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.
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
SUBSTITUTES
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