Description
This Juicy Sautéed Shrimp recipe features plump, perfectly seasoned shrimp cooked quickly in a hot skillet with a fragrant blend of smoked paprika, garlic, cumin, and cayenne. Ready in just 20 minutes, this dish is ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or an elegant appetizer, garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor.
Ingredients
Shrimp
- 1 pound raw shrimp (Large, 31-40 pieces per pound), peeled and deveined
Spices & Oil
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Diamond Crystal kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 ½ teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 2 tablespoons parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Pat Dry and Prepare Shrimp: Begin by patting the shrimp dry thoroughly on both sides with paper towels to ensure a good sear. Place the shrimp in a large bowl and pour in the olive oil.
- Mix Spices: In a small bowl, combine the kosher salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, ground cumin, dried thyme, and cayenne pepper to create a flavorful spice blend.
- Coat Shrimp: Sprinkle the spice mixture over the shrimp in the bowl. Use a large spoon to toss and evenly coat each shrimp with the oil and spices for maximum flavor.
- Heat Skillet: Preheat a large 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat to get it hot enough to sauté the shrimp quickly without steaming.
- Sauté Shrimp: Add the shrimp in a single layer to the hot skillet, transferring any leftover oil and spices from the bowl using a rubber spatula. Cook the shrimp for about 2 minutes on one side, then carefully flip them using two spoons and cook for an additional 2 minutes or until the shrimp are opaque and cooked through.
- Serve: Transfer the cooked shrimp to a serving platter, drizzle with the pan juices left in the skillet, and garnish with chopped parsley before serving hot.
Notes
- Be sure not to overcrowd the skillet; cook shrimp in batches if necessary to ensure they sear properly.
- Use fresh parsley for garnish to add a bright and fresh flavor contrast to the seasoned shrimp.
- Adjust cayenne pepper to taste for desired spiciness.
- Serve with rice, pasta, or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful pan juices.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Seafood
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
