Seared Shrimp with Chimichurri Sauce Recipe
This Savory Pan Seared Chimichurri Shrimp recipe features succulent shrimp marinated with honey and smoked paprika, then pan-seared to perfection and topped with a vibrant, herbaceous chimichurri sauce made from fresh parsley, garlic, and Fresno pepper. A quick and flavorful dish that combines smoky, sweet, and tangy flavors for an irresistible meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 21 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Seafood
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Argentinian
Ingredients
Chimichurri Sauce
- 1 cup fresh parsley, firmly packed
- 2 cloves garlic, fresh
- 1 medium Fresno pepper (can substitute with jalapeño)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil, high-quality is recommended
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Shrimp
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon honey, light flavor like Clover honey
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Olive oil (for marinating and cooking), approximately 2 tablespoons
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (for marinating)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Chimichurri Sauce: Finely chop the fresh parsley, garlic cloves, and Fresno pepper. In a medium bowl, combine the chopped ingredients with dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil and red wine vinegar, then stir thoroughly. Let the chimichurri sauce stand for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld.
- Marinate the Shrimp: In a mixing bowl, combine the peeled and deveined shrimp with olive oil, minced garlic, honey, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss well to coat the shrimp evenly. Marinate for 20 minutes to enhance flavor absorption.
- Cook the Shrimp: Heat a non-stick skillet over high heat. Once hot, arrange the marinated shrimp in a single layer without overcrowding. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn opaque and develop a light sear.
- Serve: Transfer the cooked shrimp to a serving dish. Spoon the prepared chimichurri sauce generously over the shrimp. Serve immediately with extra chimichurri sauce on the side for added flavor.
Notes
- For a spicier chimichurri, keep the seeds in the Fresno or jalapeño pepper when chopping.
- If you prefer milder heat, remove the seeds before chopping the pepper.
- Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor in the chimichurri sauce.
- Marinating shrimp adds flavor but avoid marinating more than 30 minutes as acid from the vinegar can start to cook the shrimp.
- Serve with grilled vegetables or crusty bread to complete the meal.
