Shrimp in Tomato Sauce (Tomato Butter Shrimp)
Juicy seared shrimp tossed in a glossy tomato butter sauce is unlike any shrimp recipe you’ve had before!
Shrimp in Tomato Sauce is the perfect low effort, high reward dish! This easy shrimp recipe is made with pantry staples, is super versatile and can be had as an appetiser or a main dish!
Once you try this simple yet incredibly delicious shrimp recipe, you will make it over and over again!
How Long to Cook Shrimp
The cooking time for shrimp can vary depending on their size. Here are some general guidelines for cooking medium, large, and jumbo shrimp:
- Medium Shrimp: Sautéing or searing medium shrimp may take 2-3 minutes per side
- Large Shrimp: Sautéing or searing large shrimp may take about 3-4 minutes per side
- Jumbo Shrimp: Sautéing or searing jumbo shrimp could take around 4-5 minutes per side
Shrimp in Tomato Sauce Recipe
Here is an overview of all the ingredients and steps to make shrimp in tomato sauce. Refer to the recipe card below for details
Ingredients
- Shrimp: Large or jumbo, peeled and deveined raw shrimp. Fresh or frozen works
- Tomato paste: tomato paste or tomato concentrate is ideal. Tomato puree can also be used
- Garlic: Finely minced fresh garlic. Add more or less as per preference
- Paprika: Paprika is used for the bright red color without adding much heat. Sweet, smoked or regular paprika works
- Red chilli flakes: Add as per your spice tolerance
- Butter: Salted or unsalted works. Use cold butter to thicken the sauce and prevent it from burning.
- Oil: Neutral cooking oil like sunflower oil or canola oil
- Herbs: Parsley/cilantro/coriander or any preferred herb
- Salt & Pepper: As needed
How to Make Shrimp in Tomato Sauce
- Clean shrimp: Peel and devein shrimp if the shells are on. Thaw if frozen. Clean with cold water and pat dry
- Prep ingredients: Mince garlic and finely chop parsley or cilantro for garnish
- Marinade: Marinade shrimp with salt, chilli flakes and paprika for 15 minutes
- Sear the shrimp: Add shrimp to a hot pan in a single layer (without overcrowding). Fry for 1 minute per side (or longer depending on the size). We will finish cooking it in the sauce
- Make the sauce: Set flame to low, add butter, minced garlic, tomato paste and chilli flakes. Cook gently until the tomato paste turns deep red and aromatic
- Finish cooking shrimp: Add the seared shrimp back to sauce and toss until cooked through
- Garnish: Add a generous amount of fresh parsley or cilantro
- Serving: Serve with rice, salad, bread or pasta
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Substitutes
No paprika?
Use mild chilli powder
No red chilli flakes?
Use spicy chilli powder or cayenne
No fresh parsley or cilantro?
Add 1 tsp dried herbs of your choice to the tomato butter sauce
Shrimp in Tomato Sauce (Tomato Butter Shrimp)
Shrimp in Tomato Sauce is the perfect low effort, high reward dish! This super easy shrimp recipe is made with pantry staples and is ready in just 25-minutes. Serve as an appetiser or as a part of your main course.
Servings : 3
INGREDIENTS
- 1 lb/450g shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 3 tbsp tomato paste (OR 1/2 cup fresh tomato purée)
- 3 garlic cloves
- 3 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp paprika (sweet)
- 1 tsp chilli flakes (divided)
- 1 tbsp cooking oil
- parsley/cilantro (as needed)
- salt (as needed)
INSTRUCTIONS
PREP
- Remove the shells and devein the shrimp if necessary. Thaw if using frozen shrimp. Rinse and pat dry with paper towels or it might splatter oil
- Marinate 1 lb/450g shrimp in 1 tsp paprika, 1/2 tsp chilli flakes, 1/4 tsp salt and set aside for 15 minutes. Skip salt if using salted butter
- Mince 3 cloves of garlic. Finely chop parsley/cilantro/coriander for garnish
- Set aside 3 tbsp tomato paste or 1/2 cup tomato purée. Tomato paste cooks fast and is the preferred option. Tomato purée can also be used but needs to be cooked down properly
COOKING
- Heat 1 tsp oil and 1 tbsp butter in a wide pan. The oil prevents butter from burning
- Set flame to medium and sear shrimp for 1 minute per side. Don't overcrowd the pan or they won't sear well. Cook in batches and set aside
- Set flame to low, add 2 tbsp butter, minced garlic, tomato paste (or purée) & 1/2 tsp chilli flakes
- Add a pinch of salt if using unsalted butter. Cook gently until the tomato paste turns deep red and aromatic. If using tomato purée, cook until the oil separates
- Add the seared shrimp and its juices. Stir and cook until its done (2-4 mins depending on the size)
- Switch off the flame. Garnish with parsley or cilantro/coriander leaves
- Serve with rice, bread, pasta or a light salad
NOTES
TIPS
- Shrimp tends to be salty on its own so be careful while adding salt
- Use unsalted butter if possible to prevent the dish from getting too salty
- In case the dish ends up being salty, add 1/2 tsp sugar or honey to the tomato butter sauce
- Skip or add chilli flakes depending on spice tolerance
- Paprika: 1/2 tsp chilli powder+1/2 tsp sugar
- Chilli flakes: Can be skipped
- Fresh parsley or cilantro: Add 1 tsp dried herbs of your choice to the tomato butter sauce
NUTRITION (per serving)
Calories: 312kcalCarbohydrates: 4.6gProtein: 32.8gFat: 17.9gSaturated Fat: 8.4gCholesterol: 325mgSodium: 826mgPotassium: 488mgFiber: 1.1gSugar: 2.1gCalcium: 80mgIron: 6mg
Nutrition Facts
Shrimp in Tomato Sauce (Tomato Butter Shrimp)
Amount per Serving
Calories
312
% Daily Value*
Fat
17.9
g
28
%
Saturated Fat
8.4
g
53
%
Cholesterol
325
mg
108
%
Sodium
826
mg
36
%
Potassium
488
mg
14
%
Carbohydrates
4.6
g
2
%
Fiber
1.1
g
5
%
Sugar
2.1
g
2
%
Protein
32.8
g
66
%
Calcium
80
mg
8
%
Iron
6
mg
33
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
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