Description
Sautéed Shrimp in Creamy Saffron Sauce is a luxurious and flavorful seafood dish featuring tender shrimp cooked in a rich, aromatic cream sauce infused with saffron and smoked paprika. Perfect for a sophisticated dinner, this Mediterranean-inspired recipe offers a perfect balance of creamy texture and delicate spice, complemented by the brightness of fresh parsley and lemon wedges.
Ingredients
Scale
Shrimp and Seasonings
- 1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
Sautéing and Sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- ½ small shallot (finely chopped)
- ½ cup dry white wine
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ teaspoon saffron threads
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Steep Saffron: In a small bowl, steep the saffron threads in 2 tablespoons of warm water and set aside to release their flavor and color.
- Cook Shrimp: Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add the remaining butter. Add the minced garlic and chopped shallot, sautéing for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add Wine and Reduce: Pour in the white wine and simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, allowing it to reduce slightly.
- Make Sauce: Add the saffron along with its steeping liquid, heavy cream, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Simmer gently for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Incorporate Cheese: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts smoothly into the sauce.
- Combine Shrimp and Sauce: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and gently toss to coat them with the creamy saffron sauce. Cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes to heat through.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired, and serve immediately with lemon wedges to squeeze over the dish.
Notes
- Serve this dish over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.
- If you don’t have white wine available, chicken broth is a suitable substitute.
- Use wild-caught shrimp for a superior, more flavorful seafood experience.
