Shrimp with Chimichurri Sauce, a delightful dish that’s perfect for any occasion, brings the zest of Argentinian cuisine straight to your table. Combining tender shrimp with the bold and herbaceous flavors of chimichurri, this recipe offers an easy yet impressive way to enjoy shrimp. Whether you’re planning a special dinner or looking to spice up your usual weeknight meal, this Chimichurri Shrimp recipe is a fantastic choice. In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into the ingredients, preparation, and some fun variations for this Argentinian-inspired dish.
What is Chimichurri?
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s understand what chimichurri is and why it makes this shrimp dish so special. Chimichurri is a vibrant, tangy, and herbaceous sauce hailing from Argentina. It’s traditionally made with parsley, garlic, vinegar, olive oil, oregano, and red pepper flakes. This sauce is versatile and can be paired with grilled meats, fish, and even vegetables. The bold flavors of chimichurri complement shrimp exceptionally well, creating a dish that is bursting with freshness and spice.
Why Choose Chimichurri Shrimp?
Chimichurri Shrimp brings together the best of both worlds: the natural sweetness and tender texture of shrimp, combined with the zesty and fragrant chimichurri sauce. This dish is not only flavorful but also incredibly healthy. Shrimp is low in calories and rich in protein, while chimichurri is packed with fresh herbs and olive oil, both of which are known for their health benefits. It’s the perfect addition to any pescatarian meal plan or a casual gathering with friends and family.
Chimichurri Shrimp is also a fantastic option for those looking to try a surf and turf dish without the heaviness of red meat. For a complete surf and turf shrimp experience, you can pair this dish with grilled steak or another seafood option like fish or prawns, which makes it even more versatile.
Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s get into the recipe.
Ingredients for Chimichurri Shrimp
The beauty of Chimichurri Shrimp lies in its simplicity. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a flavorful dish that’s both fresh and satisfying.
For the Shrimp:
- 1 pound (450g) of large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- Sal e pimenta a gosto
- Juice of 1 lemon
For the Chimichurri Sauce:
- 1 cup of fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons of red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 cup of olive oil
- Sal e pimenta a gosto
Instruções
Step 1: Prepare the Chimichurri Sauce
- In a medium bowl, combine the chopped parsley, minced garlic, red wine vinegar, oregano, and red pepper flakes.
- Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while stirring continuously to combine the ingredients.
- Season the chimichurri sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the vinegar or oil depending on whether you prefer a more tangy or oil-rich sauce.
- Set the chimichurri sauce aside to allow the flavors to meld while you prepare the shrimp.
Step 2: Prepare the Shrimp
- In a large bowl, toss the shrimp with olive oil, salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Let it marinate for about 10-15 minutes.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the shrimp. Cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as they can become rubbery.
- Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the skillet and place them on a serving dish.
Step 3: Combine Shrimp with Chimichurri Sauce
- Pour the chimichurri sauce over the cooked shrimp. Gently toss to coat the shrimp in the sauce, ensuring each piece is well-covered in the fragrant mixture.
- Serve the shrimp immediately with additional chimichurri sauce on the side for dipping.
Servindo Sugestões
Chimichurri Shrimp pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes. Here are some ideas:
- Grilled Vegetables: Grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus complement the flavors of the shrimp and chimichurri sauce perfectly.
- Rice or Quinoa: A light, fluffy rice or quinoa can help balance out the acidity of the chimichurri sauce and serve as a great base for the shrimp.
- Salad: A fresh salad with mixed greens, avocado, and a light vinaigrette would be a refreshing addition to this dish.
- Garlic Bread: Para um more indulgent side, consider serving this with some crispy garlic bread to soak up the extra chimichurri sauce.
Variations on Chimichurri Shrimp
While the traditional Chimichurri Shrimp recipe is already a crowd-pleaser, there are many variations you can try to add your personal touch to this dish.
Chimichurri Prawns Recipe
If you’re a fan of prawns, you can easily substitute shrimp for prawns in this recipe. Prawns are slightly larger than shrimp and offer a similar texture, making them a perfect substitute. Just ensure you adjust the cooking time slightly as prawns may take a bit longer to cook than smaller shrimp.
Chimichurri Fish
For a lighter twist, you can use chimichurri sauce to accompany other types of seafood, such as fish. Grilled or pan-seared fish fillets like tilapia, snapper, or cod would pair beautifully with chimichurri sauce. The tanginess of the sauce enhances the delicate flavors of the fish, making it a perfect dish for a pescatarian meal plan.
Surf and Turf Shrimp
If you’re looking to elevate your meal further, consider pairing your Chimichurri Shrimp with a juicy steak for a delicious surf and turf experience. Grilled or pan-seared steaks complement the fresh, herbal chimichurri sauce perfectly. The combination of shrimp and steak will take this dish to a whole new level of indulgence.
Chimichurri Shrimp on the Grill
If you love cooking outdoors, grilling your shrimp adds a smoky depth of flavor that pairs wonderfully with the freshness of the chimichurri sauce. Simply skewer your shrimp and grill them for 2-3 minutes per side, then drizzle with chimichurri sauce for a smoky, tangy treat.
Argentinian Shrimp Recipe with a Kick
If you’re someone who loves heat, you can amp up the heat of your chimichurri sauce by adding extra red pepper flakes or even some fresh chopped chili peppers. This variation gives your Chimichurri Shrimp a spicy kick that will satisfy heat lovers.
Health Benefits of Chimichurri Shrimp
Chimichurri Shrimp is not only delicious but also packed with health benefits. Shrimp is an excellent source of lean protein, making it an ideal choice for those looking to maintain or build muscle mass. It’s also low in fat and contains essential nutrients like selenium, iodine, and vitamin B12.
The chimichurri sauce itself is made with heart-healthy olive oil and fresh herbs, which are known for their antioxidant properties. Parsley, in particular, is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, which contribute to overall health and well-being. The addition of garlic and red pepper flakes also offers anti-inflammatory benefits.
This dish is perfect for those following a pescatarian meal plan, as it provides a healthy dose of protein from shrimp while incorporating fresh, nutrient-rich herbs.
Chimichurri Shrimp: An Argentinian Favorite
Chimichurri Shrimp isn’t just a meal; it’s a glimpse into the rich culinary traditions of Argentina. Chimichurri, as a sauce, is a beloved staple in Argentinian cuisine, traditionally served with grilled meats like steak, sausages, and chicken. By pairing it with shrimp, this recipe gives a modern twist to a traditional Argentinian favorite, making it suitable for various tastes and dietary preferences.
Whether you’re looking to create an Argentinian-inspired meal for a special occasion or seeking a new favorite shrimp recipe to add to your weekly rotation, Chimichurri Shrimp offers a perfect balance of bold flavors and fresh ingredients.
Conclusão
Chimichurri Shrimp is a vibrant and flavorful dish that brings the best of Argentinian cuisine to your plate. With its easy preparation, bold flavors, and healthy ingredients, this recipe is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it as part of a larger surf and turf shrimp meal or as a simple, light dinner, Chimichurri Shrimp is sure to impress.
Try this recipe today and experience the bright and herbaceous flavors of Argentina in your own kitchen.
Portuguese 
English 
French 
Spanish