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To make Pan Seared Chimichurri Shrimp, gather these fresh ingredients: - 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped - 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped - 3 garlic cloves, minced - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste) - 1/4 cup red wine vinegar (or lemon juice for a non-alcoholic option) - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika - Zest of 1 lime - Juice of 1 lime If you lack some ingredients, don't worry! Here are easy swaps: - Shrimp: Use scallops or chicken if you need an alternative. - Olive oil: Can be replaced with avocado oil or grapeseed oil. - Red wine vinegar: Lemon juice or apple cider vinegar work well too. - Fresh herbs: You can try basil or oregano if you don’t have parsley or cilantro. - Red pepper flakes: Use fresh chili or omit for no spice. Choosing shrimp can be simple with a few tips: - Look for a clean scent: Fresh shrimp should smell like the ocean, not fishy. - Check color: The shells should be shiny and translucent, not dull. - Feel for firmness: Fresh shrimp should feel firm, not mushy. - Buy on ice: If possible, choose shrimp kept on ice for optimal freshness. For a full recipe, check the section above. To make chimichurri sauce, start with a bowl. Add 1 cup of finely chopped parsley. Then, add 1/2 cup of finely chopped cilantro. Next, include 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. If you like it spicy, feel free to add more flakes. Pour in 1/4 cup of red wine vinegar or lemon juice if you prefer. Add 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika for a nice flavor boost. Zest one lime and squeeze its juice into the mix. Stir everything well and season with salt and pepper. Let it sit for 15 minutes. This helps all the flavors blend nicely. Now let's prep the shrimp. Take 1 pound of large shrimp and pat them dry with paper towels. This step is important because dry shrimp sear better. In a separate bowl, drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the shrimp. Season them with salt, pepper, and a pinch of smoked paprika. Mix everything well so each shrimp gets coated. This will add great flavor when you cook them. It's time to sear the shrimp. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the pan is hot, add the shrimp in a single layer. Cook them for 2-3 minutes. You’ll know they are ready when they turn pink and start to char slightly. Use tongs to flip each shrimp carefully. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until they are fully cooked. Avoid overcrowding the pan; do this in batches if needed. Once done, remove the skillet from heat. Plate the shrimp beautifully and drizzle with chimichurri sauce. Serve extra sauce on the side for dipping. Enjoy this flavorful dish! When making pan seared chimichurri shrimp, some mistakes can ruin the dish. Here are a few to watch for: - Overcrowding the pan: If you add too many shrimp, they won't sear well. They will steam instead. Cook in batches for the best results. - Not drying the shrimp: Wet shrimp will not sear properly. Pat them dry with paper towels before seasoning. - Skipping the seasoning: Shrimp need flavor. Don’t be shy with salt, pepper, and paprika to enhance their taste. A perfect sear gives your shrimp a nice color and flavor. Here’s how to do it right: - Use high heat: Heat your skillet over medium-high. The pan must be hot before adding the shrimp. - Don’t move them: Once the shrimp hit the pan, let them cook. Moving them too soon will prevent a good sear. - Check for color: Look for a pink hue and slight char before flipping. This shows they are ready. Chimichurri is all about fresh flavors. Here are some tips to boost its taste: - Add more herbs: Try adding fresh oregano or basil for a twist on the classic flavor. - Use different acids: Swap red wine vinegar for lemon juice or lime juice for a brighter taste. - Adjust the heat: If you like spice, increase the red pepper flakes. For mild flavor, reduce them. For the full recipe, be sure to check out the complete guide. {{image_2}} You can switch shrimp for other proteins. Chicken, fish, or scallops work well too. Each protein brings its own taste and texture. For chicken, use thin slices to cook evenly. Fish like salmon or tilapia can soak in chimichurri flavor. Scallops sear nicely and add a sweet touch. Adjust the cooking time based on the protein you choose. Always aim for a golden crust for best results. Chimichurri sauce offers many ways to customize its flavor. You can play with the herbs, like adding oregano or basil. Want a kick? Toss in more red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño. For zest, try using orange or lemon juice instead of vinegar. Different oils can change the taste too. Avocado oil adds a smooth flavor that is lovely with seafood. Make it your own by mixing and matching these ingredients! This dish shines with simple sides. A light salad or roasted veggies complements the shrimp well. You can also serve it with rice or quinoa for a hearty meal. Consider pairing it with crusty bread for dipping in the chimichurri sauce. If you want a drink, a chilled white wine or sparkling water works great. These choices enhance the dish without overpowering it. For more great ideas, check the Full Recipe for inspiration! Store leftover shrimp in an airtight container. Place the shrimp in the fridge right after serving. They will stay fresh for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, freeze the shrimp. Just make sure they cool down before sealing. Use a freezer-safe bag for the best results. This way, the shrimp can last up to three months. Chimichurri can also be stored easily. Keep it in a jar or container with a tight lid. You can store it in the fridge for up to one week. If you want to save it longer, you can freeze chimichurri. Pour it into an ice cube tray and freeze. This way, you can use small amounts later as needed. To reheat shrimp, use a skillet over low heat. This helps keep them juicy. You can add a splash of water or broth to keep them moist. Avoid using the microwave as it can dry out the shrimp. For chimichurri, just bring it to room temperature before serving. This will help the flavors pop when you pour it over the shrimp. You can pair Pan Seared Chimichurri Shrimp with many sides. Here are some great options: - Rice: White or brown rice soaks up the sauce well. - Quinoa: It adds a nutty flavor and is very healthy. - Grilled Vegetables: Zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus balance the dish. - Salad: A fresh green salad with a light dressing complements the shrimp nicely. - Tortillas: Use them to make shrimp tacos with the chimichurri. These choices add color, texture, and flavor to your meal. They also help round out the dish for a satisfying dining experience. Yes, you can make chimichurri in advance. In fact, letting it sit for a while helps the flavors blend. Here are some tips to consider: - Refrigerate: Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. - Best Time: Aim to make it a few hours ahead. It can last up to a week. - Flavor Boost: If you make it a day before, the taste will be even better. Just remember to give it a good stir before using it on your shrimp. To tell if shrimp are fully cooked, look for these signs: - Color: They should turn pink all over. - Shape: Cooked shrimp curl into a C shape. - Texture: They should feel firm, not mushy. Cooking shrimp takes about 2-5 minutes, depending on size. If you follow the steps in the full recipe, you’ll get perfect shrimp every time! In this post, we explored how to make pan-seared chimichurri shrimp. You learned about choosing fresh shrimp and making a zesty chimichurri sauce. We also covered common mistakes and how to create a perfect sear. Remember, you can customize this dish with different proteins and flavors. By following these steps and tips, you’ll create a delicious meal. Enjoy making this dish and impressing your family and friends! Happy cooking!

Pan Seared Chimichurri Shrimp

Elevate your dinner with this delicious Pan Seared Chimichurri Shrimp recipe! In just 30 minutes, you can enjoy perfectly seared shrimp topped with a vibrant chimichurri sauce made from fresh herbs and zesty lime. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or impressing guests. Dive into the steps and create a flavorful dish that’s sure to satisfy. Click to explore the full recipe and make your taste buds dance!
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Ingredients
  

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined

2 tablespoons olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

1 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped

1/2 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped

3 garlic cloves, minced

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

1/4 cup red wine vinegar (or lemon juice for a non-alcoholic option)

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

Zest of 1 lime

Juice of 1 lime

Instructions
 

Prepare the Chimichurri Sauce: In a bowl, combine the chopped parsley, cilantro, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, red wine vinegar (or lemon juice), smoked paprika, lime zest, and lime juice. Stir well and season with salt and pepper to taste. Allow the flavors to meld by letting it sit for 15 minutes.

    Prep the Shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. In a separate bowl, drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of smoked paprika. Mix until well-coated.

      Sear the Shrimp: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned shrimp in a single layer. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on one side until they turn pink and begin to char slightly.

        Flip the Shrimp: Carefully flip each shrimp using tongs and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes on the other side until fully cooked through. Avoid overcrowding the pan; you may need to do this in batches.

          Combine and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat and plate the shrimp. Drizzle a generous amount of chimichurri sauce over the top and serve extra on the side for dipping.

            Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

              - Presentation Tips: Serve the shrimp on a large platter garnished with lime wedges for a fresh touch. Complement with a side of rice or grilled vegetables for an inviting meal.