Garlic Shrimp in Tomato Sauce Recipe

There’s something truly magical about combining fresh seafood with the bold flavors of garlic and tomatoes. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a relaxing weekend dinner, nothing beats the simplicity and elegance of Garlic Shrimp in Tomato Sauce. It’s a dish that looks fancy but takes just minutes to make. The combination of juicy shrimp, fragrant garlic, and a light, herby tomato sauce is guaranteed to make everyone at the table happy. Best of all, it’s made with wholesome ingredients that you likely already have in your kitchen.

If you’re ready to create a meal that’s not just delicious but also easy and satisfying, this recipe is the one for you!

Why Make This Recipe

Why should Garlic Shrimp in Tomato Sauce be your next go-to recipe? Simple: it’s a quick, healthy, and versatile dish that works for any occasion. It’s perfect for seafood lovers looking for a fresh and vibrant recipe that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen. Here are a few reasons to love this dish:

• Short prep and cook time – You’ll have dinner on the table in under 30 minutes.
• Naturally healthy – Made with nutrient-packed tomatoes, fresh shrimp, and aromatic herbs, all without any heavy or processed ingredients.
• Versatile eating options – It pairs beautifully with cauliflower rice for a low-carb option, pasta for a hearty meal, or crusty bread to scoop up all that tasty sauce.
• Elegant yet effortless – Despite being so simple to prepare, it looks like a dish straight out of a restaurant. Perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself!

Whether you’re looking to whip up something fast after a long day or planning a special seafood dinner, this recipe fits the bill.

How to Make Garlic Shrimp in Tomato Sauce

Making Garlic Shrimp in Tomato Sauce is almost like an art. It’s all about layering simple ingredients to create big flavors. The base is a rich, homemade tomato sauce infused with garlic and dill. Once the shrimp join the party, the dish comes to life! It’s a beginner-friendly recipe that even a novice cook can master. Follow the straightforward steps below, and you’ll have a savory seafood meal in minutes.

Ingredients

Before we start, gather the following fresh and simple ingredients. These will guarantee you the best flavor and texture in your dish:

• 4 tomatoes, chopped
• 5 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 bunch fresh dill, chopped
• 2 tbsp olive oil

Tip: When buying shrimp, go for the freshest available. Opt for large shrimp, as they stay juicy and tender during cooking. You can use canned tomatoes in a pinch, but fresh tomatoes will always provide the best flavor!

Directions

Follow these easy steps to cook Garlic Shrimp in Tomato Sauce to perfection:

1. Cook the Tomatoes: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a non-stick pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add your chopped tomatoes. Cover the pan with a lid and allow the tomatoes to simmer for around 4-5 minutes. During this time, they’ll break down into a thick and flavorful sauce. Stir occasionally to avoid sticking.
2. Add the Shrimp: Once your tomato base is bubbling and fragrant, it’s time to add the star of the dish. Stir in the shrimp and cook for 4-5 minutes. You’ll know the shrimp is done when it turns pink and opaque. Avoid overcooking, as shrimp can become rubbery.
3. Season and Finish: Lower the heat and stir in the minced garlic, fresh chopped dill, and the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Combine everything thoroughly and cook for another minute, letting the flavors meld together beautifully.
4. Serve: Your Garlic Shrimp in Tomato Sauce is ready to enjoy! Serve it immediately while it’s still warm and fresh. (See serving ideas in the next section!)

How to Serve Garlic Shrimp in Tomato Sauce

This versatile dish can be served in several ways, depending on your mood or dietary preferences. Here are some easy and delicious serving ideas:

• With rice: Use white rice, brown rice, or even cauliflower rice if you’re watching your carb intake. The fluffy rice soaks up all that delicious tomato sauce.
• With pasta: Toss the shrimp and tomato sauce with cooked spaghetti, fettuccine, or linguine. Sprinkle some extra dill or Parmesan cheese on top for added flavor.
• With crusty bread: This option is perfect if you love dipping. A warm piece of crusty bread will help you savor every last drop of sauce.
• With vegetables: Serve it alongside roasted zucchini, steamed asparagus, or a light salad for a lower-calorie meal.

This dish is impressive enough for a dinner party but casual enough for a quick family meal. However you choose to serve it, it pairs beautifully with a glass of chilled white wine or sparkling water with lemon.

How to Store Garlic Shrimp in Tomato Sauce

If you have leftovers (though we doubt you will because this recipe is so good!), here’s how to store them properly:

• Refrigerator: Place the dish in an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. When you’re ready to eat, reheat it gently on the stove over low heat to avoid overcooking the shrimp.
• Freezer: While the shrimp is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the sauce portion separately. Store the tomato sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. When reheating, simply add freshly cooked shrimp to maintain its texture.
• Pro Tip: Store the shrimp and sauce separately if you plan to save leftovers. This ensures the shrimp doesn’t get overcooked when reheating.

Proper storage not only saves time but also ensures your meal tastes just as good the second time around.

Tips to Make Garlic Shrimp in Tomato Sauce

Here are some tips to help you nail this recipe every single time:

1. Don’t overcook the shrimp: Shrimp cooks quickly, so keep an eye on it. Once it turns pink, it’s done. Overcooked shrimp turns rubbery, and no one wants that.
2. Use fresh ingredients: Fresh tomatoes, garlic, and dill make a huge difference in flavor. While it’s tempting to use dried herbs, fresh dill adds a unique brightness to the recipe.
3. Adjust seasoning: This recipe is mild as written, but feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a sprinkle of black pepper to add a little heat.
4. Control the sauce consistency: If your sauce is too thick, add a splash of water or vegetable stock to thin it out. If it’s too thin, simmer uncovered until it thickens to your liking.

Variations

This recipe is incredibly flexible. Here are a few variations to try:

• Add creaminess: Stir in a splash of coconut milk or heavy cream at the end for a luxurious, creamy texture.
• Make it spicy: Add some crushed red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño for a bit of heat. Spicy shrimp fans will love this twist!
• Switch the herbs: While dill is traditional in this recipe, you can swap it out for parsley, basil, or cilantro if that’s what you prefer.
• Add veggies: Turn this recipe into a full meal by adding spinach, bell peppers, or olives to the sauce.
• Go low-carb: Serve the shrimp over zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash for a keto-friendly option.

Don’t be afraid to experiment! The simple base of this recipe allows you to get creative in the kitchen.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes! Frozen shrimp works fine for this recipe. Just be sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry with a paper towel to remove excess water before cooking.

2. Can I make this recipe vegan?
Absolutely! Simply swap out the shrimp for tofu cubes, chickpeas, or mushrooms, and follow the same cooking steps. You’ll have a delicious vegan tomato dish.

3. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, but make the tomato sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Cook the shrimp fresh before serving to keep it juicy and flavorful.

This Garlic Shrimp in Tomato Sauce recipe is simple, versatile, and full of flavor. Whether you enjoy it as a quick weeknight meal or a centerpiece for a dinner party, it’s sure to become one of your favorite seafood dishes!