Spicy Garlic Sun-Dried Tomato Shrimp: Your New Favorite 10-Minute Meal
Life gets busy, and sometimes, even the thought of facing a kitchen full of dishes can be daunting. But then, a truly special recipe comes along, one that’s so incredibly delicious and ridiculously easy, it makes you forget all about the chores. This Spicy Garlic Sun-Dried Tomato Shrimp is exactly that kind of recipe. It wasn’t just a meal; it was a revelation that brought an explosion of flavor right when I needed it most.
How much more flavor could a simple shrimp dish possibly hold? As it turns out, an astonishing amount! This recipe is nothing short of incredible. The moment you taste the perfect balance of zesty garlic, a subtle kick of spice, and the deep, concentrated sweetness of sun-dried tomatoes, you’ll understand. It’s a culinary masterpiece that comes together in mere minutes, proving that extraordinary meals don’t require hours of effort.
Why This Spicy Garlic Sun-Dried Tomato Shrimp Will Be Your Go-To
This dish offers serious flavor, whether you call them shrimp or prawns. It’s spicy, intensely garlicky, and perfectly balanced by the sweet, tangy notes of sun-dried tomatoes, complemented by the fresh burst of grape tomatoes. This combination creates a truly happy place for your palate. The best recipes are often those with minimal ingredients that cook in less than 10 minutes yet taste absolutely incredible. Do you agree? I’ll confidently answer ‘yes’ for us both!
Sun-dried tomatoes are an absolute favorite ingredient here, and for good reason. Their intense, concentrated flavor adds a depth that’s hard to replicate. You can see their star power in other beloved dishes on the blog:
- ⇒⇒ Creamy Sun Dried Tomato + Parmesan Chicken Zucchini Noodles
- ⇒⇒⇒ Sundried Tomato and Garlic Roast Lamb
- ⇒⇒ Sun Dried Tomato Cheesy Meatballs
If there’s a way to incorporate the rich, savory sweetness of sun-dried tomatoes into a recipe, I’m usually the first one to try it!
The Unexpected Inspiration for a Quick, Flavorful Meal
This fantastic recipe came to life on a day when I was truly avoiding my kitchen. A bag of shrimp was defrosting on the counter, next to the usual “sinks of death” overflowing with dishes. I wanted shrimp, but the thought of a complicated recipe with a million steps was enough to make me want to order takeout. It was then that this incredible recipe, one I’ve made countless times but never shared, popped into my head.
My apologies for not sharing it sooner! Sometimes, things just slip my mind, a side effect of “chemo brain” that can make remembering even the simplest things (like washing dishes, or adding a beloved recipe to the blog) a challenge. But now, it’s here, and I’m thrilled to finally share this gem with you.
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and speed. It all comes together in less than 10 minutes, primarily a matter of quickly frying the shrimp, stirring in the aromatic sauce, and then, of course, enjoying every bite. Beyond its speed, it’s incredibly versatile, pairing beautifully with almost anything you desire. From comforting rice and various pasta shapes to light zucchini noodles, steamed vegetables, or even a crispy piece of toast (no judgment here!). The key is to start with good quality, fresh shrimp if possible – it truly makes a difference.
Perfectly Cooked Shrimp: Crisp-Tender Every Time
When preparing this shrimp, my preferred method is to sear it in small batches. This ensures each piece gets a beautiful, crisp-tender texture, rather than simmering and becoming tough in a sauce. While simmering can still yield delicious results, searing guarantees that perfect bite every time. Don’t worry, no matter which method you choose, the flavors of this dish will still be absolutely amazing.
The Secret to Balanced Sweetness: Grape and Cherry Tomatoes
Another technique I adore in this recipe is using a combination of grape or cherry tomatoes alongside the sun-dried tomatoes. These fresh tomatoes add a subtle, natural sweetness and a pop of juicy freshness that beautifully complements the richer, more intense flavor of the sun-dried variety. It allows you to achieve that sweet-savory balance without relying solely on a whole jar of sun-dried tomatoes, creating a more dynamic and vibrant sauce.
Finishing Touches: Aromatic Basil
To truly elevate the dish, a generous garnish of fresh basil before serving is key. The aromatic, slightly peppery notes of basil perfectly complement and enhance the sun-dried tomato flavors, adding a final layer of freshness and complexity that ties everything together. It’s a simple step that makes a big impact on the overall experience.
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Spicy Garlic Sun Dried Tomato Shrimp
Ingredients
- 4 teaspoons sun dried tomato oil
- 1 pound uncooked shrimp large, prawns, peeled and deveined with tails on
- 1 tablespoon garlic minced or crushed
- 3 1/2 oz sun dried tomato strips in oil drained
- 1 cup grape tomatoes cherry tomatoes, halved
- 3/4 teaspoon salt or to taste
- 1 teaspoon red pepper adjust to your preference
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil chopped, or parsley
Instructions
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Heat 2 teaspoons of the reserved sun dried tomato oil in a large skillet or nonstick pan over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in small batches, frying each batch for 1-2 minutes each side until they are just cooked through. Do not over cook them, or they will be rubbery. (or if you prefer, fry them all at once). Remove each batch to a plate and once they’re cooked, and set aside.
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Heat the remaining 2 teaspoons of the reserved oil in the same skillet. Add the garlic and fry until fragrant (about 30 seconds). Add the sun dried tomatoes and grape / cherry tomatoes, salt and red pepper / chili flakes. Cook, stirring a few times, until tomatoes begin to soften (about 2-3 minutes).
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Return shrimp back into the skillet and heat through. Stir in basil (or parsley).
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Remove from heat and serve immediately over pasta, rice, cauliflower, rice, mashed potatoes, smashed potatoes or vegetables.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
