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
Scale
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.
