Garlic Shrimp with Charred Tomatoes and Basil
Ingredients
- 1 poundlarge shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 1½ poundscherry tomatoes
- 6 clovesgarlic
- ½ cupfresh basil
- 3 tablespoonsolive oil
- 1lemon
- ·salt
- ·black pepper
- ¼ teaspoonred pepper flakes
Prep
- 01
Peel and devein 1 pound large shrimp if not pre-cleaned.
- 02
Mince 6 cloves garlic.
- 03
Halve 1 lemon and tear a generous handful of fresh basil into bite-sized pieces.
Method
- 01
Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add cherry tomatoes in a single layer and let them char undisturbed for 3–4 minutes. Shake the pan and continue cooking 2–3 minutes more until they start to split. Transfer to a plate.
- 02
Add remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil to the pan. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, stirring constantly for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- 03
Add shrimp to the pan in a single layer. Cook for 2 minutes without stirring, then flip and cook another 1–2 minutes until pink and just cooked through. Do not overcook.
- 04
Return charred tomatoes to the pan. Squeeze lemon juice over everything, add a handful of torn basil, and toss gently. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- 05
Serve immediately in bowls, drizzled with pan juices and topped with remaining fresh basil.
Spice Tips
If you enjoy heat, increase red pepper flakes to 1/2 teaspoon or add a pinch of cayenne. A small pinch of smoked paprika deepens the char flavor. Fresh mint can stand in for some of the basil for a lighter, brighter note.
This comes together in about 20 minutes. For more substance, serve over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread. You can substitute large sea scallops for the shrimp with the same timing.