Colossal Shrimp in a Spicy Sauce Recipe
Get ready to add a spark of excitement to your dinner table with Colossal Shrimp in a Spicy Sauce! This irresistible dish features plump, juicy shrimp tossed in a bright, fiery tomato sauce—with just the right touch of heat and a whisper of smokiness. In just 25 minutes, you can whip up a seafood meal with restaurant-quality flair, perfect for date night, family dinner, or anytime you want to impress without the fuss. Every bite is saucy, zesty, and downright irresistible—the kind of recipe you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about Colossal Shrimp in a Spicy Sauce is how each ingredient shines. Simple, fresh pantry staples create layers of flavor—from spicy undertones to sweet tomato brightness—ensuring every shrimp is perfectly coated and balanced. Don’t skip the finishing butter or fresh parsley; they round out the dish with richness and color.
- Colossal shrimp (1 1/2 pounds, U-12 or larger): The stars of our show! Their large size guarantees a meaty, juicy bite every time.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Adds fruity richness and helps bloom the spices right at the start.
- Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Brings bold aroma and savory flavor—essential for that classic spicy sauce profile.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (1/2 teaspoon, adjust to taste): Delivers heat; use more or less depending on your spice preference.
- Smoked paprika (1/2 teaspoon): Introduces subtle smokiness and a hint of earthiness to the sauce.
- Cayenne pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Bumps up the spiciness for that lingering, pleasant warmth.
- Dry white wine (1/4 cup): Lifts all the flavors and adds acidity to balance out the dish.
- Tomato sauce (1/2 cup): Forms the base of the saucy coating and brings a hint of natural sweetness.
- Tomato paste (1 tablespoon): Concentrates the tomato flavor and helps thicken the sauce.
- Hot sauce (1 tablespoon): Injects personality—choose your favorite for a custom level of kick.
- Lemon juice (from 1/2 lemon): Brightens up the sauce and keeps things lively.
- Unsalted butter (1 tablespoon): Finishes the dish with luxurious silkiness and mellow flavor.
- Salt and black pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning and balance—don’t forget to taste as you go!
- Chopped fresh parsley (for garnish): Pops of green freshness and visual flair in every serving.
How to Make Colossal Shrimp in a Spicy Sauce
Step 1: Prepare and Season the Shrimp
Start by patting your shrimp perfectly dry—this ensures they’ll sear instead of steam, giving them a gorgeous, crave-worthy exterior. Sprinkle the shrimp lightly with salt and black pepper to enhance their sweetness and get them ready for the bold sauce flavors to come.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics and Bloom Spices
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes, stirring for about 30 seconds just until fragrant. This step is truly magical—the garlic and chiles sizzle, filling your kitchen with incredible aroma. Quickly stir in the smoked paprika and cayenne so they can toast gently and release their full flavor.
Step 3: Sear the Colossal Shrimp
Add your seasoned shrimp in a single layer, making sure each one gets its moment in the pan. Sear them for 2 minutes per side, just until they curl and turn delightfully pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp with tongs and set aside—they’ll finish cooking in the sauce later, which keeps them juicy and tender.
Step 4: Build the Spicy Tomato Sauce
Pour the dry white wine into the hot skillet, scraping up any tasty bits stuck to the pan. Let it simmer for a minute or two to mellow and reduce slightly. Stir in the tomato sauce, tomato paste, and your favorite hot sauce, then let the mixture bubble away for 3 to 4 minutes until it thickens just a bit. What emerges is a sauce that’s punchy, robust, and fragrant with just the right intensity.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Return the shrimp to the skillet, tossing to generously coat every piece in that luscious sauce. Add the lemon juice, then swirl in the tablespoon of butter until melted and glossy. Taste and adjust salt or spice levels if needed. Scatter over the chopped fresh parsley, then serve your Colossal Shrimp in a Spicy Sauce sizzling hot—it’s time to dig in!
How to Serve Colossal Shrimp in a Spicy Sauce
Garnishes
A generous shower of chopped fresh parsley not only electrifies the color but also adds a clean, fresh note that balances the heat. For extra flair, a few paper-thin lemon slices or a dash more smoked paprika across the top can make your dish pop at the table.
Side Dishes
The bold flavors of Colossal Shrimp in a Spicy Sauce just beg to be paired with something that catches and soaks up the glorious, spicy sauce. Crusty bread is a classic choice for scooping up every last drop. For a heartier meal, serve over a bed of fluffy rice or toss with your favorite pasta—linguine or spaghetti work wonders here. A light green salad on the side brings crispness and a cooling contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re hosting or want to impress, spoon the shrimp and sauce into a large, shallow platter, nestling them atop grilled polenta squares or toasted baguette. For a fun tapas vibe, pile the shrimp into individual ramekins as a starter. Or, top roasted cauliflower steaks or sautéed zucchini noodles for a vibrant, low-carb main dish twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Colossal Shrimp in a Spicy Sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. The flavors actually intensify a bit overnight, making for a tasty next-day treat, but the shrimp are best enjoyed while still tender—so don’t wait too long to revisit those leftovers.
Freezing
While the spicy sauce freezes beautifully, shrimp themselves are a bit delicate and can become overcooked or rubbery if frozen and thawed too often. If you must freeze, chill the dish thoroughly, then transfer to a freezer-safe container for up to one month. For best texture, consider freezing just the sauce, then making fresh shrimp when ready to serve.
Reheating
To reheat, add the shrimp and sauce to a skillet over low heat, adding a tablespoon or two of water if needed to loosen the sauce. Warm gently until just heated through, being careful not to overcook the shrimp. The microwave works in a pinch for single servings—just use a lower power setting and short bursts to avoid toughening the shrimp.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw your frozen shrimp completely, then pat dry with paper towels to ensure they sear well. Frozen shrimp are a convenient and great-tasting option for Colossal Shrimp in a Spicy Sauce.
How can I adjust the level of spiciness?
You’re in the driver’s seat here. Tame it down by reducing the amount of crushed red pepper flakes and hot sauce, or turn up the heat by adding a pinch more cayenne. Taste as you go to find your perfect balance.
What kind of white wine should I use?
Choose a dry white wine you’d enjoy drinking—a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio adds lovely brightness, but a splash of whatever you have open will work just fine. Avoid anything too sweet, as it may throw the flavors off-balance.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Colossal Shrimp in a Spicy Sauce is at its absolute best fresh from the skillet, but you can make the sauce a day in advance. When ready to serve, simply reheat the sauce and finish the shrimp in the last few minutes for a speedy, impressive meal.
Is this dish suitable for gluten-free diets?
Yes! As written, this recipe for Colossal Shrimp in a Spicy Sauce is naturally gluten-free. Just be mindful of your choice of hot sauce and any sides you serve with it—stick to rice or gluten-free bread for a completely gluten-free meal.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about treating yourself and your loved ones to Colossal Shrimp in a Spicy Sauce—the blend of spice, sweetness, and fresh seafood feels like a celebration in every bite. If you’re searching for a dish that’s impressive yet quick enough for a weeknight, this one’s a winner. Dive in, experiment with the spice levels, and don’t forget to mop up every bit of that beautiful sauce!
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Colossal Shrimp in a Spicy Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Colossal Shrimp in a Spicy Sauce is a delicious seafood dish featuring large shrimp cooked in a flavorful and spicy tomato-based sauce. This recipe is perfect for a quick and impressive dinner.
Ingredients
Colossal Shrimp:
1 1/2 pounds colossal shrimp (U-12 or larger), peeled and deveined with tails on
Seasoning:
2 tablespoons olive oil, 4 cloves garlic, minced, 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste), 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Sauce:
1/4 cup dry white wine, 1/2 cup tomato sauce, 1 tablespoon tomato paste, 1 tablespoon hot sauce (such as Tabasco or your favorite brand), juice of 1/2 lemon, 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, salt and black pepper to taste, chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare Shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry and season with salt and pepper.
- Sear Shrimp: Heat olive oil in a skillet, sauté garlic and red pepper flakes, add paprika and cayenne, then cook shrimp on each side until pink. Remove shrimp.
- Make Sauce: Deglaze the pan with white wine, add tomato sauce, paste, and hot sauce. Simmer until thickened. Return shrimp to the pan, add lemon juice and butter, stir until heated through.
- Finish and Serve: Garnish with parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- Serve with crusty bread, rice, or pasta to enjoy the spicy sauce.
- Adjust heat level to your preference by altering the red pepper flakes and hot sauce.
- Frozen shrimp can be used after thorough thawing and drying.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Seafood
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 5–6 shrimp
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 210mg
