Imagine a dish that captures the essence of sun-drenched coastal kitchens, where every bite tells a story of vibrant flavors and culinary tradition. This Preserved Lemon and Caper Shrimp is not just a recipe—it's a Mediterranean escape on a plate that promises to revolutionize your dinner routine. With just 25 minutes between you and a restaurant-quality meal, prepare to impress your family and friends with a dish that looks gourmet but is surprisingly simple to prepare.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp preserved lemon, chopped
- 2 tbsp capers, rinsed
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients. Ensure the shrimp are peeled and deveined, and have the preserved lemon chopped and capers rinsed and drained. Mince the garlic cloves and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Allow the oil to warm up for about 1 minute, ensuring it is hot but not smoking.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic burn, as it can become bitter.
- Once the garlic is fragrant, add the shrimp to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on one side until they turn pink and begin to curl.
- Flip the shrimp over and add the chopped preserved lemon and rinsed capers to the skillet. Continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the shrimp are fully cooked and opaque.
- Once the shrimp are cooked, remove the skillet from heat. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
- Transfer the shrimp to a serving platter and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
- Serve immediately, enjoying the vibrant Mediterranean flavors of preserved lemon and capers with the succulent shrimp. This dish pairs well with crusty bread or over a bed of rice or quinoa.
Tips
- Temperature is Key: Ensure your skillet is at medium heat to prevent burning the garlic and overcooking the shrimp.
- Shrimp Cooking Hack: Watch for the color change and curl—when shrimp turn pink and start to curl, they're almost done.
- Preserved Lemon Pro Tip: Chop the preserved lemon finely to distribute its intense, briny flavor evenly throughout the dish.
- Don't Overcrowd: Cook shrimp in a single layer to ensure even cooking and perfect caramelization.
- Freshness Matters: Use the freshest shrimp possible for the best texture and flavor.
- Serving Suggestion: Pair with crusty bread, rice, or quinoa to soak up the delicious pan juices.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 2g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 170mg
