Shrimp Chimichurri Sauce is a delightful dish that brings together the vibrant flavors of fresh herbs and succulent shrimp, creating a culinary experience that is both refreshing and satisfying. As someone who has always been captivated by the rich culinary traditions of South America, I find that this dish not only tantalizes the taste buds but also tells a story of cultural fusion. The chimichurri sauce, with its origins in Argentina, is traditionally used as a marinade or condiment for grilled meats, but when paired with shrimp, it elevates the dish to new heights.
People love Shrimp Chimichurri Sauce for its incredible balance of flavors and textures. The tender, juicy shrimp perfectly complement the zesty, herbaceous sauce, making each bite a burst of freshness. Additionally, this dish is incredibly convenient to prepare, making it a favorite for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. Whether served over a bed of rice or alongside crusty bread, Shrimp Chimichurri Sauce is sure to impress your family and friends, leaving them craving more!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 cup olive oil (for the chimichurri)
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Preparing the Chimichurri Sauce
First things first, let’s whip up that vibrant chimichurri sauce that will elevate our shrimp dish to a whole new level. This sauce is fresh, zesty, and packed with flavor!
- In a medium bowl, combine the chopped parsley, cilantro, and minced garlic. Make sure to use fresh herbs for the best flavor.
- Add the red pepper flakes to the herb mixture. If you like a bit of heat, feel free to add more!
- Pour in the 1/2 cup of olive oil and the red wine vinegar. This will give the sauce its signature tangy flavor.
- Sprinkle in the dried oregano, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything together until well combined.
- Let the chimichurri sit for at least 15 minutes at room temperature. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Preparing the Shrimp
While the chimichurri is resting, let’s get our shrimp ready. The shrimp will be marinated briefly to enhance their flavor before cooking.
- In a large bowl, combine the shrimp, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, salt, black pepper, and lemon juice. Toss everything together until the shrimp are well coated.
- Let the shrimp marinate for about 10-15 minutes. This will infuse them with flavor and make them tender.
Cooking the Shrimp
Now it’s time to cook the shrimp! You can grill them, sauté them, or even bake them, but I prefer grilling for that smoky flavor.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If you’re using a grill pan, heat it over medium-high heat on the stovetop.
- Once the grill is hot, place the marinated shrimp on the grill. Make sure they are in a single layer and not overcrowded.
- Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook them, as shrimp can become rubbery.
- Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the grill and let them rest for a minute.
Assembling the Dish
Now that we have our delicious shrimp and chimichurri sauce ready, it’s time to bring everything together!
- On a serving platter, arrange the grilled shrimp in a single layer.
- Generously drizzle the chimichurri sauce over the shrimp. You can also serve some on the side for dipping.
- For an extra touch, garnish with additional chopped parsley or cilantro, and a few lemon wedges for squeezing over the top.
Serving Suggestions
This shrimp chimichurri dish is incredibly versatile and can be served in various ways. Here are a few ideas:
- Serve it over a bed of fluffy rice or quinoa for a hearty meal.
- Pair it with grilled vegetables for a light and healthy option.
- Use it as a filling for tacos or wraps, adding some avocado and fresh veggies.
- Serve it as an appetizer with crusty bread for dipping into the chimichurri sauce.
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare because this dish is so delicious!), here
Conclusion:
In conclusion, this Shrimp Chimichurri Sauce recipe is an absolute must-try for anyone looking to elevate their seafood game. The vibrant flavors of the chimichurri, with its fresh herbs and zesty kick, perfectly complement the succulent shrimp, creating a dish that is not only delicious but also visually stunning. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, preparing a cozy dinner for two, or simply craving a burst of flavor, this recipe is sure to impress. For serving suggestions, consider pairing the shrimp with a side of grilled vegetables or a light salad to balance the richness of the chimichurri. You can also serve it over a bed of fluffy rice or quinoa for a heartier meal. If you’re feeling adventurous, try experimenting with different proteins like chicken or tofu, or even add a splash of citrus for an extra zing. I encourage you to give this Shrimp Chimichurri Sauce recipe a try and share your experience with friends and family. I would love to hear how it turned out for you! Don’t forget to snap a picture and tag me on social media; I can’t wait to see your delicious creations. Happy cooking! PrintShrimp Chimichurri Sauce: A Flavorful Twist for Your Seafood Dishes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This vibrant Shrimp Chimichurri dish features succulent grilled shrimp marinated in zesty lemon and spices, topped with a fresh, herbaceous chimichurri sauce. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a festive gathering!
Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 cup olive oil (for the chimichurri)
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine the chopped parsley, cilantro, and minced garlic.
- Add the red pepper flakes to the herb mixture.
- Pour in the 1/2 cup of olive oil and the red wine vinegar.
- Sprinkle in the dried oregano, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything together until well combined.
- Let the chimichurri sit for at least 15 minutes at room temperature.
- In a large bowl, combine the shrimp, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, salt, black pepper, and lemon juice. Toss everything together until the shrimp are well coated.
- Let the shrimp marinate for about 10-15 minutes.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Once the grill is hot, place the marinated shrimp on the grill in a single layer.
- Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they turn pink and opaque.
- Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the grill and let them rest for a minute.
- On a serving platter, arrange the grilled shrimp in a single layer.
- Generously drizzle the chimichurri sauce over the shrimp.
- Garnish with additional chopped parsley or cilantro, and a few lemon wedges for squeezing over the top.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes based on your heat preference.
- For a smoky flavor, consider grilling the shrimp over charcoal.
- This dish pairs well with a variety of sides, including rice, quinoa, or grilled vegetables.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes