Get ready to bring a touch of Southern Italy right to your table with this unforgettable Spicy Calabrian Shrimp. This vibrant main course is brimming with plump shrimp doused in fiery Calabrian chili paste, balanced with smoky paprika, fresh garlic, and a lively hit of lemon. In just over 15 minutes, you’ll have a dish that feels like a treat from your favorite Italian coastal restaurant—perfect for weeknights or special gatherings. If you’re looking to impress guests or simply spice up a regular dinner, Spicy Calabrian Shrimp is about to become your new obsession!
Ingredients You’ll Need
What I love about Spicy Calabrian Shrimp is how just a handful of well-chosen ingredients can deliver so much flavor. Each one is carefully chosen for a reason—whether it’s texture, heat, or a pop of color—and together, they create a dish that’s far more than the sum of its parts.
- Large shrimp (1 pound): Fresh, succulent shrimp are the heart of this recipe, ensuring every bite is juicy and tender.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): The magic carrier of flavor, olive oil helps the spices stick and gives the shrimp a beautiful golden sear.
- Calabrian chili paste (2 tablespoons): This signature ingredient brings that unmistakable, complex Italian heat, making the dish unique.
- Garlic, minced (3 cloves): Garlic turns up the flavor dial and adds its irresistible aromatics.
- Smoked paprika (1/2 teaspoon): A touch of smokiness gives the shrimp depth and a rustic flair.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Essential for amplifying all the robust flavors in every component.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Just enough earthiness and heat to round out the spices.
- Lemon juice (juice of 1/2 lemon): Adds a lively, zesty finish that brightens the dish.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (1 tablespoon): A sprinkle of green for freshness and color to balance all that glorious spice.
How to Make Spicy Calabrian Shrimp
Step 1: Marinate the Shrimp
Start by tossing your cleaned shrimp in a medium bowl with Calabrian chili paste, minced garlic, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Use your hands or a spatula to ensure every shrimp is evenly coated—this is what gives Spicy Calabrian Shrimp its signature fiery punch and rich layers of flavor. Letting the shrimp marinate, even for just a few minutes while you prep the pan, really amps up the taste!
Step 2: Sear to Perfection
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once it shimmers, add the shrimp in a single layer. Cook undisturbed for about 2–3 minutes per side—watch for them to turn opaque and just slightly charred at the edges. This quick sear locks in juiciness and gives them that irresistible, golden exterior that Spicy Calabrian Shrimp is known for.
Step 3: Finish with Lemon and Parsley
Remove the skillet from the heat and give a generous squeeze of fresh lemon over the shrimp for a bright burst of flavor. Sprinkle with plenty of chopped parsley. This finishing touch not only looks gorgeous but also adds a refreshing lift that perfectly balances the spiciness.
Step 4: Serve Immediately
Spicy Calabrian Shrimp tastes best right away when the flavors are at their boldest and the shrimp are at peak tenderness. Quickly plate them up, spoon any pan juices over top, and get ready to dig in!
How to Serve Spicy Calabrian Shrimp
Garnishes
A scattering of fresh parsley adds both a pop of color and a fresh herbal note that cools some of the heat. For even more drama and brightness, you can tuck a few lemon wedges on the side so everyone can add an extra spritz if they like.
Side Dishes
Spicy Calabrian Shrimp practically begs to be served over creamy polenta or twirled into silky pasta. It’s also fantastic piled onto a hunk of rustic, crusty bread to soak up every bit of the spicy, garlicky sauce. If you’re keeping things lighter, serve alongside a crisp green salad or simple roasted vegetables.
Creative Ways to Present
For a show-stopping appetizer, thread the shrimp onto little skewers and serve them as grilled finger food at your next party. Or, spoon them onto toasted crostini for a chic, Italian-inspired small bite. You could even scatter them over a grain bowl or alongside grilled veggies for a build-your-own bowl situation—a sure conversation starter!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover Spicy Calabrian Shrimp should be cooled quickly and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for up to two days, making them great for a quick lunch or salad topper the next day.
Freezing
While shrimp itself freezes beautifully, the texture is best enjoyed fresh. However, if you’d like to freeze Spicy Calabrian Shrimp, lay them out on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Plan to eat them within one month for best flavor and texture.
Reheating
To reheat, warm a skillet over medium heat and add a splash of olive oil. Gently rewarm the shrimp just until heated through, about a minute or two—be careful not to overcook them, as shrimp can turn rubbery if heated too long.
FAQs
How spicy is Spicy Calabrian Shrimp?
The heat level is enough to give you a lively kick, but it’s not overpowering! If you love extra heat, add more Calabrian chili paste or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, and for milder palates, just use a little less paste.
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just thaw your frozen shrimp in the refrigerator or under cold running water before marinating. Pat them dry well so they sear nicely in the skillet.
Is there a substitute for Calabrian chili paste?
If you can’t find the real deal, try a mix of crushed red pepper and a teaspoon of tomato paste or hot cherry pepper spread—though the unique flavor of Calabrian chilies is hard to beat in Spicy Calabrian Shrimp.
What kind of pan works best for searing the shrimp?
A heavy skillet or cast-iron pan works wonders for that perfect sear, but any large non-stick pan will also get the job done efficiently.
Can this recipe be doubled for a crowd?
Definitely! Just cook the shrimp in batches so you don’t overcrowd the pan—you want every piece to get that gorgeous caramelization characteristic of Spicy Calabrian Shrimp.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving bold, Italian-inspired flavors and a meal that comes together in a flash, you truly can’t go wrong with Spicy Calabrian Shrimp. I hope you’ll give this recipe a whirl in your own kitchen and let it add some delicious excitement to your weeknight rotation!
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Spicy Calabrian Shrimp Recipe
- Total Time: 16 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Spicy Calabrian Shrimp recipe is a burst of flavor with succulent shrimp coated in a spicy Calabrian chili paste, garlic, and smoked paprika. Quick and easy to make, it’s perfect for a delicious seafood dinner.
Ingredients
Shrimp:
1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined),
Seasoning:
2 tablespoons olive oil, 2 tablespoons Calabrian chili paste, 3 cloves garlic (minced), 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, juice of 1/2 lemon, 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Prepare Shrimp: Toss shrimp with Calabrian chili paste, garlic, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Cook Shrimp: Heat olive oil in a skillet, cook shrimp on each side until opaque and slightly charred.
- Finish: Squeeze lemon juice over shrimp, garnish with parsley, and serve.
Notes
- Serve over creamy polenta, pasta, or crusty bread.
- For extra heat, add red pepper flakes or more Calabrian chili paste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 180mg
