If you are craving an unforgettable seafood meal with just the right kick, the Juicy Shrimp Fra Diavolo Recipe has got you covered. This vibrant dish brings together tender, succulent shrimp bathed in a bold, spicy tomato sauce that sings with layers of garlic, herbs, and heat. Every bite bursts with flavor, giving you that perfectly balanced combination of zest and comfort. True to the classic Italian-American tradition, this recipe elevates simple ingredients into a glorious, fiery dinner that’s both impressive and incredibly satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients that work magic together. Each element contributes something special, whether it’s the richness from butter, the brightness from white wine, or the punch of red pepper flakes. Having these essentials at hand ensures your Juicy Shrimp Fra Diavolo Recipe turns out perfectly every time.
- Shrimp 1.25 lb: Fresh or thawed, peeled and deveined shrimp give the dish its tender protein base.
- Olive oil 2.5 tbsp: I love using Filippio Berio for its smooth finish that enhances flavor without overpowering.
- Onion 1 (finely diced): A quarter-inch dice ensures it melts into the sauce beautifully, adding subtle sweetness.
- Butter 3 tbsp: Kerrygold unsalted butter adds luxurious richness and depth to the sauce.
- Garlic cloves 5: Minced to infuse a fragrant, savory backbone into the sauce.
- White wine 3/4 cup: Elevates the sauce with acidity and light fruit notes that balance heat and tomato.
- Chicken broth 1/2 cup: Adds body and savory complexity without heaviness.
- Tomato paste 1/4 cup: Concentrated tomato flavor that thickens and enriches the sauce base.
- Crushed tomatoes 14.5 oz: I prefer Hunt’s crushed tomatoes for their perfect texture and bright tomato flavor.
- Soy sauce 1 tsp: Introduces umami depth and a subtle salty edge to balance acidity.
- Hot sauce 2.5 tsp: Gives the signature “Devil” heat, adjust to your preferred spice level.
- Oregano 1 tsp: Classic Italian herb that adds earthy notes to the sauce.
- Basil 1/2 tsp: A sweet herbaceous touch that lightens the heat.
- Mustard powder 1 tsp: Adds warmth and a bit of sharpness, enriching the flavor complexity.
- Red pepper flakes 1.25 tsp: Essential for the fiery character of this sauce; use with care if you’re sensitive to heat.
- Black pepper 1/4 tsp: Freshly ground for subtle spicy undertones.
- Sugar 1/2 tsp: Balances the acidity of the tomatoes perfectly.
- Fresh parsley 2 tbsp, chopped: Adds a fresh, bright finish and vivid color when sprinkled on top.
How to Make Juicy Shrimp Fra Diavolo Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Sauté the Aromatics
Start by heating olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely diced onions and sauté until they become translucent, soft, and fragrant, about 4-5 minutes. Then, toss in the minced garlic and continue cooking for another minute, being careful not to let it burn. This creates the flavorful foundation that will carry the bold sauce.
Step 2: Build the Sauce
Pour in the white wine to deglaze the pan, letting it reduce by half to intensify the flavor. Next, stir in the chicken broth and tomato paste, mixing until smooth. Add the crushed tomatoes along with soy sauce, hot sauce, oregano, basil, mustard powder, red pepper flakes, black pepper, and sugar. Simmer gently for 10-12 minutes to marry all those incredible flavors and thicken the sauce slightly.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
Once the sauce has thickened up nicely, add the shrimp in a single layer. Cook them until they turn pink and opaque, around 3-4 minutes per side depending on their size. This step is crucial because overcooked shrimp can become rubbery, and you want every bite to remain juicy and tender, as highlighted in this Juicy Shrimp Fra Diavolo Recipe.
Step 4: Finish and Garnish
Turn off the heat and stir in fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Give the sauce one last taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Your dish is now ready to steal the spotlight at your dinner table.
How to Serve Juicy Shrimp Fra Diavolo Recipe
Garnishes
To really make your dish shine, sprinkle extra chopped parsley or even a handful of freshly grated Parmesan. A few lemon wedges on the side not only brighten each bite but complement the heat and savoriness perfectly.
Side Dishes
This fiery shrimp dish pairs wonderfully with simple pasta like linguine or spaghetti to soak up the sauce. For a lighter option, serve alongside steamed veggies or crusty garlic bread to sop up every last drop.
Creative Ways to Present
Impress your guests by serving the shrimp over creamy polenta or risotto, allowing the spicy sauce to meld beautifully with the smooth base. Alternatively, pile the shrimp and sauce into warm ciabatta rolls for a casual yet unforgettable sandwich meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Juicy Shrimp Fra Diavolo Recipe stores well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Because the shrimp is already cooked, enjoy it within that window to maintain its tender texture.
Freezing
Freezing shrimp dishes can be tricky as shrimp texture changes, but the sauce freezes beautifully. Freeze the sauce separately in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months, and add freshly cooked shrimp when reheating.
Reheating
For the best results, gently reheat refrigerated sauce on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add freshly cooked shrimp or reheat shrimp quickly in a hot pan and combine with the warmed sauce just before serving.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry to avoid excess water diluting your sauce.
How spicy is the Juicy Shrimp Fra Diavolo Recipe?
This dish has a pleasant kick thanks to red pepper flakes and hot sauce, but you can always adjust heat levels to suit your preference by adding more or less.
What wine pairs best with this dish?
A crisp, dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements the flavors of the shrimp and cuts through the spicy tomato sauce beautifully.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time for a party?
Yes! You can make the sauce a day ahead and reheat it, then cook the shrimp fresh just before serving for the juiciest results.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this Juicy Shrimp Fra Diavolo Recipe is naturally gluten-free, just double-check that your hot sauce and chicken broth do not contain gluten additives.
Final Thoughts
There is something incredibly satisfying about a homemade Juicy Shrimp Fra Diavolo Recipe that warms your soul and excites your palate. With its harmonious blend of spice, herbs, and tender shrimp, this dish promises an unforgettable dining experience any night of the week. Give it a try and watch it quickly become one of your go-to favorites for sharing with friends and family!
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Juicy Shrimp Fra Diavolo Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
Juicy Shrimp Fra Diavolo is a vibrant Italian-American seafood dish featuring succulent shrimp cooked in a spicy, flavorful tomato-based sauce. This recipe blends aromatic herbs, garlic, and a touch of heat from red pepper flakes and hot sauce to create a perfectly balanced dish that’s both comforting and exciting. Ideal for seafood lovers craving a quick yet impressive meal, it pairs beautifully with pasta or crusty bread.
Ingredients
Shrimp
- 1.25 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
Sauce and Seasonings
- 2.5 tbsp olive oil (preferably Filippio Berio for smooth finish)
- 1 onion, finely diced into 1/4-inch pieces
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter (Kerrygold preferred)
- 5 garlic cloves, minced
- 3/4 cup white wine
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- 14.5 oz crushed tomatoes (Hunt’s recommended)
- 1 tsp soy sauce
- 2.5 tsp hot sauce
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp mustard powder
- 1.25 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
- 1/2 tsp sugar
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Shrimp: Peel and devein the shrimp if not already done, then pat them dry with paper towels to ensure they sear properly.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely diced onion and cook until translucent, about 4-5 minutes. Add minced garlic and sauté for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant, taking care not to burn the garlic.
- Deglaze with Wine and Broth: Pour in the white wine and chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Let this simmer for 3-4 minutes to reduce slightly and concentrate flavors.
- Add Tomato Base and Seasonings: Stir in the tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, soy sauce, hot sauce, oregano, basil, mustard powder, red pepper flakes, black pepper, and sugar. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and cook uncovered for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.
- Cook the Shrimp in Sauce: Add the shrimp to the skillet, stirring into the sauce to coat evenly. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the shrimp turn pink and opaque but remain juicy and tender. Avoid overcooking to prevent rubbery texture.
- Finish with Fresh Herbs: Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the dish. Stir gently to incorporate.
- Serve Hot: Serve the Juicy Shrimp Fra Diavolo immediately over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread to soak up the spicy sauce.
Notes
- Using fresh shrimp delivers the best flavor and texture, but frozen can be used if thawed and patted dry.
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes and hot sauce to your preferred spice level.
- White wine can be substituted with additional chicken broth or dry vermouth if desired.
- For a gluten-free version, ensure the soy sauce is gluten-free or use coconut aminos.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated up to 2 days; reheat gently to avoid toughening the shrimp.
