This Paprika Shrimp Skillet is a quick and tasty meal! Juicy shrimp are cooked with bell peppers and onions, all coated in a delicious paprika seasoning.
You won’t believe how easy this is to whip up after a long day. Just throw it all in one skillet and get ready to enjoy a colorful and flavorful dish! 🥳
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Large shrimp are perfect for this dish, but if you can’t find large ones, feel free to use medium or even frozen shrimp. Just make sure they’re peeled and deveined! I often use frozen shrimp for convenience; just thaw them beforehand.
Olive oil: This adds flavor, but you can substitute it with butter for a richer taste. Avocado oil is another good choice because of its high smoke point.
Smoked paprika: This is a key player for flavor! If you don’t have it, regular paprika works too, but the smokiness will be missed. You can also try a bit of chili powder for a different flavor twist.
Heavy cream: If you’re looking for a lighter option, use half-and-half or even Greek yogurt for a creamy texture. Coconut milk can be a great dairy-free substitute while adding a hint of sweetness.
Bell pepper: Red bell pepper is sweet and vibrant, but feel free to use yellow or green bell peppers instead. Even other veggies like zucchini or snap peas can be a fun swap!
How Do I Avoid Overcooking the Shrimp?
Cooking shrimp properly is key for a tender texture. They cook quickly, so keep an eye on them! Here’s how to avoid overcooking:
- Start cooking shrimp in a hot skillet, but not too hot; medium heat is ideal.
- Cook until they just turn pink and opaque, around 2-3 minutes per side. They will continue cooking slightly after you take them off the heat.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan! If you’re working with a lot of shrimp, do it in batches.
How to Make Paprika Shrimp Skillet
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Shrimp Skillet:
- 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream or coconut milk
- 1/4 cup (60ml) chicken broth or water
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon slices, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and about 15 minutes to cook. So, in just 25 minutes, you’ll have a delicious Paprika Shrimp Skillet ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Heat the Skillet:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. This will help create a nice base for the delicious flavors to come.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
Next, add the thinly sliced onions and bell peppers to the skillet. Sauté these veggies until they become soft, which should take about 5 minutes. Their aroma will be delightful!
3. Add the Garlic:
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute. You’ll smell that amazing garlic fragrance filling your kitchen, so keep an eye on it to prevent burning!
4. Season It Up:
Now, it’s time to add the flavors! Stir in the smoked paprika, ground cumin, cayenne pepper (if you like some heat), salt, and black pepper. Cook the spices with the veggies for about 1 minute to let their flavors develop.
5. Cook the Shrimp:
Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook them until they start turning pink, which will be around 2-3 minutes on each side. This is where things start getting exciting!
6. Create the Sauce:
Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring everything well to combine. Let it simmer for 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens a bit and the shrimp are perfectly cooked through.
7. Finish with Lemon:
Squeeze the juice of half a lemon over the skillet, stir it all together, and taste to see if you need any more seasoning. Fresh lemon really brightens up the dish!
8. Garnish and Serve:
Remove the skillet from heat and garnish with chopped parsley and lemon slices. It’s ready to be served, so enjoy right away!
9. Enjoy Your Meal!
This Paprika Shrimp Skillet is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it over pasta, rice, or alongside some crusty bread to soak up all that wonderful sauce. Enjoy your vibrant and creamy dish!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Absolutely! If you’re using frozen shrimp, make sure to thaw them first. You can do this overnight in the fridge or quickly by placing them in a sealed bag under cold running water. Pat them dry before cooking to prevent excess moisture in the skillet.
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?
If you want a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or Greek yogurt. For a dairy-free alternative, coconut milk works great, adding a slight sweetness while still giving you that creamy texture.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating. The shrimp may become a bit firmer upon reheating, so enjoy them fresh if possible!
Can I Add More Vegetables to the Skillet?
Definitely! Feel free to add veggies like zucchini, spinach, or snap peas for added nutrition and color. Just adjust the cooking time slightly so they are tender but not overcooked.