If you’re looking for a quick, delicious, and healthy meal that transports you straight to the Mediterranean, look no further than this Mediterranean Shrimp Sauté with Olive Oil, Garlic, Tomatoes, and Fresh Basil. This dish is a perfect blend of succulent shrimp, fragrant garlic, vibrant cherry tomatoes, and fresh basil, all brought together by a luscious drizzle of olive oil and a splash of lemon juice. Not only is it easy to prepare, but it’s also bursting with flavor and nutrition, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or a special occasion.
This recipe is a celebration of fresh, wholesome ingredients that are staples in Mediterranean cuisine. The combination of garlic and shrimp is universally loved, while the cherry tomatoes add a juicy sweetness that balances beautifully with the savory notes. Fresh basil adds a fragrant touch, making this dish not just a meal, but an experience. What’s more, it’s versatile enough to serve over pasta, rice, or simply with a crusty piece of bread to soak up all the delicious juices.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Mediterranean Shrimp Sauté with Olive Oil, Garlic, Tomatoes, and Fresh Basil is more than just a meal; it’s a love letter to the Mediterranean way of cooking. Here are a few reasons why this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen:
- Quick Preparation: With a cooking time of just under 20 minutes, this dish is perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something delicious but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen.
- Nutritious and Healthy: Packed with protein from the shrimp and vitamins from the tomatoes and basil, this dish is not only flavorful but also good for you.
- Versatile Serving Options: Serve it over pasta, quinoa, or rice, or enjoy it on its own with a side of crusty bread. It’s adaptable to your preferences and dietary needs.
- Minimal Cleanup: With just one skillet required, cleanup is a breeze, making this dish as convenient as it is delicious.
- Impressive Presentation: The vibrant colors of the shrimp, tomatoes, and basil make for a stunning dish that looks as good as it tastes, perfect for impressing guests.
Why You Should Try This Recipe
There are countless reasons to give this Mediterranean Shrimp Sauté with Olive Oil, Garlic, Tomatoes, and Fresh Basil a try. Here are a few compelling points:
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of garlic, olive oil, and fresh ingredients creates a flavor profile that is rich and satisfying. The sweet cherry tomatoes caramelize slightly during cooking, enhancing their natural sweetness and adding depth to the dish.
- Culinary Adventure: If you’re looking to expand your culinary skills, this recipe is a great starting point. It teaches the fundamentals of sautéing and balancing flavors, making it an excellent choice for both beginners and seasoned cooks.
- Health Benefits: Shrimp are not only low in calories but also high in protein and healthy fats. Combined with the antioxidant-rich tomatoes and fresh basil, this dish promotes overall well-being.
- Seasonal Ingredients: This recipe utilizes fresh, seasonal ingredients that are readily available in most grocery stores. It’s a great way to enjoy the bounty of the season.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a double batch and store leftovers in the fridge for a quick lunch or dinner option throughout the week. Just reheat and enjoy!
Ingredients and Utensils Needed
Ingredients:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Utensils Needed:
- Large skillet: A non-stick or cast iron skillet works best for this sauté.
- Spatula or wooden spoon: For stirring and tossing the ingredients.
- Measuring spoons: For precise measurement of olive oil and spices.
- Knife and cutting board: For chopping garlic, basil, and halving tomatoes.
- Serving plates: To present your beautiful dish.
Detailed Recipe Steps
Now that you have all your ingredients and utensils ready, let’s dive into the detailed steps to create this Mediterranean Shrimp Sauté with Olive Oil, Garlic, Tomatoes, and Fresh Basil.
- Heat the Olive Oil: In a large skillet, heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. The oil should shimmer but not smoke; this indicates it’s hot enough to sauté.
- Sauté the Garlic: Add 4 cloves of minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for about 1 minute, stirring frequently, until fragrant but not browned. Browning the garlic can lead to a bitter taste, so keep a close eye on it!
- Add the Shrimp: Increase the heat to medium-high and add 1 pound of peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if desired for heat). Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the Tomatoes: In the same skillet, add the halved cherry tomatoes. Sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want the tomatoes to soften and begin to release their juices, which will create a flavorful sauce.
- Combine Shrimp and Tomatoes: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss them with the tomatoes. This allows the shrimp to absorb some of the delicious tomato juices.
- Add Basil and Lemon Juice: Stir in 1/4 cup of chopped fresh basil and the juice of 1 lemon. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the basil to wilt slightly. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Serve: Dish out the Mediterranean shrimp sauté warm, and serve with lemon wedges on the side for an extra zing. Enjoy your meal!
Tips and Variations
To make your cooking experience even better, here are some tips and variations for this Mediterranean Shrimp Sauté with Olive Oil, Garlic, Tomatoes, and Fresh Basil:
- Alternative Proteins: If shrimp isn’t your thing, try this sauté with chicken breast or tofu for a vegetarian option. Just adjust the cooking times accordingly.
- Vegetable Additions: Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach for added nutrition and flavor. Simply sauté them with the tomatoes.
- Gluten-Free Option: This recipe is naturally gluten-free. Ensure that any additional ingredients or sides you serve with it are also gluten-free.
- Spice It Up: For a spicier kick, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a diced jalapeño to the sauté.
- Make It Creamy: For a richer dish, you can stir in a splash of heavy cream or a tablespoon of cream cheese at the end.
- Avoid Overcooking: Keep a close eye on the shrimp; they cook quickly. Overcooking can lead to rubbery shrimp, so remove them from heat as soon as they turn pink and opaque.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the ingredients ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. This way, you can quickly sauté everything when you’re ready to eat.
Nutritional Values and Benefits
This Mediterranean Shrimp Sauté with Olive Oil, Garlic, Tomatoes, and Fresh Basil is not only delicious but also packed with nutritional benefits:
- Calories: Approximately 250 per serving.
- Protein: 25g, providing muscle-building benefits.
- Total Fat: 15g, mostly from healthy olive oil.
- Saturated Fat: 2g, keeping it heart-healthy.
- Carbohydrates: 10g, making it a low-carb dish.
- Dietary Fiber: 2g, promoting digestive health.
- Sugars: 3g, primarily from the natural sweetness of tomatoes.
- Sodium: 400mg, but can be adjusted based on personal preference.
The shrimp provide high-quality protein, while the tomatoes are rich in antioxidants, particularly lycopene, which is beneficial for heart health. The fresh basil adds vitamins A, K, and other essential nutrients, making this dish not just tasty, but also a powerhouse of nutrition.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to serve Mediterranean Shrimp Sauté?
The best way to serve Mediterranean Shrimp Sauté is over pasta, quinoa, or rice. You can also enjoy it with a side of crusty bread to soak up the delicious juices.
Can I make Mediterranean Shrimp Sauté ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the ingredients ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. When ready to eat, simply sauté everything together for a quick meal.
Is this Mediterranean Shrimp Sauté gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just make sure any additional sides or ingredients are also gluten-free.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To make this dish spicier, you can increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add diced jalapeños during the cooking process.
What can I substitute for shrimp?
If shrimp isn’t your preference, you can substitute it with chicken breast or tofu for a vegetarian option. Just adjust the cooking times accordingly.
Conclusion
In summary, the Mediterranean Shrimp Sauté with Olive Oil, Garlic, Tomatoes, and Fresh Basil is a delightful dish that combines freshness, flavor, and nutrition in a quick and easy preparation. Whether you are looking for a weeknight dinner or something to impress your guests, this recipe delivers on all fronts. You’ll enjoy the vibrant flavors and the health benefits that come with each bite. Don’t forget to share your experiences and thoughts in the comments below, and feel free to share this recipe with friends and family!
For more delicious recipes, check out our collection on Pinterest or explore other dishes like Sweet Chili Shrimp and Shrimp Masala. Happy cooking!
Mediterranean Shrimp Sauté with Olive Oil, Garlic, Tomatoes, and Fresh Basil
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant but not browned.
- Increase the heat to medium-high and add the shrimp to the skillet. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the halved cherry tomatoes. Sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes start to soften and release their juices.
- Return the shrimp to the skillet and toss to combine with the tomatoes.
- Stir in the chopped basil and lemon juice, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes to heat through.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Serve warm with lemon wedges on the side.
