Chimichurri Shrimp

Introduction

Chimichurri Shrimp is the kind of dish that brings an explosion of flavors to your taste buds with every bite. The shrimp are tender and juicy, while the chimichurri sauce adds a fresh, zesty, and slightly tangy kick that perfectly complements the seafood. This dish is ideal for grilling, but it’s also incredibly versatile—you can easily cook it on the stove or broil it in the oven if grilling isn’t an option. The best part? Chimichurri Shrimp is quick, healthy, and makes for a fun dinner that feels both elevated and easygoing.

I first made this dish after a trip to Argentina, where chimichurri is a staple and the flavors are unforgettable. I was craving something vibrant and flavorful, but I didn’t want a heavy meal. Chimichurri Shrimp immediately came to mind. The fresh, garlicky, herby sauce made for the perfect marinade for shrimp, and when grilled, the smokiness of the shrimp combined with the bright chimichurri created a dish that was nothing short of incredible. From that moment on, it’s become one of my go-to recipes for a light, fresh meal, especially during the warmer months when grilling feels like a must.

Chimichurri Shrimp is perfect for everything from weeknight dinners to special occasions or even outdoor barbecues. It’s a dish that feels fancy but requires very little effort, making it perfect for busy nights when you want something flavorful and satisfying but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. The shrimp are marinated in a simple yet aromatic sauce that’s packed with fresh herbs, garlic, vinegar, and a touch of heat, which all come together to create a deliciously complex flavor profile that pairs wonderfully with the shrimp.

Perfect for:

• Grilling season and outdoor barbecues
• Weeknight dinners when you’re short on time
• Special occasions or holiday meals
• A quick and easy seafood dinner
• Serving as an appetizer or main course

Why You’ll Love This Chimichurri Shrimp

Here’s why Chimichurri Shrimp deserves a spot in your regular meal rotation:

• Bright, Tangy Flavor: The fresh herbs and vinegar in the chimichurri sauce bring out vibrant, tangy flavors that complement the shrimp perfectly.
• Quick and Easy: Chimichurri Shrimp is a fast dish that’s simple to prepare, requiring just 15 minutes of prep and 5-10 minutes of cooking time.
• Healthy and Light: Shrimp are low in calories and high in protein, while the chimichurri sauce is made with olive oil and fresh ingredients, making this dish both nutritious and delicious.
• Versatile: Whether grilled, sautéed, or broiled, chimichurri shrimp can be made with various cooking methods, depending on your preferences and the weather.
• Customizable: You can adjust the spice level of the chimichurri, add extra herbs, or even try it with different proteins like chicken or fish.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 25-30 minutes
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 5-10 minutes
• Servings: 4 servings
• Calories per Serving: Approximately 200-250 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 22g, Carbs: 3g, Fat: 14g, Fiber: 1g

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make Chimichurri Shrimp:

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh oregano, finely chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried oregano)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional, for added brightness)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
• 1 tablespoon lime juice (optional, for extra acidity)

Ingredient Highlights

• Shrimp: The star of this dish, shrimp are a great source of lean protein and cook quickly, making them perfect for weeknight dinners or when you need something fast.
• Chimichurri Sauce: This vibrant, zesty sauce made with fresh parsley, garlic, oregano, and vinegar is the perfect accompaniment to shrimp, providing a tangy and herby kick.
• Red Wine Vinegar: The vinegar adds acidity and depth to the sauce, balancing out the rich olive oil and brightening the shrimp’s flavor.
• Olive Oil: The olive oil helps to bring everything together, creating a smooth, cohesive marinade for the shrimp while also adding richness to the sauce.
• Fresh Herbs: The parsley and oregano are essential for creating that herby, fresh taste in the chimichurri. If you have access to fresh cilantro, you can add it for a slightly different flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps to make Chimichurri Shrimp:

Prepare the Chimichurri Sauce:

1. Combine the Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the finely chopped parsley, oregano, minced garlic, red wine vinegar, olive oil, and red pepper flakes (if using).
2. Add Optional Ingredients: If you like, stir in lemon zest and fresh cilantro to brighten the sauce and enhance its flavor.
3. Season: Add salt and pepper to taste, and adjust the flavor as needed. If you like a more tangy sauce, you can add a little extra vinegar or a splash of lime juice.
4. Let it Rest: Let the chimichurri sauce sit for at least 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. This step is optional, but it enhances the overall flavor.

Marinate the Shrimp:

5. Prep the Shrimp: While the chimichurri sauce rests, prepare the shrimp by patting them dry with paper towels. This helps the marinade adhere better.
6. Marinate the Shrimp: Place the shrimp in a shallow bowl or resealable plastic bag. Pour half of the chimichurri sauce over the shrimp and toss them to coat. Let the shrimp marinate for 10-15 minutes. You can marinate the shrimp for longer if you prefer a more intense flavor, but 10-15 minutes is usually enough.

Cook the Shrimp:

7. Grill the Shrimp (Optional): Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Thread the shrimp onto skewers, leaving a little space between each one. Grill the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are pink and opaque.
8. Stovetop or Broil: If you’re not grilling, you can cook the shrimp on the stovetop. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until they’re pink and cooked through. Alternatively, you can broil the shrimp in the oven for about 4-5 minutes per side.

Serve and Garnish:

9. Serve: Arrange the cooked shrimp on a platter or individual plates.
10. Drizzle with Chimichurri: Spoon the remaining chimichurri sauce over the shrimp before serving.
11. Garnish (Optional): Garnish with additional fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley for extra color and flavor.

How to Serve Chimichurri Shrimp

Here are 10 creative ways to serve Chimichurri Shrimp:

1. On a Bed of Rice: Serve over a bed of fluffy rice (white, brown, or cauliflower rice) to soak up the extra chimichurri sauce.
2. In Tacos: Use the shrimp as a filling for soft corn or flour tortillas, topped with slaw, avocado, and extra chimichurri.
3. On a Salad: Serve the shrimp over a crisp green salad with mixed greens, tomatoes, and cucumber for a light, refreshing meal.
4. With Roasted Vegetables: Pair with roasted vegetables like sweet potatoes, zucchini, or bell peppers for a balanced meal.
5. On Toast: Serve the shrimp on toasted baguette slices, drizzled with chimichurri and topped with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
6. With Grilled Corn: Serve the shrimp alongside grilled corn on the cob for a perfect summer meal.
7. In a Pasta Dish: Toss the chimichurri shrimp with pasta, adding some of the extra chimichurri sauce and a little Parmesan cheese.
8. As an Appetizer: Serve the shrimp as a bite-sized appetizer with toothpicks or skewers, perfect for a party or gathering.
9. In a Wrap: Wrap the shrimp in a whole-grain or spinach wrap with some greens, avocado, and a little extra chimichurri.
10. With Quinoa: Pair the shrimp with quinoa for a protein-packed, gluten-free meal that’s as hearty as it is healthy.

Additional Tips for Chimichurri Shrimp

These tips will help you perfect your Chimichurri Shrimp:

• Marinate the Shrimp Longer: For a stronger chimichurri flavor, marinate the shrimp for 30 minutes to an hour. Just be sure not to over-marinate, as the vinegar can start to “cook” the shrimp.
• Grill for Smoky Flavor: Grilling the shrimp over charcoal adds a wonderful smoky depth to the dish, but if you don’t have a grill, you can achieve similar results with a grill pan or by broiling.
• Customize the Heat: Adjust the heat level by adding more or less red pepper flakes to the chimichurri sauce. You can also use fresh chopped chili peppers for a more intense kick.
• Add Extra Veggies: Include some grilled or sautéed veggies like bell peppers or onions to round out the dish and add more color.

Recipe Variations for Chimichurri Shrimp

Try these 10 variations to customize

your Chimichurri Shrimp:

1. Spicy Chimichurri Shrimp: Add more red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño for a spicier version.
2. Lemon Chimichurri Shrimp: Add extra lemon juice and zest for a brighter, citrusy version.
3. Pineapple Chimichurri Shrimp: Add grilled pineapple chunks for a sweet and savory twist.
4. Cilantro Chimichurri Shrimp: Replace half the parsley with cilantro for a different herbaceous flavor.
5. Coconut Chimichurri Shrimp: Stir in a little coconut milk to the chimichurri sauce for a creamy, tropical twist.
6. Chimichurri Grilled Shrimp Skewers: Thread the shrimp onto skewers with vegetables like onions, bell peppers, and zucchini before grilling.
7. Garlic Chimichurri Shrimp: Add extra garlic to the chimichurri sauce for a more intense flavor.
8. Herb-Infused Chimichurri Shrimp: Experiment with other fresh herbs like basil or thyme in the chimichurri sauce for a different flavor profile.
9. Chimichurri Shrimp with Mango Salsa: Top the shrimp with a fresh mango salsa for a sweet contrast to the tangy chimichurri.
10. Smoky Chimichurri Shrimp: Use smoked paprika in the chimichurri for an added smoky depth.

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing: Chimichurri Shrimp can be frozen if you have leftovers. Allow the shrimp to cool completely, then store in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: To reheat, thaw the shrimp overnight in the fridge, then gently warm them in a pan over low heat or microwave. Be sure not to overcook them.
• Refrigerating: Leftover shrimp can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently when ready to serve.

Special Equipment for Chimichurri Shrimp

These tools will make preparing Chimichurri Shrimp even easier:

• Grill or Grill Pan (for grilling the shrimp)
• Large Bowl (for mixing the chimichurri)
• Sharp Knife (for chopping the herbs and garlic)
• Skewers (for grilling shrimp on skewers)
• Serving Platter or Plates (for serving the shrimp)

FAQ Section for Chimichurri Shrimp

• Can I use frozen shrimp? Yes, frozen shrimp work well. Just thaw them before marinating and cooking.
• Can I make this without grilling? Yes! You can sauté the shrimp in a skillet or broil them in the oven for a similar result.
• What can I serve with Chimichurri Shrimp? Chimichurri Shrimp pairs wonderfully with rice, quinoa, grilled vegetables, or a fresh salad.
• Can I make the chimichurri ahead of time? Yes, you can make the chimichurri sauce a day or two ahead and store it in the fridge. The flavors will meld together even more.

Print

Conclusion

Chimichurri Shrimp is a vibrant, flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re grilling outdoors, cooking inside on a cold night, or preparing a special meal for friends and family, this dish never disappoints. The tangy chimichurri sauce, combined with succulent shrimp, creates an unforgettable flavor profile that’s as fresh as it is bold. Plus, it’s quick, healthy, and endlessly customizable, making it the perfect go-to dish for any time of the year. Happy cooking!