Description
A vibrant and flavorful shrimp dish featuring succulent large shrimp sautéed with sweet cherry tomatoes, fresh garlic, and fragrant basil, all brought together with a splash of lemon juice and extra-virgin olive oil. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for a light dinner or impressive appetizer, garnished with optional grated Parmesan for a touch of richness.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 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 the shrimp: Begin by peeling and deveining the shrimp if not already done. Pat them dry with paper towels to ensure they sauté evenly.
- Sauté the garlic: Heat the extra-virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Cook the shrimp: Add the shrimp to the skillet. Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until the shrimp turn pink and are just cooked through.
- Add tomatoes and basil: Add the halved cherry tomatoes and chopped basil leaves to the skillet. Stir gently and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the tomatoes start to soften but still hold their shape.
- Finish with lemon juice: Squeeze the juice of one lemon over the shrimp and tomato mixture. Stir well to combine and heat through.
- Serve: Remove from heat and serve immediately. Optionally, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top for extra flavor and garnish.
Notes
- Use fresh shrimp for the best flavor and texture.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to your spice preference or omit for a milder dish.
- This dish pairs well with crusty bread, pasta, or a fresh green salad.
- For a gluten-free meal, ensure Parmesan cheese is gluten-free or omit.
- To save time, cherry tomatoes can be substituted with grape tomatoes or diced regular tomatoes.