Grilled Shrimp with Tomato Sauce Recipe

Shrimp: Fresh, peeled, and deveined shrimp are the star of this dish, providing a tender and juicy texture.

Olive oil: Used to coat the shrimp and sauté the garlic, adding a rich and smooth flavor.

Salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the shrimp and the sauce.

Black pepper: Adds a subtle heat and depth to the shrimp.

Tomato sauce: Forms the base of the sauce, providing a rich and tangy flavor.

Garlic: Adds a fragrant and savory note to the sauce.

Oregano: A classic Italian herb that adds a warm and slightly bitter flavor.

Basil: Adds a sweet and aromatic touch to the tomato sauce.

When grilling shrimp, make sure to thread them onto skewers to prevent them from falling through the grates. This also makes it easier to flip them quickly, ensuring even cooking. Additionally, to enhance the flavor, marinate the shrimp in the olive oil, salt, and black pepper mixture for at least 15 minutes before grilling. For the tomato sauce, use fresh garlic and allow it to cook just until fragrant to avoid burning, which can impart a bitter taste.

• shrimp - Substitute with scallops: Scallops have a similar texture and mild flavor that works well with tomato sauce.

• shrimp - Substitute with chicken breast: Chicken breast is a versatile protein that can absorb the flavors of the tomato sauce effectively.

• olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a high smoke point and a neutral flavor, making it a good alternative for grilling.

• olive oil - Substitute with grapeseed oil: Grapeseed oil is also neutral in flavor and suitable for high-heat cooking.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce adds a salty and umami flavor, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.

• salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can provide a slightly different texture and flavor profile.

• black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a milder flavor and can be used to maintain the dish's color.

• black pepper - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper adds a bit of heat and spice to the dish.

• tomato sauce - Substitute with marinara sauce: Marinara sauce is a seasoned tomato-based sauce that can add more depth of flavor.

• tomato sauce - Substitute with crushed tomatoes: Crushed tomatoes provide a chunkier texture and can be seasoned to taste.

• garlic - Substitute with shallots: Shallots offer a milder, sweeter flavor that complements the tomato sauce.

• garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used for a more concentrated garlic flavor.

• dried oregano - Substitute with fresh oregano: Fresh oregano has a more vibrant flavor and can be used in slightly larger quantities.

• dried oregano - Substitute with Italian seasoning: Italian seasoning contains oregano along with other herbs, adding a more complex flavor.

• dried basil - Substitute with fresh basil: Fresh basil has a more aromatic and intense flavor, enhancing the dish.

• dried basil - Substitute with thyme: Thyme has a slightly different but complementary flavor that works well with tomato-based dishes.

• Allow the grilled shrimp to cool to room temperature before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can lead to sogginess.
• Transfer the shrimp and tomato sauce into separate airtight containers. This ensures that the shrimp remains firm and the sauce retains its flavor.
• Label the containers with the date to keep track of freshness. Grilled shrimp can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• For longer storage, place the shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. This prevents the shrimp from sticking together.
• Pour the tomato sauce into a freezer-safe container, leaving some space at the top for expansion. The sauce can be frozen for up to 3 months.
• When ready to use, thaw the shrimp and tomato sauce in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat the shrimp gently in a skillet over medium heat to avoid overcooking.
• Warm the tomato sauce in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Serve the reheated shrimp with the sauce as desired.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. In a skillet, heat a bit of olive oil over medium heat.
  2. Add the leftover grilled shrimp and tomato sauce.
  3. Stir occasionally, ensuring the shrimp is evenly heated, for about 5-7 minutes.
  4. Once the shrimp is heated through and the sauce is bubbling, remove from heat and serve immediately.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the grilled shrimp and tomato sauce in an oven-safe dish.
  3. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
  4. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the shrimp is heated through.
  5. Carefully remove from the oven and serve hot.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place the grilled shrimp and tomato sauce in a microwave-safe dish.
  2. Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent for steam to escape.
  3. Microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes.
  4. Stir the shrimp and sauce, then continue to microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through.
  5. Let it sit for a minute before serving to allow the heat to distribute evenly.

• Sous Vide Method:

  1. Place the grilled shrimp and tomato sauce in a vacuum-sealed bag or a resealable plastic bag using the water displacement method.
  2. Set your sous vide machine to 140°F (60°C).
  3. Submerge the bag in the water bath and heat for about 15-20 minutes.
  4. Remove the bag from the water bath, carefully open it, and serve the shrimp and sauce immediately.

• Grill: Used to cook the shrimp, providing a smoky flavor and grill marks.

• Bowl: Used to toss the shrimp with olive oil, salt, and black pepper.

• Tongs: Essential for flipping the shrimp on the grill without piercing them.

• Saucepan: Used to heat the olive oil and cook the garlic, as well as to simmer the tomato sauce with herbs.

• Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring the garlic and tomato sauce without scratching the saucepan.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure out the salt, black pepper, oregano, and basil accurately.

• Garlic press: Convenient for mincing the garlic quickly and efficiently.

• Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for preparing the garlic.

• Knife: Used to mince the garlic.

• Serving platter: Used to present the grilled shrimp with the tomato sauce.

Preheat the grill: Preheat the grill while you prepare the shrimp to save time.

Use pre-made tomato sauce: Opt for a high-quality store-bought tomato sauce to cut down on preparation time.

Marinate in advance: Toss the shrimp with olive oil, salt, and pepper ahead of time and refrigerate.

Cook garlic with sauce: Mince the garlic directly into the saucepan to save an extra step.

Simmer while grilling: Start simmering the tomato sauce while the shrimp are grilling to synchronize cooking times.