Mediterranean Shrimp Recipe: A Flavorful Journey to the Shores of the Mediterranean

The Mediterranean diet is renowned for its health benefits and delicious flavors. This recipe brings the vibrant tastes of the Mediterranean to your kitchen with a simple yet stunning Mediterranean Shrimp dish. Get ready for a culinary adventure that's both healthy and incredibly satisfying!

Ingredients You'll Need:

This recipe is designed to serve 2-4 people. You can easily adjust the quantities based on your needs.

• Shrimp: 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined. (Look for sustainable options!)
• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil. The foundation of Mediterranean cooking!
• Garlic: 4 cloves garlic, minced. A little garlic goes a long way in enhancing the flavor.
• Lemon: 1 large lemon, zested and juiced. Bright citrus notes are key.
• White Wine: ½ cup dry white wine (optional, but adds depth).
• Cherry Tomatoes: 1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes, halved. Adds sweetness and color.
• Kalamata Olives: ½ cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved. A salty, briny counterpoint.
• Red Onion: ½ small red onion, thinly sliced. Adds a touch of sharpness.
• Fresh Herbs: 2 tablespoons chopped fresh herbs (oregano, basil, parsley – or a mix!). Fresh herbs are essential for authentic Mediterranean flavor.
• Salt and Pepper: To taste. Season generously!
• Optional: A pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.

Instructions: A Step-by-Step Guide

This recipe is quick and easy, perfect for a weeknight meal.

1. Prep Your Ingredients: Begin by prepping all your ingredients. Mince the garlic, zest and juice the lemon, halve the tomatoes and olives, and slice the red onion. This makes the cooking process much smoother.

2. Sauté the Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red onion and sauté for about 2-3 minutes, until softened but not browned.

3. Add the Shrimp: Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until they turn pink and opaque. Don't overcrowd the pan; you may need to cook in batches.

4. Deglaze the Pan (Optional): If using white wine, add it to the skillet and let it simmer for a minute or two, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. This adds a lot of flavor!

5. Incorporate the Flavors: Stir in the halved cherry tomatoes, Kalamata olives, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, until the tomatoes are slightly softened.

6. Season and Garnish: Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir in the fresh herbs.

7. Serve and Enjoy: Serve immediately over pasta, rice, quinoa, or couscous. Garnish with extra fresh herbs and a lemon wedge, if desired.

Tips for Success:

• Don't overcook the shrimp: Overcooked shrimp will be tough and rubbery. Cook them just until they turn pink and opaque.
• Use high-quality ingredients: The better the ingredients, the better the dish will taste. Look for fresh, high-quality shrimp, olive oil, and herbs.
• Adjust the seasonings to your taste: Feel free to adjust the amount of garlic, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to your liking.
• Get creative with your herbs: Experiment with different combinations of fresh herbs to find your favorite flavor profile.

This Mediterranean Shrimp recipe is a healthy, flavorful, and incredibly versatile dish. Enjoy your culinary journey! #MediterraneanShrimp #ShrimpRecipe #HealthyRecipe #EasyRecipe #DinnerIdeas