Craving an Easy, Impressive, and Naturally Delicious Dinner?
Imagine succulent shrimp, kissed by smoky paprika and a fiery blend of spices, all broiled to perfection in just minutes. Sounds like a restaurant-quality meal, right? Well, get ready to enjoy this at home with our super simple Smoky Spicy Broiled Shrimp for Two recipe. This is a quick way to get a fantastic dinner on the table without any fuss, and it will naturally become a favorite.
Why You’ll Love It
- Naturally bursting with flavor: The combination of smoky, spicy, and savory notes will tantalize your taste buds.
- Quick and Easy: From prep to plate, this recipe takes less than 20 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights.
- Impressive presentation: The vibrant color and perfectly broiled shrimp look elegant and naturally impressive.
- Perfect for a romantic meal: The recipe is naturally portioned for two, making it ideal for a cozy date night.
- Customizable spice level: You can easily adjust the amount of chili powder to fit your heat preference. It naturally adjusts to everyone’s taste.
What Makes This Recipe Unique?
What sets this recipe apart is its simple approach to achieving a complex flavor profile. We’re not spending hours marinating; instead, the combination of high heat and bold spices creates a naturally amazing crust on the shrimp that’s smoky, spicy, and irresistible. The broiler is the secret weapon for that perfect quick char, giving a restaurant-quality texture in your own kitchen. We aren’t spending hours over a hot stove to get naturally delicious food.
Ingredient List
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to your preference)
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice, freshly squeezed
The smoked paprika is what provides that deep smoky flavor which elevates this dish while the lemon juice adds brightness and cuts through the richness, adding balance.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your broiler to high. Position an oven rack about 6 inches from the broiler.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil, smoked paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper.
- Add the shrimp to the bowl and toss to coat evenly with the spice mixture, ensuring each shrimp is nicely covered.
- Arrange the shrimp in a single layer on a broiler-safe baking sheet or pan.
- Broil for 3-5 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink and opaque, and slightly charred on the edges. Keep a close watch to prevent burning.
- Remove from the broiler and immediately drizzle with the fresh lemon juice.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Optional Toppings/Variations
Here are some ideas to enhance your broiled shrimp:
- Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley, cilantro, or chives for added freshness and flavor.
- Red Pepper Flakes: For extra heat, sprinkle a pinch of red pepper flakes over the finished dish.
- Garlic Butter: Toss the broiled shrimp in garlic butter for an extra layer of richness.
- Lime: A squeeze of lime juice instead of lemon works wonderfully.
Expert Tips
- Pat the shrimp dry before adding the spices. This helps the spices adhere better and promotes a better sear.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan. Arrange the shrimp in a single layer to ensure even cooking. Overcrowding will steam the shrimp, rather than broiling it.
- Keep a close eye on the shrimp while broiling. They cook quickly and can burn if left unattended.
- Adjust the spice levels to your preference. Start with less chili powder and add more if you prefer more heat. It’s naturally adaptable.
- Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor. Broiled shrimp is best when it is hot.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, but make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before using. This will prevent them from steaming while broiling and help the spices adhere.
- Can I substitute dried herbs with fresh herbs?
Yes, you can use fresh herbs. Use about 1 teaspoon of minced fresh herbs for every 1/4 teaspoon of dried herbs. Add them after the shrimp have been cooked.
- Can I make this ahead of time?
It’s best to cook and serve the shrimp immediately for the best flavor and texture. However, you can prep the spice mix ahead of time.
- How can I tell when the shrimp is cooked?
The shrimp is cooked when it turns pink and opaque, and the edges are slightly charred. The internal temperature should be around 145°F (63°C).
- Can I use other types of oil?
Yes, you can use other high-heat oils like avocado oil or grapeseed oil, but olive oil works wonderfully in this recipe and adds a subtle flavor.
Variations and Customization Options
This recipe is a great starting point, and you can customize it to fit your tastes:
- Mediterranean Flair: Add a pinch of cumin and a sprinkle of feta cheese after broiling for a Mediterranean twist.
- Citrus Burst: Use lime instead of lemon juice, and add some lime zest for an extra burst of flavor.
- Garlic Lovers: Double the amount of garlic powder for a garlicky punch, and toss with fresh minced garlic after cooking.
- Herbaceous Blend: Add Italian seasonings for a different flavor profile that’s naturally complimentary.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Smoky Spicy Broiled Shrimp as an appetizer, main course, or part of a larger meal. They pair perfectly with a light salad, a side of roasted vegetables, or over pasta. For a complete meal, pair it with some crusty bread to soak up all those flavorful juices. You can also add them to tacos for a fun and naturally amazing meal!
Conclusion
This Smoky Spicy Broiled Shrimp recipe is a simple yet impressive way to enjoy a naturally delicious meal at home. It’s quick, easy, and bursting with flavor, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. So, grab your ingredients, fire up the broiler, and prepare for a truly tasty meal. Don’t forget to share your creations with us, and subscribe to our newsletter for more tasty recipes!
