Are you craving a restaurant-quality meal that's both incredibly delicious and surprisingly simple to prepare? Look no further than this tantalizing Shrimp and Sautéed Spinach recipe that will transform your weeknight dinner from ordinary to extraordinary in just 25 minutes! Imagine succulent, perfectly cooked shrimp nestled among vibrant, tender spinach, infused with aromatic garlic and a hint of olive oil – a dish that promises to impress your family and tantalize your taste buds with minimal effort.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 cups fresh spinach
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 1 lb of peeled and deveined shrimp, 4 cups of fresh spinach, 2 cloves of minced garlic, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, and salt and pepper to taste.
- Rinse the fresh spinach under cold water to remove any dirt or grit. Pat it dry with a clean kitchen towel or use a salad spinner to remove excess moisture. Set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Allow the oil to heat for about 1 minute until it shimmers.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning. The garlic should become fragrant but not browned.
- Carefully add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on one side until they turn pink and opaque.
- Flip the shrimp over and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes on the other side. Ensure they are cooked through and no longer translucent. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and transfer them to a plate. Cover to keep warm.
- In the same skillet, add the fresh spinach. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the spinach wilts and reduces in volume. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Once the spinach is wilted, return the cooked shrimp to the skillet. Toss everything together gently to combine, allowing the flavors to meld for about 1 minute.
- Remove the skillet from heat and taste for seasoning. Adjust with more salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve the shrimp and sautéed spinach immediately on plates. Enjoy your delicious and healthy meal!
Tips
- Choose Fresh Ingredients: Select large, fresh shrimp that are firm and have a mild ocean scent. For spinach, opt for crisp, bright green leaves without wilting.
- Pat Shrimp Dry: Before cooking, thoroughly pat the shrimp with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This ensures beautiful caramelization and prevents steaming.
- Watch Your Cooking Time: Shrimp cook quickly – they're done when they turn pink and opaque, which typically takes 2-3 minutes per side. Overcooking will make them tough and rubbery.
- Use Medium Heat: Maintain a consistent medium heat to prevent burning the garlic and to cook the shrimp evenly.
- Season Gradually: Add salt and pepper in layers, tasting as you go to build depth of flavor without over-salting.
- Keep Everything Moving: Constantly stir garlic and shrimp to prevent burning and ensure even cooking.
- One-Pan Convenience: By using the same skillet for shrimp and spinach, you'll capture all the delicious, concentrated flavors.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 4g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 230mg
