Garlic Shrimp in Tomato Sauce

This Garlic Shrimp in Tomato Sauce is absolutely incredible. This dish reminds me of my childhood, it was one of my most favorite indulgences as a young child. It originated in the Mediterranean regions and it is quite popular in Italy, Greece and Spain. You’re going to love this recipe, it is super easy to make and comes together in less than thirty minutes. It is super comforting to indulge in on a warm spring day or a cold winter night. Alongside some freshly made rice or garlic bread, it is heavenly! I also love pairing it with black olives for that extra tang. 😉 Come to think of it, garlic and shrimp are a time-tested pair. The intensity of garlic pairs perfectly with shrimp. The vibrant red tomatoes are so tomatoeey, needless to say, this dish is delish!

What do you need to make this Garlic Shrimp in Tomato Sauce?

Shrimp, Tomatoes (Fresh or Can), Shallots, Garlic Cloves, Rosemary, Salt, Brown sugar, Paprika Powder, Olive oil, Bay Leaves.

Choose fresh shrimp with the shells on, the shells have a ton of flavor. You can also use prawns as a substitute. The tomato sauce forms the foundation of this recipe, it is mildly seasoned to ensure that the seafood stands out. You can also add other types of seafood in this recipe such as calamari, white fish, clams or oysters. Make sure to thoroughly wash and clean the seafood. Shallots can be replaced with white onions. Garlic cloves are an absolute necessity in this recipe, it mellows down in this dish, however, it does make a huge difference.

Bay leaves help to season the garlic shrimp in tomato sauce, if you don’t have bay leaves, use 1/3 of a teaspoon of old bay seasoning in its place. Paprika powder adds heat, although you could use cayenne pepper or chili powder in its place. Brown sugar reduces the acidity of the tomato sauce, however, when you are using can tomatoes instead of fresh tomatoes, it will have less acidity than usual. Rosemary enhances the flavor of the tomato sauce.

Instructions

Prepare the ingredients: Finely chop the shallots, then finely minced the garlic cloves. Next, move onto to the shrimp, remove the shell and clean out the digestive tract by making an incision along the back of the shrimp. You will notice a thin black line that must be removed. In some supermarkets, the fishmonger will butterfly and clean the shrimp for you. If they do, it is still important to check that the digestive tract was properly removed. If not, make sure to do so. After you have cleaned the shrimp, wash it again. Place it in the fridge.

Cook the aromatics: Set the temperature of the stove to medium-low heat. Saute the shallots and garlic in olive oil for five to eight minutes until it is caramelized. Add a can of tomatoes followed by the spices such as rosemary, paprika, brown sugar, bay leaves. Stir and let it simmer for ten minutes until the tomatoes break down and the flavors meld with one another.

Add the shrimp: It is important to add the shrimp to the sauce in the last two minutes of the cooking process. Remove the bay-leaves. Avoid overcooking the shrimp, as soon as it turns pink from translucent, it is ready. Serve with finely chopped parsley.

What can you Serve with Garlic Shrimp in Tomato Sauce?

This hearty dish pairs with most salads, consider a Luscious Green salad or a Crunchy Cucumber salad or a Greek Salad. One of the tastiest combinations also include Garlic bread or White rice. If you’re in the mood for something more comforting, consider Garlic Mashed potatoes.

How can you Store Garlic Shrimp in Tomato Sauce?

Store in the fridge for two to four days. The Garlic shrimp in tomato sauce will be more robust and richer in flavor. Make sure that you use an airtight container. You can also freeze this recipe and consume within three months. Defrost on the counter-top and reheat in a pot on the stove. Whether you’re preparing this dish for your family or for guests, garlic shrimp in tomato sauce is an elegant dish that is a crowd favorite.

Expert tips

Garlic shrimp in tomato sauce is a savory dish that is made with a rich tomato sauce. It is infused with the pungent notes of garlic, herbs and spices. This dish is not particularly spicy, however you can always increase the heat with the addition of paprika, fresh chilies or chili flakes. It can also be served with pasta. We’ve recently made a slightly spicier pasta version of this dish with bolder flavors: Spaghetti with Shrimp.

You can also use pre-cleaned frozen shrimp for this dish. Simply defrost the shrimp. It is not compulsory to remove the shells. You can peel it when you are eating the Garlic shrimp in tomato sauce. When it comes to tomatoes, if you are using the can version, opt for Made in Italian or Spanish brands. They’re the best. The hot sun produces incredibly sweet tomatoes that are so delicious in Pasta and seafood dishes. And, if you can’t find those options in your supermarket and choose to use fresh tomatoes, make sure to add a few teaspoons of tomato paste to replicate the flavor.