Description
Creamy Tucson Shrimp is a quick and flavorful seafood dish featuring succulent shrimp simmered in a rich, spiced cream sauce with hints of smoky paprika, cumin, and fresh lime. Perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner, this recipe combines tender shrimp with a velvety sauce that pairs beautifully with rice, pasta, or crusty bread.
Ingredients
Scale
Shrimp and Sauce
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon ground coriander
- Juice of 1 lime
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime zest (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the base: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent.
- Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, releasing fragrant aromas.
- Toast spices: Mix in ground cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, and ground coriander. Toast these spices for 1-2 minutes to deepen their flavors.
- Create the sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring well to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Cook shrimp: Add the shrimp directly to the skillet. Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the shrimp turns pink and is cooked through.
- Season: Stir in fresh lime juice, and season with salt and pepper to taste. If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash more chicken broth to reach desired consistency.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from heat and garnish with chopped cilantro and optional lime zest. Serve immediately over rice, pasta, or with crusty bread.
Notes
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce, but it will be less rich.
- Ensure shrimp is fully peeled and deveined to avoid toughness and grit.
- Add fresh jalapeño or cayenne pepper if you prefer a spicier kick.
- Pair with steamed rice or crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce perfectly.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
