If you’re craving a dish that bursts with vibrant colors and fresh flavors, the Shrimp with Tomato and Basil Recipe is an absolute showstopper. This recipe combines succulent shrimp with juicy cherry tomatoes and fragrant basil, all brought together by a zesty splash of lemon and a hint of garlic. It’s light yet satisfying, perfect for a weeknight meal or impressing friends at a dinner party. Every bite delivers a delightful mix of sweet, tangy, and savory notes that will have you coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple but pack a ton of flavor into this dish. Each one plays an essential role to give the shrimp dish its juicy texture, fresh herbal aroma, and balanced seasoning.
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined: The star of the dish, shrimp cook quickly and soak up all the wonderful flavors.
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved: Adds a burst of sweetness and vibrant color that complements the shrimp perfectly.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Provides a rich, savory backbone to the sauce that enhances every bite.
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped: Fresh basil brings a bright, aromatic freshness that lifts the entire dish.
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil: The base for sautéing, it adds a smooth richness and helps meld the flavors.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning and balancing all the flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds just enough heat to keep the palate lively.
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): For a subtle kick that spicy food lovers will appreciate.
- Juice of 1 lemon: Brightens the dish with a refreshing tang that complements the shrimp.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving, optional): Adds a nutty, salty finish that’s utterly delicious.
How to Make Shrimp with Tomato and Basil Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by peeling and deveining the shrimp if not already done. Halve the cherry tomatoes, mince the garlic, and chop the fresh basil leaves. This prep work ensures you can move quickly when cooking to keep the shrimp tender and juicy.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic and Tomatoes
Heat the extra-virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned—this infuses the oil with wonderful flavor. Toss in the cherry tomatoes, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Cook until the tomatoes begin to soften and release their juices, about 5 minutes.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on one side until they begin to turn pink and opaque, then flip them over. Continue cooking for another 1-2 minutes until fully cooked but still tender. Be careful not to overcook shrimp to maintain that perfect juicy texture.
Step 4: Add Basil and Lemon
Turn off the heat and gently stir in the chopped fresh basil and the juice of one lemon. This step brightens the dish and adds a fragrant herbal finish. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
How to Serve Shrimp with Tomato and Basil Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the warm shrimp adds a deliciously savory touch. You can also add a few more fresh basil leaves on top for color and extra fragrance. A wedge of lemon on the side invites guests to add more citrus zing if they like.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with a fluffy bed of rice, crusty garlic bread, or a simple green salad. Each side complements the bright, fresh flavors of the shrimp with tomato and basil without overpowering it.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the shrimp over freshly cooked pasta tossed with olive oil for a quick seafood pasta. Alternatively, spoon it onto toasted baguette slices as an appetizer or layering it into tacos for a fun twist. The possibilities are endless with this flexible recipe!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place leftover shrimp with tomato and basil into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. The flavors meld even more after sitting, but be mindful that shrimp is best enjoyed fresh for optimal texture.
Freezing
While freezing is possible, it may alter the texture of the shrimp and tomatoes slightly. If you plan to freeze, store the dish in an airtight freezer-safe container and consume within one month for best quality.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the shrimp in a skillet over low heat to avoid overcooking. Microwaving is convenient but can toughen the shrimp quickly, so keep heating short and check frequently.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture in the pan.
Is this recipe spicy?
The recipe has a mild kick thanks to optional red pepper flakes. You can easily adjust the heat level by adding more or skipping them altogether.
What can I substitute for fresh basil if I don’t have any?
Fresh basil really shines here, but you can use fresh parsley or even a pinch of dried basil in a pinch. The flavor won’t be quite the same but still delicious.
Can I add other vegetables to this dish?
Definitely! Sliced bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach would all be great additions that cook quickly alongside the tomatoes and shrimp.
How long does it take to prepare this recipe?
It’s a super speedy recipe, typically ready in about 20 minutes from start to finish—perfect for busy weeknights when you want something fresh and flavorful fast.
Final Thoughts
I hope you feel inspired to try this Shrimp with Tomato and Basil Recipe soon because it’s just one of those recipes that makes dinner feel special without tons of fuss. The combination of juicy shrimp, sweet tomatoes, and fragrant basil is pure comfort on a plate. Once you’ve made it, it will quickly become a favorite go-to dish to brighten up your meal rotation.
Print
Delicious Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Description
This Shrimp with Tomato and Basil recipe is a vibrant, flavorful dish combining succulent shrimp, juicy cherry tomatoes, and fresh basil sautéed in olive oil and garlic. Finished with a splash of lemon juice and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, it’s a quick and easy meal perfect for any weeknight or special occasion, delivering a perfect balance of fresh Mediterranean flavors.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Vegetables
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
Seasoning and Finishing
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving, optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Peel and devein the shrimp if not already done. Halve the cherry tomatoes, mince the garlic, and chop the fresh basil leaves. Set aside.
- Heat Olive Oil and Sauté Garlic: In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the extra-virgin olive oil. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, stirring frequently until fragrant but not browned.
- Cook Shrimp: Add the shrimp to the skillet. Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes per side or until they turn pink and opaque.
- Add Tomatoes and Basil: Stir in the halved cherry tomatoes and chopped basil. Cook for 2-3 minutes until tomatoes begin to soften and release juices, stirring gently to combine all flavors.
- Finish with Lemon Juice: Remove the skillet from heat and squeeze the juice of one lemon over the shrimp and tomato mixture. Stir to combine.
- Serve: Transfer to serving plates and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- Using fresh, high-quality olive oil enhances the flavor of the dish.
- If you prefer less heat, omit the red pepper flakes.
- Serve with crusty bread or over pasta for a complete meal.
- You can substitute fresh basil with dried basil but reduce quantity to one tablespoon.
- Ensure shrimp are not overcooked for the best texture—pink and opaque is perfect.
