If you love bold flavors and impossibly juicy seafood, prepare yourself for Colossal Shrimp in a Spicy Sauce! This recipe takes extra-large, succulent shrimp and cloaks them in a vibrant, fiery sauce that’s bursting with garlic, hints of smokiness, and just the right amount of heat. Ready in under half an hour and absolutely packed with flavor, it’s a dish designed to impress yet simple enough for any night of the week. Perfect over a bed of rice or with a hunk of crusty bread to happily mop up every bit of spicy, buttery sauce—this is one recipe you’ll want to make on repeat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
There’s no need to crowd this dish with too many ingredients! Each component of Colossal Shrimp in a Spicy Sauce plays an essential role: the shrimp bring meaty sweetness, the spices create depth, and the wine, tomato paste, and hot sauce transform everything into a crave-worthy, restaurant-quality meal.
- Colossal shrimp (U-12 or larger): Their size makes for a juicy, dramatic presentation, and they stay tender and flavorful.
- Olive oil: Adds richness and helps sauté all the aromatics to perfection.
- Garlic: Brings out that aromatic punch, infusing the sauce with irresistible depth.
- Red pepper flakes: Gives the sauce its signature heat—add more if you’re a spice lover!
- Smoked paprika: Adds a subtle smokiness that beautifully balances the spice.
- Dry white wine or seafood broth: Lifts the flavors and creates a luscious base for the sauce; both options work wonderfully.
- Tomato paste: Brings sweetness and body, giving the sauce a satisfying thickness.
- Hot sauce: The key to that feisty finish—choose your favorite brand and adjust as needed.
- Lemon juice: Brightens everything up and cuts through the richness of the butter.
- Unsalted butter: Swirls into the sauce for a glossy, velvety texture.
- Salt and black pepper: Classic seasonings that sharpen every flavor in the dish.
- Chopped fresh parsley: Adds an essential pop of color and a burst of freshness as a final flourish.
How to Make Colossal Shrimp in a Spicy Sauce
Step 1: Prep and Season the Shrimp
Begin by patting the colossal shrimp absolutely dry—this step ensures you get a gorgeous sear and prevents any splatter. Season them lightly with salt and black pepper, which beautifully enhances their natural sweetness and ensures every bite is deliciously seasoned from the start.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, toss in the minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and smoked paprika. Sauté for about 30 seconds—just until the garlic is fragrant but not browned. This quick bloom releases a wave of mouthwatering aromas and lays the foundation for that spicy sauce magic.
Step 3: Sear the Shrimp
Add the shrimp in a single layer to the hot skillet. Let them sear for 1 to 2 minutes per side, just until they start to turn a tantalizing pink. Carefully scoop out the shrimp and set them aside so they don’t overcook—they’ll finish in the sauce shortly!
Step 4: Build the Spicy Sauce
Now, pour in the white wine or seafood broth and use your spoon to scrape up any flavorful bits stuck to the bottom of the pan. Add the tomato paste and hot sauce, letting this mixture simmer for 3 to 4 minutes. The sauce should thicken slightly, deepening in color and becoming glossy and rich.
Step 5: Add Lemon and Butter
Stir in the freshly squeezed lemon juice for brightness and toss in the butter to create that signature silkiness. As the butter melts, the sauce becomes smooth and irresistibly creamy with a bright, tangy kick.
Step 6: Finish the Shrimp
Return the seared shrimp (and any delicious juices) to the skillet. Toss them all through the bubbling sauce until every shrimp is gleaming and heated through—just another minute or two. Taste your sauce now and adjust for salt, pepper, or extra hot sauce if you dare. Finally, shower everything with fresh chopped parsley before serving!
How to Serve Colossal Shrimp in a Spicy Sauce
Garnishes
Finish your Colossal Shrimp in a Spicy Sauce with a generous sprinkling of freshly chopped parsley for an herbaceous lift and a brilliant splash of color. For a zesty boost, consider a few thin slices of lemon alongside, or an extra shower of red pepper flakes if you like things extra fiery.
Side Dishes
These bold shrimp long for something that’ll soak up every drop of the spicy sauce—think warm crusty bread, fluffy jasmine rice, or your favorite type Main Course. Even a simple roasted vegetable or a crisp garden salad will happily sit alongside this dish.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn Colossal Shrimp in a Spicy Sauce into an inviting party appetizer by serving the shrimp on skewers with a side of sauce for dipping. For a dramatic entrée, spoon the shrimp over a creamy polenta bed, or nestle them in shallow bowls and top with microgreens for a restaurant-style flourish that’s sure to wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (lucky you!), store the shrimp and sauce together in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to two days, making lunch or another dinner deliciously easy.
Freezing
While it’s possible to freeze Colossal Shrimp in a Spicy Sauce, freshly made shrimp always taste best. If you need to freeze, cool completely first and then store in a well-sealed freezer bag for up to one month. Be aware that reheating may slightly affect the shrimp’s texture, but the flavors will still shine through.
Reheating
For best results, gently reheat the shrimp and sauce together in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally until just warmed through. Avoid microwaving if you can, as it can cause the shrimp to become rubbery—slow and steady wins the flavor race here!
FAQs
How spicy is this dish, really?
Colossal Shrimp in a Spicy Sauce definitely packs some heat, but you’re in the driver’s seat! Adjust the amount of hot sauce and red pepper flakes to fine-tune the spice level to your liking—go mild or make it fiery-hot.
Can I use regular-sized shrimp if I can’t find colossal shrimp?
Absolutely! While colossal shrimp are downright impressive for this recipe, any large or extra-large shrimp will work. Just keep an eye on cook time—smaller shrimp will cook even faster, so don’t overdo it.
What kind of white wine is best for the sauce?
Choose a dry white wine you’d enjoy drinking—Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or even a dry Chardonnay. If you’d rather not use wine, seafood or chicken broth is an excellent swap that still delivers tons of flavor for Colossal Shrimp in a Spicy Sauce.
How do I make this dish gluten-free?
Colossal Shrimp in a Spicy Sauce is naturally gluten-free as prepared! Just be sure your hot sauce, stock, and accompaniments are certified gluten-free as well.
Can I make this dish in advance for a party?
You sure can! Prep the sauce a few hours ahead and store it in the fridge. When it’s party time, simply sear the shrimp and warm them up in the sauce right before serving—guests will never guess you weren’t cooking it all from scratch minutes ago.
Final Thoughts
You simply have to try Colossal Shrimp in a Spicy Sauce at least once! Whether you serve it for family dinner or show it off at your next gathering, the combination of bold flavors and juicy, tender shrimp is impossible to resist. Gather your favorite people, set the table, and get ready to wow them with this irresistible seafood classic!
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Colossal Shrimp in a Spicy Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Seafood
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Colossal Shrimp in a Spicy Sauce is a delicious seafood dish featuring large shrimp cooked in a flavorful and zesty sauce. This recipe is quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
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), 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Sauce:
1/2 cup dry white wine or seafood broth, 1/4 cup tomato paste, 1 tablespoon hot sauce, juice of 1 lemon, 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, salt and black pepper to taste
Garnish:
Chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Prepare Shrimp: Pat shrimp dry, season with salt and pepper.
- Cook Aromatics: Heat olive oil in skillet, sauté garlic, red pepper flakes, and smoked paprika.
- Sear Shrimp: Add shrimp to skillet, sear briefly on each side, then remove.
- Make Sauce: Deglaze with wine, add tomato paste, hot sauce, lemon juice, and butter. Simmer until thickened.
- Combine and Serve: Return shrimp to pan, coat in sauce, cook briefly, adjust seasoning. Garnish with parsley and serve.
Notes
- Serve over rice, pasta, or bread.
- Adjust spice level to taste.
- Frozen shrimp can be used, ensure thorough thawing and drying.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: about 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 710mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 220mg
