Mediterranean Shrimp Recipe – with Spicy Harissa Tomato Sauce

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Published: April 20, 2023

Updated: April 27, 2023

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A succulent shrimp tossed in a spicy blend of Mediterranean herbs and spices and a creamy Harissa sauce that packs a punch of heat. It makes an unforgettable tasty dish.

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Type of Cuisine:

Mediterranean

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Prep Time: 30 minutes.

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How Many Servings?

4 servings

Table of Contents

His Spicy Mediterranean shrimp recipe is absolutely delicious! Bursting with bold and zesty flavors, each succulent shrimp is coated in a delectable blend of spices, garlic, black lemon, Harrisa, and pimento olives, creating a flavor explosion that will leave your taste buds singing. And the best part? This shrimp Mediterranean recipe makes enough leftovers to enjoy for not only dinner tonight but tomorrow as well. So, get ready to savor every bite of this mouthwatering dish and add it to your weeknight dinner rotation – sure to become a new favorite in your household. Are you ready? If so, let’s start with one of my favorite Mediterranean diet shrimp recipes!

 

What is the best shrimp to use? 

I often use whole shrimp with skin and head included in many of my Mediterranean shrimp recipes. Personally, I think it’s perfect for this Mediterranean diet shrimp recipe as well. Why, you might ask? Despite being frozen, these whole shrimp still pack a ton of flavor thanks to the head and skin, which add depth and complexity to the dish. The head is incredibly flavorful, containing the Shrimp’s digestive tract and other tasty bits. Plus, the skin helps seal the juices and keep the shrimp tender and succulent. By all means, feel free to use any Shrimp you prefer in this recipe. However, keeping a close eye on the cooking time is essential, as Shrimp can quickly become overcooked.

How to serve this Spicy Mediterranean Diet Shrimp dish:

  • Roasted vegetables, such as zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant, would make a great side dish. The roasted vegetables will provide a sweet and smoky contrast to the spicy Shrimp. Link
  • A side of couscous or quinoa would be a great way to round out the meal. These grains are mild in flavor and will help absorb the flavorful sauce from the Shrimp.
  • You could serve the Shrimp alongside some creamy polenta or mashed potatoes for something a little more indulgent. The richness of the starch will help mellow out the heat from the Shrimp.

Finally, a glass of chilled white wine, such as a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, would be the perfect drink to serve alongside this dish. The acidity and freshness of the wine will complement the bold flavors of many shrimp Mediterranean recipes.

What is a black lemon? 

Black lemon, also known as dried lime, is a Middle Eastern ingredient often used in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine. In addition, I love the taste of black lemon when making shrimp recipes Mediterranean style! Black lemon is made by boiling fresh limes in salt water and then drying them in the sun until they become black and hard. When added to a Mediterranean seafood dish, black lemon provides a unique and tangy flavor profile with hints of smokiness and sweetness. It pairs particularly well with seafood, adding depth and complexity to the dish. For these reasons, it’s perfect for adding to this recipe for Mediterranean shrimp!

I used ground Black lemon, but you can add a whole one to the sauce if it is in your spice cabinet. Black lemon can be found in Middle Eastern grocery stores or specialty stores. Amazon also has a good selection. If it’s unavailable, you can substitute it with a small amount of lime zest and sumac, which have similar tangy and slightly sour flavors.

What is Harissa Tomato Sauce? 

Harissa is a spicy North African chili paste made from roasted red, hot chili peppers, garlic, and a blend of cumin, coriander, and caraway seeds. It has a complex flavor profile: smoky, slightly sweet, and very spicy. When mixed with tomato, it makes for a delicious sauce packed with flavor. In addition, it’s the perfect topping to add to this recipe for spicy shrimp!

If Harissa is unavailable, you can make your own spicy Harissa sauce. To do so, blend roasted red peppers, hot chili peppers, garlic, and spices. Alternatively, you can substitute it with another chili paste or hot sauce with a similar flavor profile. Spicy Harissa sauce offers a great complimentary flavor if you make Mediterranean recipes with shrimp.

Ingredient List
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Preparation

1.
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the sliced onion and red pepper. Sauté for a few minutes until the vegetables start to soften.


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2.
Spiced Onion and Bell Pepper Sauté
Add the minced garlic, cumin, black lime, paprika, and pimento olives to the skillet. Cook for another minute, constantly stirring to prevent the garlic from burning.
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3.
Simmering Spicy Tomato Sauce with Harissa
Add the fresh tomato sauce, paste, and Harissa to the skillet. Add the warm water, stir everything together, and let it simmer for 15 minutes or until the sauce thickens.
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4.
Add the Shrimp to the skillet and stir to coat them in the sauce. Cook for a few minutes until the Shrimp turns pink. Add the lime juice, zest, chopped cilantro, and a pinch of salt and pepper to the skillet. Stir everything together and cook for another minute to let the flavors meld together.
Zesty Shrimp with Lime and Cilantro
Once everything is cooked through and the sauce has thickened to your liking, remove the skillet from the heat.


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5.
Delicious Mediterranean Shrimp with Harissa Sauce.
Serve the Spicy Mediterranean Shrimp over a bed of rice or pasta or with crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce. Enjoy!
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Please Support The SiteHome Cooking is Easy!With These Minimalist Kitchen Essentials

Ingredients:

Adjust Servings
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 sweet onion sliced
2 red peppers sliced
4 garlic cloves minced
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon ground black lime
1 teaspoon paprika
3 oz Spanish pimento olives sliced
2 cups fresh tomato sauce or 2 cans of tomato sauce.
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 cup warm water
2 teaspoons Harissa
2 lbs shrimp
1/2 cup lime juice and zest
1/4 cup fresh cilantro chopped
dash of salt and pepper to your taste

Preparation

1
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the sliced onion and red pepper. Sauté for a few minutes until the vegetables start to soften.
2
Add the minced garlic, cumin, black lime, paprika, and pimento olives to the skillet. Cook for another minute, constantly stirring to prevent the garlic from burning.
3
Add the fresh tomato sauce, paste, and Harissa to the skillet. Add the warm water, stir everything together, and let it simmer for 15 minutes or until the sauce thickens.
4
Once everything is cooked through and the sauce has thickened to your liking, remove the skillet from the heat.
5
Serve the Spicy Mediterranean Shrimp over a bed of rice or pasta or with crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce. Enjoy!

Recipe Tips & Suggestions

The best way to defrost frozen Shrimp

Fill a large bowl with cold water. You want enough water to submerge the Shrimp fully. Remove the frozen Shrimp from its packaging and add it to the bowl of cold water. Let the Shrimp soak in the cold water for 10-20 minutes or until thoroughly defrosted. You may need to stir the Shrimp occasionally to ensure they defrost evenly. Once the shrimp are fully defrosted, remove them from the water and pat them dry with paper towels. It's important to note that when defrosting Shrimp, you should never use hot water, as this can lead to uneven defrosting and can cause the Shrimp to cook slightly, leading to a change in texture. Additionally, it would be best if you tried to use the defrosted Shrimp as soon as possible, as they can spoil quickly once they have thawed.

Rana’s Notes!

To ensure that your Shrimp is cooked perfectly, it's best to add them to the tomato base once fully cooked. Shrimp only requires a few minutes to cook, so adding them too early could result in overcooked and rubbery Shrimp.
To adjust the hotness level for your spicy shrimp recipes, you can easily do so by adding more or less Harissa. This chili paste gives the dish its signature heat, so feel free to adjust it. Be mindful that a little goes a long way, so start with a small amount and work your way up if needed.
To store this dish, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. When reheating, place the desired amount of shrimp and sauce in a microwave-safe dish and heat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat the dish in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Be careful not to overheat the shrimp, as this can cause them to become tough and rubbery. To add a little extra moisture to the dish, you can drizzle a small amount of olive oil or chicken broth over the shrimp before reheating.

Nutrition Information

The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist's advice.
See our full nutrition disclosure here.

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