Mediterranean Shrimp In Herbed Tomato Sauce

Mediterranean Shrimp in Herbed Tomato Sauce

This Mediterranean Shrimp in Herbed Tomato Sauce is a rich, hearty, and flavor-forward meal that brings the taste of the Mediterranean straight to your plate! Succulent shrimp are simmered in a aromatic tomato sauce infused with garlic, herbs, olives, and a hint of chili for a meal that’s both comforting and elegant — perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special weekend meal. Serve it over pasta, rice, or with a side of warm, crusty bread to soak up all the wonderful sauce.

Time:

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

1 lb (450g) large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined

2tbsp olive oil

1 medium yellow onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 (14.5oz/410g) can diced tomatoes

1/4 cup kalamata olives, pitted and halved

1/2 cup white wine (optional)

1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (such as thyme, rosemary, or oregano)

Salt and black pepper, to taste

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to your preferred spice)

1/4 cup chopped fresh basil or parsley

Lemon wedges, for serving (optional)

Instructions:

Saute the base: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until aromatic.

Add the tomato mixture: Pour in diced tomatoes, olives, and white wine (if using). Season with dried herbs, red pepper flakes, and a pinch of salt and black pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 10 minutes to blend the flavors.

Cook the shrimp: Season the shrimp with a little additional salt and pepper. Add them to the skillet and cook for 4–5 minutes, turning once, until the shrimp are opaque and pink.

Serve: Sprinkle chopped basil or parsley over the finished dish. Serve warm with rice, pasta, or a side of bread. Provide lemon wedges for a fresh squeeze of juice if preferred.

Tips:

Don’t overcook the shrimp:
Shrimp cook quickly — usually in 4–5 minutes — and can become tough if overcooked. Keep a close eye on them.

Adjust the spice:
If you prefer it milder, omit or reduce the red pepper flakes. If you want more kick, add a bit more.

Add depth of flavor:
Consider adding a small pinch of saffron, a dash of smoked paprika, or a few anchovy fillets for additional complexity.

Serve with your favorite side:
Pair this with spaghetti, orzo, quinoa, or even a thick slice of artisan bread to soak up the sauce.

Variations:

Mediterranean Seafood Mix:

Add other seafood, such as mussels, clams, or calamari, alongside the shrimp for a hearty seafood stew.

Add veggies:
Consider adding diced zucchini, artichokes, or diced bell peppers to make it a complete meal in a single skillet.

Make it creamy:
For a creamy variation, add 1/4 cup heavy cream or coconut cream toward the last few minutes of cooking.

Swap the protein:
If you’re not a shrimp fan, substitute with chicken, scallops, or even firm tofu.

Q&A:

Q: Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes — just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before adding them to the skillet.

Q: How long can I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2–3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.