Why Make This Recipe
Spicy Shrimp is a delicious and quick meal that packs a punch with flavor. It’s perfect for those nights when you want something hearty but don’t have a lot of time to cook. This dish is not only easy to make, but it also brings vibrant tastes to your dinner table, and shrimp is a lean protein that fits well into many diets. Whether you serve it over rice or with a side of veggies, it’s sure to please everyone.
How to Make Spicy Shrimp
Ingredients:
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
- Lemon wedges for serving
Directions:
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing for about 30 seconds.
- Add shrimp to the skillet and season with smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Cook until shrimp are pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges.
How to Serve Spicy Shrimp
Spicy Shrimp can be served in many ways. It is great over a bed of fluffy white rice or paired with a fresh garden salad. You can also enjoy it wrapped in tortillas for a spicy shrimp taco. Adding lemon wedges on the side enhances the flavor, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley gives it a nice finishing touch.
How to Store Spicy Shrimp
If you have leftover Spicy Shrimp, allow it to cool completely. Then, place it in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It should be good for about 2-3 days. When you’re ready to eat it again, reheat it on the stove or in the microwave until heated through.
Tips to Make Spicy Shrimp
- Make sure your shrimp are cleaned and deveined before you start cooking.
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to control the level of spiciness to your taste.
- Don’t overcook the shrimp; they cook quickly and can become rubbery if left in the pan too long.
Variation
You can add more vegetables to the recipe if you like. Bell peppers, zucchini, or snap peas can complement the shrimp nicely. You can also swap olive oil for butter for a richer flavor.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp! Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking.
2. Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, Spicy Shrimp is naturally gluten-free, making it suitable for those with gluten intolerance.
3. How can I make it less spicy?
To make it less spicy, simply use less red pepper flakes or omit them altogether. You can also add more garlic or smoked paprika to enhance the flavor without adding heat.

Spicy Shrimp
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Total Time: 16 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Seafood
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
A quick and flavorful Spicy Shrimp dish that is perfect for busy nights, featuring a vibrant blend of spices.
Ingredients
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing for about 30 seconds.
- Add shrimp to the skillet and season with smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Cook until shrimp are pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges.
Notes
Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to control spiciness. Don’t overcook the shrimp to avoid a rubbery texture.