Portuguese Shrimp in Garlic and Wine Sauce
If you’re looking for an easy yet elegant seafood dish that offers intense and aromatic flavors without requiring hours in the kitchen, this Portuguese shrimp is your choice. Ready in under 30 minutes and packed with garlic, wine, and a spicy touch, it’s perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or even a fancy dinner party.
Why you’ll love it
- Fast and efficient: preparation takes less than 10 minutes; cooking is complete in 15 to 20 minutes.
- Rich Flavor Profile: Succulent shrimp bathed in a garlic and spice sauce, infused with wine and a blend of butter and olive oil.
- Minimal ingredients, maximum flavor: Pantry staples deliver restaurant-quality results.
- Versatile serving options: pair with crusty bread, white rice, pasta, or even roasted vegetables.
- Impressive presentation: Serve straight from the pan for a striking and comforting meal.
Ingredients
- 450g large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails optional)
- 4 tablespoons olive oil + 2 tablespoons butter – balance
- 6 to 8 garlic cloves, finely chopped or minced
- ½ teaspoon paprika (smoked or sweet)
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes or one small red pepper, finely chopped
- ¼ cup dry white wine (e.g. Sauvignon Blanc)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice + wedges for serving
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or cilantro
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Step-by-step instructions
Prepare the shrimp
Pat the shrimp dry with kitchen paper and season lightly with salt and pepper.
Sauté the Aromatics
Over medium heat, whisk together the olive oil and butter until bubbling. Add the garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for 1 to 2 minutes, or until aromatic, but not browned.
Add the shrimp and paprika
Add the paprika, stir in the shrimp, and cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side, until they begin to turn pink but are not cooked through.
Deglaze with white wine
Add the wine, scraping the bottom of the pan. Cook over low heat for 2 to 3 minutes, until the alcohol evaporates and the sauce thickens slightly.
Finish with lemon and herbs
Turn off the heat, add the lemon juice and fresh parsley or cilantro. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
Serve immediately
Arrange the shrimp on a plate and pour the sauce over them. Garnish with extra herbs and lemon slices.
Inspirations to Serve
- Crusty Bread: Perfect for sopping up the garlic sauce.
- Rice or Pasta: Turn it into a hearty meal in one skillet.
- Light Side Dishes: Green salad or roasted vegetables complement the meal perfectly.
- Tapas-Style Appetizer: Serve on small plates with toothpicks for a fun, shareable starter.
Professional Tips for Perfect Shrimp
- Don’t overcook! Remove the shrimp when they turn pink; they will finish cooking in the sauce. Overcooked shrimp can become rubbery.
- Substitute for wine? No white wine? Use light beer or broth for a slightly different, but still delicious, flavor.
- Adjust the heat to taste, increasing or decreasing the amount of red pepper flakes or using fresh pepper.
- Shrimp with the shell on adds more flavor to the sauce—just peel them before eating.
Why this recipe stands out
This version captures the essence of Portuguese shrimp dishes —rich in garlic, lightly seasoned, and cooked in a wine and butter sauce—while remaining refreshingly simple and adaptable. It combines the elegance of classic Portuguese flavors (like those of Shrimp à Moçambique) with the practicality of modern cuisine. Unlike other recipes that rely on special blends or long cooking times, this one is short, straightforward, and uses ingredients you probably already have on hand.
Final Considerations
Whether you’re surprising your family at dinner, entertaining guests, or treating yourself to delicious simplicity, this Portuguese-style shrimp dish is the answer. It’s quick, full of flavor, and leaves plenty of room for creativity—think adding tomato paste, swapping herbs, or serving it with pasta!
From start to finish, it’s a gourmet experience you can serve any night of the week. Give it a try—and don’t forget to savor every drop of this incredible sauce.
