Spicy Greek Shrimp

This dish is bursting with flavor and is incredibly easy to make, perfect for a delightful evening meal. The succulent shrimp are sautéed to perfection with aromatic spices and ingredients, making this an irresistible dish!

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450g) fresh or frozen shrimp, peeled and deveined (look for large shrimp, ideally 21-25 count per pound)
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust based on your spice preference)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Cooked rice or your favorite pasta (for serving)

Cooking Instructions

1. Buy and Prepare the Shrimp:

   • If using frozen shrimp, let them thaw overnight in the refrigerator or place them in a colander under cold running water for about 15-20 minutes.
   • Peel the shrimp (if not already done) by removing the shell from the body, leaving the tail on if you like. Also, make sure they are deveined – this means that the black line running along the back of the shrimp (the digestive tract) is removed.

2. Sauté the Garlic:

   • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
   • Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

3. Cook the Shrimp:

   • Add the prepared shrimp to the skillet.
   • Sprinkle the smoked paprika, dried oregano, ground cumin, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper over the shrimp.
   • Stir everything together so the shrimp are well coated with the spices.

4. Sauté the Shrimp:

   • Cook the shrimp for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally. The shrimp are done when they turn pink and opaque.
   • Make sure not to overcook them, or they'll become rubbery!

5. Serve:

   • Once the shrimp are cooked through, remove them from the heat.
   • Serve the spicy shrimp over a bed of cooked rice or pasta, and garnish with chopped fresh parsley for that lovely finishing touch.

Flavor Profile

This dish is a beautiful balance of smoky, spicy, and herby flavors thanks to the combination of smoked paprika, cumin, and oregano. The juicy shrimp add a delightful sweetness that contrasts wonderfully with the heat from the red pepper flakes.