If you love dishes that burst with vibrant colors and bold flavors, then the Spicy Shrimp with Green Parsley and Scallion Sauce Recipe is going to become your new favorite. This dish is all about that perfect balance between the fresh, herbaceous brightness of parsley and scallions, and the tantalizing kick from red pepper flakes, all wrapped around tender, juicy shrimp. It’s quick to prepare but brings a satisfying depth of flavor that’s both homey and a little bit exciting, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the simplicity of the ingredient list fool you; each component plays an essential role in building layers of flavor and texture that make this recipe truly special. The combination of fresh herbs, garlic, and spicy heat blends beautifully to highlight the shrimp without overpowering it.
- 4-6 cloves garlic: Fresh and minced garlic is the punch of aroma and taste that starts everything off right.
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil: Adds richness and helps blend the sauce components beautifully.
- 5-6 scallions: Provides a mild onion flavor and fresh green color that livens up the dish.
- 1 cup parsley: Brings a bright, herbaceous note and a gorgeous green vibrancy to the sauce.
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined: The star ingredient, tender and ready to soak up all the flavorful sauce.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasoning to enhance and balance the flavors.
- Pinch red pepper flakes: Adds a subtle but satisfying heat that elevates the dish.
- 1/3 cup white wine: Injects acidity and a delicate fruitiness that tenderizes the shrimp and enriches the sauce.
How to Make Spicy Shrimp with Green Parsley and Scallion Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Create the Garlic Olive Oil Base
Begin by blending the minced garlic with extra virgin olive oil in a food processor fitted with a steel blade until it turns into a smooth, fragrant base. This step is crucial because it infuses the oil with that unmistakable garlicky warmth that will coat every bite of shrimp.
Step 2: Add Fresh Parsley and Scallions
Next, toss in the scallions and parsley to the food processor and pulse just until the mixture is finely minced. You’re aiming for a texture similar to pesto — vibrant green, slightly coarse, packed with fresh herb flavor that will become the lush sauce for your shrimp.
Step 3: Combine Shrimp with Sauce and Marinate
Transfer the green sauce to a medium bowl and add the shrimp along with the white wine, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Give everything a good toss to make sure the shrimp are fully coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for about 30 minutes to allow those bold flavors to marry and soak into the shrimp.
Step 4: Preheat Your Oven
While the shrimp is marinating, set your oven to a high temperature — specifically 500 degrees Fahrenheit. This high heat is important as it will roast the shrimp quickly, sealing in juices and caramelizing the sauce slightly for extra depth.
Step 5: Roast to Perfection
Lay the marinated shrimp and sauce out evenly on a foil-lined large baking sheet. Roast for 10 to 15 minutes until the shrimp turn pink and the sauce bubbles gently. This step finishes the cooking and brings everything together in a vibrant, aromatic burst.
How to Serve Spicy Shrimp with Green Parsley and Scallion Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
For garnishes, consider adding a few extra fresh parsley leaves or a sprinkle of thinly sliced scallions to enhance the dish visually and add another fresh pop. A wedge of lemon on the side is perfect for squeezing a bit of brightness over the shrimp right before eating.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs beautifully with simple, comforting sides such as steamed jasmine rice or quinoa to soak up every last bit of the sauce. Roasted vegetables or a crisp green salad also complement the spice and herbaceous notes well.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun presentation, serve the shrimp over toasted slices of crusty bread to make flavorful shrimp bruschetta. Alternatively, lay them atop a bed of creamy polenta or pasta tossed lightly in olive oil, letting the spicy shrimp sauce be the star of the plate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, place the shrimp and sauce together in an airtight container and refrigerate. They will keep well for up to two days, though the shrimp are best enjoyed fresh for optimal texture and flavor.
Freezing
Freezing is possible but not ideal because shrimp may become slightly rubbery after thawing. If you decide to freeze, make sure to do so in an airtight container, and use within one month for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the shrimp gently in a skillet over medium-low heat just until heated through to avoid overcooking. Adding a splash of olive oil or a drizzle of water can help keep the shrimp moist during reheating.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw them completely and pat dry before marinating so the sauce clings nicely, and the shrimp roast evenly.
How spicy is this dish?
The red pepper flakes add a moderate heat that you can easily adjust up or down depending on your taste — just add more or less to suit your spice preference.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this Spicy Shrimp with Green Parsley and Scallion Sauce Recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it a great choice for those with gluten sensitivities.
Can I prepare the sauce in advance?
You sure can! The green parsley and scallion sauce can be made a day ahead and refrigerated. Just combine with the shrimp right before marinating and cooking.
What if I don’t have white wine?
No worries at all. You can substitute with a little chicken broth, lemon juice, or even a mild vinegar like white wine vinegar diluted with water for acidity.
Final Thoughts
I wholeheartedly encourage you to try the Spicy Shrimp with Green Parsley and Scallion Sauce Recipe soon. It’s a simple yet exciting dish that transforms everyday shrimp into something truly special with just a handful of fresh ingredients and a little bit of love. Whether for a quick meal or entertaining, this recipe hits all the right notes every time.
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Spicy Shrimp with Green Parsley and Scallion Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-15 minutes
- Total Time: 40-45 minutes (includes marinating time)
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Seafood
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Description
This Spicy Shrimp with Green Sauce recipe features succulent shrimp marinated in a vibrant green sauce made from garlic, parsley, scallions, and olive oil, then roasted to perfection. The infusion of fresh herbs and a touch of red pepper flakes delivers a flavorful, slightly spicy dish that’s perfect for a quick and elegant meal.
Ingredients
Green Sauce
- 4–6 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 5–6 scallions, sliced
- 1 cup parsley
Shrimp
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Pinch of red pepper flakes
- 1/3 cup white wine
Instructions
- Prepare the green sauce: Combine minced garlic with olive oil in a food processor fitted with a steel blade and blend until smooth.
- Add herbs: Add parsley and scallions to the food processor and pulse just until the mixture is minced and resembles the consistency of a pesto.
- Marinate shrimp: Transfer the green sauce to a medium bowl and toss it with shrimp, white wine, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Mix well, cover, and refrigerate for about 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Preheat oven: Set your oven to 500 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for roasting the shrimp.
- Roast shrimp: Line a large baking sheet with foil and pour the shrimp mixture evenly on it. Roast for 10-15 minutes until the sauce is bubbly and the shrimp turn pink and are cooked through.
Notes
- Use fresh parsley and scallions for the best vibrant flavor.
- Make sure shrimp are evenly spread on the baking sheet for even cooking.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level.
- Serve immediately after roasting for optimal taste and texture.
- White wine adds acidity and complexity; you can substitute with dry vermouth if desired.
