Get ready to embark on a culinary journey that will transport you straight to the sun-drenched coastlines of Portugal with this mouthwatering Portuguese Style Spicy Shrimp recipe! In just 25 minutes, you'll create a dish so tantalizing, it'll make your dinner guests think you've been secretly trained by a master Portuguese chef. Imagine succulent shrimp dancing in a pool of garlic-infused, pepper-flecked olive oil, each bite promising a perfect balance of heat, zest, and pure seafood bliss.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Portuguese
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 lemon, juiced
- Salt to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Peel and devein the shrimp if not already done. Mince the garlic and set it aside. Juice the lemon and have it ready for later use. Chop some fresh parsley for garnish.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Allow the oil to warm for about 1-2 minutes, ensuring it is hot but not smoking.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 1 minute, stirring frequently to prevent the garlic from burning. You want the garlic to become fragrant and lightly golden.
- Once the garlic is ready, add the red pepper flakes to the skillet. Stir them into the oil and garlic mixture, allowing the spices to infuse the oil for about 30 seconds.
- Next, add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet. Season the shrimp with salt to taste. Cook the shrimp for about 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook them.
- Once the shrimp are cooked, pour in the lemon juice, stirring to combine. Allow the mixture to simmer for an additional 1-2 minutes to meld the flavors together.
- Remove the skillet from heat and transfer the spicy shrimp to a serving dish. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and flavor.
- Serve the Portuguese Style Spicy Shrimp immediately, ideally with crusty bread or over a bed of rice to soak up the delicious sauce.
Tips
- Choose Fresh Shrimp: For the best results, use fresh, high-quality shrimp. Look for shrimp that smells clean and ocean-like, with a firm texture.
- Don't Overcook: Shrimp cook quickly! Watch for the color change from translucent to pink and opaque. Overcooked shrimp become tough and rubbery.
- Adjust Spice Level: Control the heat by increasing or decreasing the red pepper flakes. Start conservatively and add more if you like it spicier.
- Garlic is Key: Use fresh garlic and don't let it burn. Lightly golden is perfect for releasing maximum flavor without bitterness.
- Serve Immediately: This dish is best enjoyed hot, right out of the pan. Pair with crusty bread or rice to soak up the delicious, spicy sauce.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 220kcal
Carbohydrates: 2g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 180mg
