Imagine sitting at a candlelit table, the rich aroma of garlic and tomatoes filling the air. On your plate is Shrimp Fra Diavolo, a dish with fiery flavors and a comforting warmth that feels like a hug from Italian cuisine itself. Whether you’re a seafood enthusiast or new to cooking shrimp, this recipe offers the perfect combination of heat, tanginess, and a touch of elegance.
Let’s take a deep dive into what makes Shrimp Fra Diavolo so irresistible and how you can recreate this restaurant-quality dish at home.
What is Shrimp Fra Diavolo?
Fra Diavolo, which translates to “Brother Devil” in Italian, refers to dishes that pack a spicy punch. Shrimp Fra Diavolo features succulent shrimp simmered in a robust tomato sauce with red pepper flakes, garlic, and white wine. It’s a feast for your taste buds, combining the sweetness of shrimp with the boldness of chili and tangy tomatoes.
Why You’ll Love Shrimp Fra Diavolo
This dish checks all the boxes:
- Flavorful: The combination of fresh herbs, garlic, and red pepper flakes creates a complex and satisfying taste.
- Easy to Make: Despite its gourmet appearance, Shrimp Fra Diavolo comes together in under an hour.
- Customizable: Adjust the spice level or serve it with your favorite pasta or side dish for a personalized touch.
Ingredients for Shrimp Fra Diavolo
To create this fiery Italian masterpiece, you’ll need the following ingredients:
Main Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Yellow onion, finely chopped | 1 small (about 1 cup) | Adds sweetness and depth |
| Garlic cloves, minced | 4 | Essential for bold flavor |
| Fresh parsley | 4 sprigs | Finely chopped for garnish and sauce |
| Fresh oregano | 4 sprigs | Adds authentic Italian flavor |
| Extra-large shrimp | 1 1/2 lbs | Peeled, deveined, 16-20 count per pound |
| Kosher salt | 2 tsp, divided | Enhances overall flavor |
| Black pepper | 1/4 tsp | A touch of spice |
| Olive oil | 3 tbsp | For sautéing |
| Red pepper flakes | 1 1/2 tsp | Adjust to your spice tolerance |
| Dry white wine | 3/4 cup | Use pinot grigio or sauvignon blanc |
| Whole peeled tomatoes | 2 (28 oz) cans | Break them down for a hearty sauce |
Optional
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Pasta (spaghetti or linguine) | 1 lb | Perfect for serving with the sauce |
Step-by-Step Instructions for Shrimp Fra Diavolo
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
- Chop the onion finely. Mince the garlic cloves.
- Pick and chop the leaves from the parsley and oregano sprigs.
- Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels, then season with 1/2 tsp kosher salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
Step 2: Sear the Shrimp
- Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 3-4 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden-brown and just cooked through.
- Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics
- In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tbsp olive oil and heat over medium-high.
- Stir in the onion and cook for about 3 minutes until tender.
- Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, stirring for 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 4: Deglaze with White Wine
- Pour in the white wine, scraping up any browned bits from the skillet.
- Bring the wine to a boil and cook until it reduces by half, about 1 minute.
Step 5: Create the Tomato Sauce
- Add the chopped oregano and canned tomatoes with their juices.
- Break the tomatoes into smaller pieces using a potato masher or wooden spoon. (Alternatively, pulse the tomatoes in a food processor before adding.)
- Add 1 1/2 tsp kosher salt and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Reduce the heat to medium and let the sauce simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
Step 6: Combine the Shrimp and Sauce
- Return the cooked shrimp and any juices to the skillet.
- Simmer for 2 minutes to heat the shrimp through and meld the flavors.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
- Stir in the chopped parsley, taste, and adjust the seasoning with additional salt if needed.
- Serve hot over cooked pasta or alongside crusty bread for dipping.
Tips for the Perfect Shrimp Fra Diavolo
1. Use Fresh Ingredients
Fresh herbs, garlic, and high-quality shrimp elevate the dish’s flavor.
2. Control the Spice Level
Adjust the red pepper flakes to suit your spice preference. Start with less if you’re unsure.
3. Don’t Overcook the Shrimp
Shrimp cook quickly and can become rubbery if overcooked. Remove them from heat as soon as they turn opaque.
4. Pair with the Right Wine
Choose a dry white wine like pinot grigio or sauvignon blanc for cooking and serving.
5. Serve Immediately
This dish is best enjoyed fresh to savor the vibrant flavors and tender texture of the shrimp.
Nutritional Information
Here’s an approximate breakdown of the nutrition per serving (based on 6 servings):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 280 |
| Protein | 32g |
| Carbohydrates | 14g |
| Fat | 9g |
| Sodium | 890mg |
| Fiber | 3g |
FAQs About Shrimp Fra Diavolo
1. Can I make Shrimp Fra Diavolo ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the sauce in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Add the shrimp just before serving to keep them tender.
2. What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop.
3. Can I make this dish less spicy?
Absolutely. Reduce or omit the red pepper flakes to tone down the heat.
4. What can I use instead of white wine?
If you don’t have white wine, chicken broth or vegetable stock are good substitutes.
5. Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, but make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking.
6. Is this dish gluten-free?
The shrimp and sauce are naturally gluten-free. Serve with gluten-free pasta or rice for a complete meal.
Why Shrimp Fra Diavolo Should Be Your Next Dish
Few dishes combine elegance, spice, and simplicity as well as Shrimp Fra Diavolo. It’s a celebration of Italian flavors with a kick that keeps your taste buds intrigued. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or treating yourself to something extraordinary, this dish never disappoints.
Ready to Try Shrimp Fra Diavolo?
Gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and let your kitchen be filled with the enticing aroma of garlic, tomatoes, and herbs. With this recipe, you’ll master a dish that’s sure to impress and satisfy every time.
Buon appetito!
Shrimp Fra Diavolo: A Spicy Seafood Classic with Italian Roots
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Shrimp Fra Diavolo is a bold, spicy Italian classic featuring tender shrimp simmered in a robust tomato sauce with garlic, white wine, and a kick of red pepper flakes. Perfect for a special dinner or a cozy weeknight treat, this dish is both elegant and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped (about 1 cup)
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 sprigs fresh parsley, finely chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 4 sprigs fresh oregano, finely chopped
- 1 1/2 lbs extra-large shrimp, peeled and deveined (16–20 count per pound)
- 2 tsp kosher salt, divided
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 3 tbsp olive oil, divided
- 1 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 3/4 cup dry white wine (e.g., pinot grigio or sauvignon blanc)
- 2 (28 oz) cans whole peeled tomatoes, with juices
Optional
- 1 lb pasta (spaghetti or linguine) for serving
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients:
- Chop the onion and mince the garlic.
- Pick and chop the parsley and oregano leaves.
- Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels, then season with 1/2 tsp kosher salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
- Sear the Shrimp:
- Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 3-4 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden-brown and just cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics:
- In the same skillet, heat the remaining 2 tbsp olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the onion and sauté for 3 minutes until tender.
- Stir in the garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Deglaze with White Wine:
- Pour in the white wine, scraping up any browned bits from the skillet.
- Bring to a boil and cook until the wine reduces by half, about 1 minute.
- Make the Tomato Sauce:
- Add the chopped oregano and the canned tomatoes with their juices.
- Break the tomatoes into smaller pieces with a potato masher or wooden spoon (or pulse in a food processor beforehand).
- Stir in 1 1/2 tsp kosher salt and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Reduce the heat to medium and let the sauce simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
- Combine Shrimp and Sauce:
- Return the seared shrimp and any accumulated juices to the skillet.
- Simmer for 2 minutes to heat the shrimp through and meld the flavors.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Stir in the chopped parsley and taste the sauce. Adjust the seasoning with additional salt if needed.
- Serve hot over cooked pasta or with crusty bread on the side. Garnish with fresh parsley.
Notes
- Adjust Spice Level: Reduce the red pepper flakes if you prefer a milder dish.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh herbs and high-quality shrimp enhance the dish’s flavor.
- Make It Gluten-Free: Serve with gluten-free pasta or rice.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian