This easy shrimp recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or entertaining. Mediterranean Shrimp is bursting with flavor and done in less than 10 minutes.
Shrimp recipes are a perfect solution a busy home cook. They are done in minutes making them the perfect solution for a busy weeknight. The total time for cooking this recipe is less than 15 minutes with no fussy preparation.
With so much flavor this makes healthy eating a joy!
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Fast Easy Mediterranean Shrimp
Whether following a Mediterranean diet or loving a flavorful fast main dish recipe, this Mediterranean shrimp ticks all the boxes.
There's nothing easier than a sautéed shrimp recipe.
It's a simple recipe with plump shrimp cooked in a little butter with wine, herbs and a squeeze of lemon juice.
It's a lean main dish or ingredient for other dishes.
What makes this skinny?
- Only 1 tablespoon of butter is used for sautéing
- The ingredients are paired down
- Shrimp is a lean protein
Recipe Ingredients + Notes
Shrimp. Use uncooked medium shrimp that is peeled and deveined. It's easiest to buy the shrimp this way or you can do it yourself. The tails can be on or off, your choice. Fresh shrimp or previously frozen shrimp that has been thawed can be used.
Unsalted butter. You'll use 1 tablespoon for sautéing.
White Wine. This adds flavor when cooking. Most of the alcohol will evaporate while cooking. Wine selection suggestions notes below.
Italian seasoning. This blend adds Mediterranean flavors and herbs and adds a wonderful flavor note to the shrimp recipe.
Salt. We recommend kosher salt which is a less salty tasting salt.
Lemon juice. Use fresh lemon juice. It makes a difference in the flavor. Hand held juicers are great for this task.
Variations
Garlic. Add some diced garlic cloves with the butter and sauté for 30-60 seconds before adding the shrimp.
Red onion. Sauté some diced red onion before adding the shrimp.
Olive oil. Olive oil can be substituted for the butter.
Use fresh herbs. Fresh basil, fresh parsley and fresh oregano all add a slightly different flavor.
Add more classic Mediterranean ingredients. Toss with some artichoke hearts, kalamata olives and salty feta cheese.
Crushed red pepper flakes. A sprinkle on the finished shrimp adds some spicy heat!
Don't want to use wine? Substitute broth or stock (vegetable or chicken). If you DIY make a shrimp stock from the shrimp shells!
What size shrimp to use?
When buying shrimp you'll notice a 'count' number on the package. This is how many shrimp (estimated) are in a pound.
The larger the count number, the smaller the size of the shrimp. Or the smaller the count number, the larger the size of the shrimp.
For this recipe we use around 26/30 count meaning there are about 30 shrimp in a pound. This makes for a good portion size and it can be used nicely with other recipes like on salads, in wraps, shrimp tacos and more.
This recipe can accommodate any size shrimp. Note the cooking time will need to be adjusted: less time for smaller shrimp, and more time for larger shrimp.
What type of white wine to use?
Choose a dry white wine. Here are some favorites:
- Sauvignon Blanc
- Chenin Blanc
- Pinot Grigio
- unoaked Chardonnay
- Dry vermouth works great too
How to know shrimp are done
Shrimp cooks very quickly so need to be monitored closely. When over cooked they become dry and rubbery in texture.
A great thing about cooking shrimp is shrimp turn pink they are done so it's easy to monitor.
When the shrimp is seared in the first step of this recipe it should turn from translucent gray to opaque (you can’t see through it) whitish or pinkish in color. It should cook just until that change begins because it will be done quickly afterwards.
Just after they all begin to turn pink move on to the next step and by the time the wine has reduced they will be completely cooked. It's done in a matter of minutes.
How to make Mediterranean Shrimp - Step-by-Step
In a large skillet melt the butter over medium heat (photo 1).
Place shrimp in the hot skillet and cook just until they START to turn pink on each side. This step will take around 2 minutes total (photos 2-4).
Use a pair of tongs to easily flip the shrimp over to ensure even cooking on both sides.
Add the wine, Italian seasoning and salt (photos 5-7). Cook until the wine reduces and the shrimp are cooking through. Just 1-2 minutes (photo 8).
Remove and stir in the lemon juice.
Pro Tips
Use a large skillet. Use a large enough skillet that the shrimp will be in a single layer. This makes it easier to know when they are done especially because they cook so quickly.
Do not overcook the shrimp. Shrimp cook in just a few minutes. For the best flavor and texture do not overcook them.
Use tongs. It's easier to turn the shrimp over individually with tongs than with a spatula. This will ensure the shrimp cooks evenly.
How to Eat it
- Over favorite grains (quinoa or cous cous), cauliflower rice, pasta, or traditional rice
- In shrimp cocktail
- In Mexican recipes like tacos and tostadas (the flavor combo is great)
More Main Dish recipes you'll love!
Recipe
Mediterranean Shrimp
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 pound medium shrimp shelled and deveined
- ⅓ cup white wine
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt or to taste
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
Instructions
- Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the shrimp and cook for 2 minutes or until they begin to turn pink and are no longer transparent.
- Add the wine, Italian seasoning and salt. Cook until the wine has reduced and the shrimp are cooked through (just a few minutes). Do not over cook.
- Remove from heat and stir in the lemon juice.
Laura Reese says
This recipe was so simple but so flavorful! I will be making it with these flavors again and again!
Allyson Zea says
Added these to my weekly meal plan and they were delicious! Thank you!
Kristyn says
I love finding recipes to use shrimp in. I don't make it near enough, but I love the Mediterranean flavors in this!! It's light & tasty!