful dish perfect for a quick and healthy meal. Juicy shrimp sautéed with fresh cherry tomatoes, fragrant garlic, and aromatic basil come together with a splash of lemon juice and a hint of spice. Finished with a drizzle of olive oil and optional Parmesan cheese, this dish offers a delightful balance of freshness and savory richness, ideal for weeknight dinners or entertaining.
Ingredients
Seafood
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
Produce
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- Juice of 1 lemon
Pantry
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Optional
- Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare the shrimp: Rinse the shrimp under cold water, then pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture for better sautéing.
- Sauté garlic: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute, being careful not to burn it.
- Cook the shrimp: Add the shrimp to the skillet, season with salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes, then cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque.
- Add tomatoes and basil: Stir in the halved cherry tomatoes and chopped fresh basil. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the tomatoes start to soften.
- Finish with lemon juice: Squeeze the juice of one lemon over the mixture and toss to combine, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Serve: Remove from heat and serve immediately, optionally topped with grated Parmesan cheese for an extra savory touch.
Notes
- Use fresh shrimp for the best flavor and texture; frozen shrimp should be thawed and drained well before cooking.
- Cherry tomatoes can be substituted with grape tomatoes or diced plum tomatoes.
- Adjust the red pepper flakes to control the heat level of the dish.
- For a gluten-free meal, ensure Parmesan cheese is gluten-free if using.
- This dish pairs well with pasta, crusty bread, or over a bed of rice or greens.