Dreamy Garlic Shrimp in Tomato Sauce Recipe

Irresistibly Creamy Garlic Shrimp in Tomato Sauce You’ll Crave

Succulent shrimp swimming in a vibrant tomato sauce are the star of this mouthwatering dish.

Known for its roots in Mediterranean and Latin American kitchens, this seafood recipe boasts rich, aromatic flavors that excite the senses.

The tender shrimp paired with a robust sauce creates a perfect blend of textures and tastes that many food lovers enjoy.

Garlic is key to enhancing the overall flavor, adding its unique and bold essence to the mix.

Both kitchen novices and seasoned experts love how simple yet versatile this classic recipe is.

This delightful meal can turn any ordinary dinner into an exceptional dining experience for seafood fans.

Why Garlic Shrimp In Tomato Sauce Packs A Punch

  • Quick Weeknight Lifesaver: Whip up this delicious garlic shrimp dish in just 15 minutes, perfect for busy evenings when you want a gourmet meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
  • Health-Conscious Delight: Packed with lean protein from shrimp and loaded with fresh tomatoes, this recipe offers a nutritious option that doesn't compromise on flavor or satisfaction.
  • Minimal Ingredient Magic: Create a restaurant-worthy meal with just a handful of simple ingredients, making it ideal for home cooks who want maximum taste with minimal complexity.
  • Versatile Serving Options: Easily adapt this dish to different dietary preferences by pairing with cauliflower rice, zucchini noodles, or crusty bread, ensuring everyone at the table can enjoy a personalized meal.

What You’ll Need For Garlic Shrimp In Tomato Sauce

Main Proteins:
  • Shrimp: Sweet ocean protein that cooks quickly and absorbs flavors beautifully. Wild-caught or farm-raised work great. Fresh or frozen options are available.
Sauce Base:
  • Tomatoes: Fresh foundation for creating a light, tangy sauce. Roma or vine-ripened tomatoes provide the best flavor and texture.
Aromatics and Herbs:
  • Garlic, Fresh Dill: Classic flavor boosters that add depth and brightness. Fresh garlic offers more intense taste than pre-chopped. Dill provides a delicate, slightly tangy herb note.
Cooking Mediums:
  • Olive Oil: Essential for sautéing and adding rich, smooth flavor. Extra virgin olive oil recommended for best taste. Use high-quality cold-pressed varieties.

How To Cook Garlic Shrimp In Tomato Sauce

How To Cook Garlic Shrimp In Tomato Sauce

Step 1: Crush Tomatoes Into Silky Sauce

Heat olive oil in a non-stick pan over medium heat. Drop chopped tomatoes into the pan and cover with a lid. Let them simmer gently, breaking down into a luscious sauce for 4-5 minutes. The tomatoes will soften and transform into a rich, fragrant base.

Step 2: Drop Succulent Shrimp

Carefully slide shrimp into the bubbling tomato sauce. Allow them to dance and cook for 4-5 minutes, watching as they turn from translucent to a beautiful pink color. The shrimp will absorb the tomato’s deep, tangy flavors.

Step 3: Infuse With Aromatic Flavors

Sprinkle in these delightful ingredients:
  • Fresh garlic
  • Chopped dill
  • Remaining olive oil

Stir everything together, letting the herbs and oils mingle and create a mouth-watering aroma that will make your kitchen smell incredible.

Step 4: Serve With Delicious Companions

Plate your shrimp immediately while hot and steaming. Pair with your favorite side dishes such as:
  • Cauliflower rice
  • Zucchini noodles
  • Crusty artisan bread

Helpful Notes For Garlic Shrimp In Tomato Sauce

  • Tomato Selection Matters: Choose ripe, firm tomatoes for the best sauce consistency and rich flavor. Roma or vine-ripened tomatoes work perfectly.
  • Prevent Rubbery Shrimp: Cook shrimp just until they turn pink to avoid overcooking, which makes them tough and chewy. Remove from heat immediately when they're opaque.
  • Boost Flavor Intensity: Crush garlic instead of chopping to release more aromatic oils and create a deeper, more robust taste profile.
  • Low-Carb Adaptation: Swap bread with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a keto-friendly version that keeps the dish light and nutritious.
  • Fresh Herb Enhancement: Use fresh dill right before serving to maintain its bright, delicate flavor and preserve its nutritional benefits.

How To Store And Reheat Garlic Shrimp In Tomato Sauce

  • Refrigerate: Store leftover garlic shrimp in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
  • Microwave Reheating: Warm the shrimp on medium power for 30-45 seconds, stirring halfway through to distribute heat evenly and prevent overcooking.
  • Stovetop Reheating: Gently reheat the shrimp in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or olive oil to maintain moisture and prevent dryness.
  • Consume Quickly: Discard any leftovers that have been stored for more than 2 days to ensure food safety and prevent potential bacterial growth.

Perfect Pairings With Garlic Shrimp In Tomato Sauce

  • Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a zesty Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio that cuts through the rich tomato sauce and complements the delicate shrimp flavor.
  • Enhance with Fresh Herb Bread: Serve warm, crusty sourdough or garlic bread to soak up the flavorful tomato sauce and provide a delightful textural contrast.
  • Match with Bright Mediterranean Salad: Create a light Greek-style salad with cucumber, feta, olives, and a lemon vinaigrette to balance the warm, garlicky shrimp dish.
  • Complement with Herbal Garnish: Sprinkle fresh dill or parsley on top to add a bright, aromatic finish that elevates the overall taste profile of the dish.

Tasty Twists On Garlic Shrimp In Tomato Sauce

  • Low-Carb Seafood Delight: Replace tomatoes with roasted bell peppers and use cauliflower rice as a base for a keto-friendly version that keeps the protein high and carbs low.
  • Vegetarian Protein Swap: Substitute shrimp with firm tofu or tempeh, maintaining the garlic and tomato sauce for a plant-based alternative that delivers rich flavors.
  • Spicy Mediterranean Remix: Add red pepper flakes and swap dill for fresh oregano to create a zesty Mediterranean-style dish with a kick of heat.
  • Dairy-Free Mediterranean Bowl: Use coconut oil instead of olive oil and serve over quinoa for an allergen-friendly meal that preserves the original recipe's essence.

FAQs For Garlic Shrimp In Tomato Sauce

  • Is this dish spicy?

The recipe does not include any inherently spicy ingredients, but you can add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper if you want heat.

  • Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, just thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking to ensure they cook evenly and don’t release excess water.

  • What type of tomatoes work best?

Roma or plum tomatoes are ideal because they have fewer seeds and a richer, more concentrated flavor for the sauce.

  • How do I know when the shrimp are fully cooked?

Shrimp are done when they turn pink and opaque, and form a loose “C” shape – if they curl into a tight “O” shape, they are overcooked.

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Dreamy Garlic Shrimp in Tomato Sauce Recipe

Dreamy Garlic Shrimp in Tomato Sauce Recipe


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4.5 from 23 reviews

  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Mediterranean magic unfolds with Garlic Shrimp in Tomato Sauce, a sizzling Spanish-inspired dish that dances with rich, tangy flavors. Succulent shrimp nestled in a robust tomato embrace promise a quick, elegant meal perfect for weeknight dinners or romantic evenings.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 1 pound (454 grams) large shrimp, peeled and deveined

Vegetables and Aromatics:

  • 4 tomatoes, chopped
  • 5 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 bunch fresh dill, chopped

Cooking Liquid:

  • 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil

Instructions

  1. Transform ripe tomatoes into a luscious sauce by gently warming olive oil in a non-stick skillet, then introducing chopped tomatoes and allowing them to slowly dissolve and meld together under a protective lid.
  2. Once the tomato mixture reaches a soft, saucy consistency, carefully introduce the shrimp, letting them nestle into the vibrant base and cook until they transform from translucent to a delicate pink hue.
  3. Elevate the dish’s aromatic profile by incorporating freshly minced garlic and delicate sprigs of dill, drizzling the remaining olive oil to create a harmonious blend of flavors that will tantalize the palate.
  4. Plate the garlic-infused shrimp immediately, presenting them as a standalone dish or accompanied by complementary sides like cauliflower rice, spiralized zucchini noodles, or a rustic slice of crusty artisan bread to soak up the rich, fragrant sauce.

Notes

  • Customize sauce thickness by mashing tomatoes more or adding a splash of water for a lighter consistency.
  • Opt for fresh, high-quality shrimp to enhance the overall flavor and texture of the dish.
  • Swap shrimp with chicken or tofu for a versatile protein alternative that works with different dietary preferences.
  • Reduce cooking time for more tender shrimp by avoiding overcooking, which can make them tough and rubbery.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 250
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8.5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 15 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 28 g
  • Cholesterol: 200 mg
Sophia Rivera

Sophia Rivera

Recipe Developer & Kitchen Tips Specialist

Expertise

  • Baking and Pastry Arts
  • Seasonal and Local Ingredient Utilization
  • Dessert Menu Planning
  • Culinary Event Coordination

Education

Austin Community College

  • Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Baking and Pastry Arts
  • Focus: Techniques in baking, pastry creation, and dessert presentation.

San Antonio Culinary Institute

  • Program: Diploma in Farm-to-Table Culinary Practices
  • Focus: Emphasis on utilizing locally sourced ingredients and understanding seasonal flavors.

Sophia’s passion for baking began in her family kitchen, where she spent hours experimenting with new recipes. With a background in baking and pastry arts, she loves making desserts that are as visually stunning as they are delicious. 

Sophia is all about using seasonal, locally sourced ingredients to create treats that everyone will enjoy. When she’s not creating mouth-watering desserts, you can find her gardening, making new recipes, or enjoying a relaxing afternoon with her family.

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