Delicious Shrimp Cacciatore: A Must-Try Recipe!
Attention foodies and home chefs, are you looking for a crowd-pleasing recipe that’s easy to make and packed with flavor? Look no further as I present to you my Shrimp Cacciatore Recipe!
If you’re not familiar with cacciatore, it means “hunter style” in Italian, and traditionally refers to a dish prepared by hunters using game meats. However, over time, the recipe has evolved to include various proteins, including seafood like the shrimp we’re using in this recipe.
This Shrimp Cacciatore Recipe brings together succulent shrimp, tomato sauce made with crushed tomatoes and white wine, onions, green peppers, garlic cloves, and classic Italian seasonings like oregano and basil. The result? A flavorful and satisfying dish that’s perfect for a family dinner or entertaining guests.
Plus, this dish isn’t just delicious but also healthy as shrimp is a low-fat source of protein that is also rich in nutrients like selenium, vitamin B12, and phosphorus. And for pasta lovers out there: this recipe pairs best with fettuccine or any other Italian pasta of your choice.
So what are you waiting for? Let’s get started on this amazing Shrimp Cacciatore Recipe that’s sure to become a staple in your household.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Attention, food enthusiasts! You are in for a mouthwatering treat with this Shrimp Cacciatore Recipe. This dish has been crafted to impress your taste buds with its scrumptious blend of ingredients that will leave you spellbound.
What makes this recipe so special? As an Italian cuisine enthusiast, I can vouch that the savory flavor of this recipe is not just limited to its delicious Shrimp Cacciatore. Instead, it encapsulates all the qualities that we look for in a perfect meal: aroma, texture, and taste.
The fresh ingredients such as tomatoes, green pepper, onion, garlic, and basil blended beautifully in the tomato sauce with generous splashes of crushed red pepper flakes mixed with dry white wine make it divine!
As a seafood lover, you won’t be able to get enough of this shrimp cacciatore recipe. On top of all this, it is quick and easy to prepare too! It’s flexible and can be served over any type of pasta or rice. Also includes variations such as chicken cacciatore and seafood cacciatore recipes which makes it perfect for seafood lovers.
This Italian-inspired dish captures the essence of cacciatore-style cooking; fresh herbs and spices paired with colorful vegetables make every bite a memorable one. So whether you’re hosting a dinner party or want to surprise your family with something new and vibrant on the dinner table, this Shrimp Cacciatore Recipe is sure to win hearts!
Ingredient List
For this delicious and hearty Shrimp Cacciatore Recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 pound of shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 white onion, chopped
- 1 green pepper, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
- 1 carrot, sliced thinly
- 1 can of crushed tomatoes (28 ounces)
- 1 can of tomato sauce (15 ounces)
- ½ cup of white wine
- 2 teaspoons of sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- A handful of fresh basil leaves, torn
- A teaspoon of dried oregano
- If desired: salt pork
Note: If you don’t have shrimp, you can substitute with chicken to create a Chicken Cacciatore instead. This recipe also calls for some Italian-style staples such as white wine, extra-virgin olive oil, canned tomatoes and dried herbs like basil and oregano.
The Recipe How-To
Now, let’s dig right into how to make this delicious Shrimp Cacciatore Recipe step by step:
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds large uncooked shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 1 large green pepper, seeded and cut into strips
- 4 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
- 28 ounces canned crushed tomatoes
- ½ cup dry white wine
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 carrot, sliced
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Cooked Fettuccine or steamed rice
Instructions
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Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
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Add the sliced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
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Then add the chopped onion and cook until it becomes translucent.
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Add the sliced green pepper and carrot, season with salt and black pepper, and cook for additional ten minutes until they are cooked through.
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Pour in the canned crushed tomatoes along with the tomato sauce, red wine (if using), white wine, oregano, basil, sugar, and salt pork (if using).
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Stir well and bring to a boil.
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When it comes to a boil, reduce heat to low-medium heat and let it simmer for about 15 minutes.
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Add the shrimp into the tomato mixture and stir it well.
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Cover the skillet with a lid for about five minutes, or until the shrimp is cooked through.
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Serve hot with some freshly cooked Fettuccine or steamed rice on the side.
Now sit back and enjoy your delicious Shrimp Cacciatore dish!
Substitutions and Variations
There are a number of substitutions and variations that can be made with the Shrimp Cacciatore recipe. One popular variation is to swap out the fettuccine for another type of pasta or even rice, depending on preference. The recipe also works well with chicken instead of shrimp, giving it a more traditional Chicken Cacciatore flavor.
For those looking to switch up the tomato sauce base, consider using fire-roasted tomatoes or adding a bit of red wine for added depth to the flavor. Vegetable lovers can also try adding in sliced mushrooms or diced eggplant for extra texture.
For those who prefer a spicier dish, add in some crushed red pepper flakes during the cooking process or substitute green bell peppers with spicy chili peppers for an added kick. Additionally, those watching their sugar intake can reduce or eliminate the sugar from the recipe altogether without altering the overall taste significantly.
Lastly, seafood lovers can experiment with different types of seafood beyond just shrimp, such as clams or lobster, for an extra special touch. Whatever variation is chosen, this versatile dish is sure to satisfy everyone’s taste buds!
Serving and Pairing
Once you have cooked your delicious shrimp cacciatore, it’s time to present it in a way that will make your guests’ mouths water. To serve this scrumptious dish, I would recommend a simple pasta like fettuccine or spaghetti to let the rich flavors of the shrimp and sauce shine through. For an even more authentic touch, try serving with Italian-style rice.
When it comes to pairing wines with this dish, I suggest opting for a white wine such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. The acidity of these wines complement the tomato sauce beautifully and help to cut through the richness of the dish. However, if you prefer red wine, go for a light-bodied red like Chianti or Barbera.
For a complete Italian-style meal experience, pair this seafood cacciatore recipe with some crusty garlic bread and a fresh green salad dressed with balsamic vinaigrette. This hearty and satisfying dish is perfect for sharing with friends and family on any occasion.
In summary, serve your shrimp cacciatore over pasta or rice, pair it with a refreshing white wine or light-bodied red wine and complete the meal with garlic bread and a green salad. Bon appetit!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
As a busy home chef, I am always looking for ways to save time in the kitchen. That’s why I love recipes that can be made ahead of time and stored for later use. The Shrimp Cacciatore recipe is one such dish that can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the fridge or freezer.
To make this dish ahead of time, follow the recipe instructions up until step 5. At this point, switch off the heat and let the sauce cool down. Once the sauce has reached room temperature, store it in an airtight container and place it in the fridge for up to three days.
If you want to freeze the shrimp cacciatore sauce, place it in a freezer-safe container and store it for up to three months. To reheat the sauce, simply take it out of the fridge or freezer and place it in a saucepan over low to medium heat. You may need to add a splash of water or broth to loosen up the sauce as it reheats.
When reheating shrimp cacciatore, avoid using high heat. Start with low heat and slowly increase it as the dish warms up. This helps ensure that the shrimp stays tender and juicy.
As for storing leftover cooked shrimp cacciatore, transfer it to an airtight container and keep it in the fridge for up to three days. You can reheat individual portions using a microwave or oven, but again be sure not to use high heat.
In summary, Shrimp Cacciatore is an easy-to-make dish that can be prepared ahead of time and stored for later use or frozen for longer storage, making meal planning simpler for anyone who wants a delicious seafood cacciatore recipe without all of the preparation work every day.
Tips for Perfect Results
Preparing shrimp cacciatore perfectly can undoubtedly be a daunting task, especially if you are new to cooking. However, with the following tips, you will be making shrimp cacciatore like a pro in no time.
First and foremost, ensure that you do not overcook the shrimp. If done so, they become rubbery and tough, which is something you undoubtedly want to avoid. When cooking the shrimp, set a timer and keep an eye on them until they turn pink or opaque.
Secondly, make sure that you use fresh ingredients when preparing the dish. Using substandard ingredients such as limp herbs or old tomatoes might affect the overall flavour of your shrimp cacciatore. Therefore, it is imperative to source fresh ingredients to maximise its taste.
Furthermore, do not skip the sauce preparation process- it is just as important as getting the right set of ingredients together. When preparing the sauce for your shrimp cacciatore recipe, allow it to simmer slowly in low heat after taking it to a boil. This process allows for all the seasonings incorporated into the dish to infuse properly, resulting in an explosion of flavours with every bite of your dish.
Finally, consider adding a pinch of sugar if you find that your tomato sauce has an acidic tang. The sugar will balance out the spice and acidity levels in your dish for a more pleasing taste.
In conclusion, if you follow these simple tips when preparing your shrimp cacciatore dish, there’s no doubt that your family and guests will think you’re a culinary genius. Remember not to overcook your shrimp, use fresh ingredients only, don’t skip sauce preparation and try sweetening up acidic tomato sauce with sugar; this will help elevate your Shrimp Cacciatore recipe to restaurant quality in no time!
FAQ
As a scribe, it may be helpful to anticipate potential questions from individuals preparing this shrimp cacciatore recipe. With that in mind, I have compiled a list of commonly asked questions and accompanying answers for item (9) FAQ. Let’s dive in!
What is cacciatore sauce made of?
The term “cacciatore” in Italian refers to a “hunter” or “huntsman.” When a dish is cooked “alla cacciatora,” or hunter-style, it is typically braised in a flavorful sauce of onions, tomatoes, bell peppers, herbs, and wine. This cooking technique has been in use since the Renaissance era and has remained a popular method for preparing hearty and satisfying meals.
What is seafood cacciatore?
Looking for a delicious and easy weeknight dinner recipe? Look no further than my Salmon Cacciatore! With crispy seared salmon and a rich tomato sauce packed with onions, garlic, and kalamata olives, this dish tastes like it’s been slow-cooking all day, but it’s ready in just around 30 minutes! Plus, this recipe is proudly sponsored by RAGÚ. Let’s get cooking!
Why is the dish called cacciatore?
The term “alla cacciatora” is derived from Italian and refers to a preparation style that originated from hunters. This method involves cooking chicken or rabbit with a combination of onions, tomatoes, vegetables, herbs, and typically wine or vinegar.
What does cacciatore style mean?
Originating from Italy, cacciatore refers to a type of dish that is prepared with a combination of onions, herbs, tomatoes, bell peppers and wine. The term “alla cacciatora” implies that the dish is prepared in the style of a hunter.
Bottom Line
So there you have it, folks – my delicious and easy-to-follow recipe for shrimp cacciatore. If you’re a seafood lover or simply a fan of Italian cuisine, I promise that this dish will not disappoint. The combination of succulent shrimp, tangy tomato sauce, and savory seasonings creates a harmonious and satisfying experience that is sure to captivate your taste buds.
By using fresh ingredients such as garlic cloves, green peppers, and extra virgin olive oil, every bite of the shrimp cacciatore delivers an explosion of flavor that’ll leave your dinner guests wanting more. Whether you’re serving it over fettuccine pasta or rice, this dish is versatile and pairs well with numerous side dishes.
Furthermore, the recipe is quite flexible and allows for substitutions and variations according to your preference. So whether you want to add chicken or switch out the shrimp for another protein, feel free to experiment with this recipe to create your perfect version of cacciatore.
Remember to follow my tips to ensure perfect results – from preparing ahead of time to storing leftovers. You’ll also learn handy tricks such as how to judge the ideal cooking time for your proteins and using tomato sauce in your cacciatore recipe.
Overall, this shrimp cacciatore recipe is a fun and flavorful way to impress your guests at your next dinner party or family gathering. Trust me; it’s not just a crowd-pleaser but also a nutritional powerhouse that you’ll love making time after time. Give it a try and let me know how it turns out in the comments section below!
Shrimp Cacciatore Recipe
Ingredients
Tomato Sauce Base
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 large carrot, sliced
- 3 cloves chopped garlic
- 1 small piece salt pork (this is KEY for the unique flavor)
- 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon basil
- 1/2 cup red wine
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 chopped green pepper
- salt and pepper
Cacciatore
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1 red pepper, cut in strips
- 1 green pepper, cut in strips
- salt and pepper
- 2 large tomatoes, cut into 8 wedges each
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup fresh sliced mushrooms
- 1 1/2 cups tomato sauce, base
- 1/2 cup white wine
- 2 lbs shrimp
- garlic salt
- 1 1/2 lbs fettuccine
Instructions
- Tomato Sauce Base: Heat olive oil and brown the carrot, salt pork and garlic for 5 minutes.
- Add remaining sauce ingredients and simmer for 40 minutes. After simmering is done discard the carrot, salt pork and green pepper.
- Cacciatore: Heat 2 Tbl oil and add red pepper, green pepper, garlic, salt and pepper and saute for 5 minutes.
- Add the tomatoes, onion, mushrooms and stir fry until onion is softened, but not mushy.
- Stir in 1 1/2 cups tomato sauce base and the white wine. Simmer for 10 minutes.
- In a separate pan heat 1 Tbl olive oil and add shrimp and garlic salt and cook until shrimp are JUST cooked.
- Add shrimp to the sauce and serve over pasta.
Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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Anna is a culinary expert who specializes in grilling delicious BBQ dishes. She also enjoys sharing her recipes and experiences with her foodie community on her blog. She’s the total package for any backyard barbecue!