Shrimp in Green Salsa with a Velvety Sauce Recipe

The Perfect Shrimp in Green Salsa with a Velvety Sauce Recipe

Comfort meets zesty excitement in this shrimp in green salsa that promises a culinary adventure for spice enthusiasts.

Bright Mexican flavors dance across your plate with unexpected complexity.

Tender seafood nestles into a vibrant verde sauce that whispers of fresh herbs and tangy tomatillos.

Our recipe brings restaurant-quality elegance straight to your kitchen without complicated techniques.

Fragrant cilantro and jalapeños create a harmony of heat and freshness that will make your taste buds sing.

Simple ingredients combine into an extraordinary meal that feels both familiar and surprising.

You can master this dish with confidence and impress everyone around your dining table.

Why Shrimp In Green Salsa With A Velvety Sauce Is Full Of Flavor

  • Craft Zesty Flavor Explosion: Discover a mouthwatering Mexican-inspired dish bursting with tangy tomatillos, spicy jalapeños, and succulent shrimp that dance together in a vibrant green salsa.
  • Master Quick Cooking Techniques: Learn professional-level cooking skills by mastering the art of sautéing vegetables and seafood, creating a restaurant-quality meal in your own kitchen with minimal culinary expertise.
  • Celebrate Healthy Protein Power: Enjoy a nutritious meal packed with lean protein from shrimp, combined with fresh vegetables and aromatic herbs that provide a balanced and satisfying dining experience.
  • Customize Your Spice Adventure: Easily adjust the heat level by controlling jalapeño quantities, making this recipe perfect for various taste preferences and ensuring everyone at the table can enjoy the delicious flavors.

Everything You Need For Shrimp In Green Salsa With A Velvety Sauce

Main Ingredients:
  • Shrimp: Fresh seafood that provides the protein base for this delicious dish.
  • Tomatillos: Green Mexican fruits that create the base for the vibrant green salsa.
  • Tomatoes: Add depth and additional flavor to the green salsa sauce.
Aromatics and Herbs:
  • Onion, Garlic: Provide a foundational flavor profile and aromatic base for the dish.
  • Jalapeño: Adds a spicy kick and fresh heat to the green salsa.
  • Cilantro: Brings a bright, fresh herbal note to the sauce.
Liquid and Seasoning Components:
  • Chicken Broth: Creates a rich liquid base that helps develop the sauce's consistency.
  • Olive Oil: Used for sautéing and adding a smooth, rich undertone to the cooking process.
  • Salt: Enhances and balances the overall flavor of the dish.
  • Lime: Provides a fresh, citrusy garnish that brightens the final presentation.

How To Cook Shrimp In Green Salsa With A Velvety Sauce

Step 1: Sizzle Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, cooking until they become soft and translucent, releasing their fragrant essence.

Step 2: Build Vibrant Green Base

Toss into the pan:
  • Jalapeño
  • Cilantro
  • Tomatillos
  • Tomatoes

Sauté these ingredients for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until they soften and blend together beautifully.

Step 3: Create Luscious Sauce

Pour chicken broth into the pan and bring to a rolling boil.

Reduce heat to a gentle simmer, allowing the sauce to develop depth and complexity for 10-12 minutes. The liquid will gradually thicken and concentrate its flavors.

Step 4: Season and Enhance

Sprinkle salt into the sauce, tasting and adjusting until the flavors pop and sing.

Step 5: Cook Succulent Shrimp

In a separate skillet, quickly sear shrimp over high heat.

Cook for 2-3 minutes, turning once, until they transform from translucent to a beautiful opaque pink.

Step 6: Marry Flavors

Pour the green salsa directly over the shrimp, gently stirring to ensure each morsel is lovingly coated with the vibrant sauce.

Step 7: Finish and Serve

Plate the shrimp and garnish with fresh lime wedges, adding a bright, zesty finish to this mouthwatering dish.

Pro Tips For Shrimp In Green Salsa With A Velvety Sauce

  • Choose fresh, firm shrimp for the best texture and flavor in this dish.
  • Adjust jalapeño quantity based on your spice tolerance, removing seeds for milder heat.
  • Use Mexican tomatillos for authentic green salsa flavor; substitute with green tomatoes if unavailable.
  • Prevent overcooking shrimp by watching carefully during sautéing, removing from heat when they turn pink and slightly curled.
  • For a lighter version, replace chicken broth with vegetable broth and use less oil during cooking.

Tasty Twists On Shrimp In Green Salsa With A Velvety Sauce

  • Coastal Fusion: Replace tomatillos with roasted green bell peppers for a smoother, milder sauce profile with subtle sweetness.
  • Spicy Caribbean Style: Add diced mango and habanero pepper to create a tropical heat-infused green salsa that complements the shrimp's natural flavors.
  • Coconut Creole Approach: Incorporate coconut milk into the sauce for a creamy, rich texture that transforms the original recipe into a luxurious seafood experience.
  • Mediterranean Herbs Version: Swap cilantro with fresh basil and parsley, then include capers and white wine to give the dish a Mediterranean coastal essence.

What Goes Great With Shrimp In Green Salsa With A Velvety Sauce

  • Pair with Zesty Margarita: Craft a classic margarita with fresh lime juice, tequila, and a salted rim to complement the tangy green salsa and brighten the shrimp's flavor profile.
  • Enhance with Mexican Rice: Prepare cilantro-lime rice as a perfect accompaniment, soaking up the velvety green sauce and providing a fluffy, aromatic base for the spicy shrimp dish.
  • Match with Crisp Salad: Create a light cucumber and avocado salad with a lime vinaigrette, offering a cool, refreshing contrast to the warm, spicy shrimp in green salsa.
  • Select Chilled Cerveza: Choose a light Mexican beer like Corona or Modelo Especial, which cuts through the dish's richness and provides a crisp, clean palate cleanser between bites.

How To Store Shrimp In Green Salsa With A Velvety Sauce Right

  • Refrigerator Storage: Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Keep shrimp and sauce together to maintain moisture and flavor.
  • Freezer Storage: Pack the cooled shrimp and green salsa in a freezer-safe container, removing excess air. Freeze for maximum 1 month to prevent texture breakdown.
  • Microwave Reheating: Place leftovers in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly. Stop when thoroughly warm.
  • Stovetop Reheating: Warm the shrimp and salsa in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying.

Shrimp In Green Salsa With A Velvety Sauce Q&A

  • What makes tomatillos different from regular tomatoes?

Tomatillos are green, smaller, and have a papery husk. They have a tangy, slightly acidic flavor that’s more tart than red tomatoes, which gives this green salsa its unique taste.

  • Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, just thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking. Fresh or frozen work equally well, but ensure shrimp are properly deveined and cleaned.

  • Is this dish spicy?

The heat level depends on the jalapeño. Remove seeds for mild heat, or include them for more spiciness. You can also adjust by using fewer or more jalapeños based on your preference.

  • What type of chicken broth works best?

Low-sodium chicken broth is recommended.

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Shrimp in Green Salsa with a Velvety Sauce Recipe

Shrimp in Green Salsa with a Velvety Sauce Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 8 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Succulent shrimp in green salsa dances with zesty Mexican flavors, creating a culinary symphony of tangy and rich notes. Spicy, creamy, and irresistibly fresh, you’ll savor each bite of this authentic coastal delight that brings warmth and excitement to your dining table.


Ingredients

Scale

Proteins:

  • 400 grams (14 ounces) shrimp, peeled and deveined

Vegetables and Herbs:

  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 fresh jalapeño, sliced
  • 1 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 cup tomatillos, chopped
  • 2 medium tomatoes, chopped

Liquids and Seasonings:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • Salt to taste
  • Fresh lime for garnish

Instructions

  1. Warm olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, gently sweating the onion and garlic until they become translucent and aromatic.
  2. Introduce jalapeño, cilantro, tomatillos, and tomatoes into the pan, sautéing for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables soften and release their vibrant flavors.
  3. Pour chicken broth into the mixture, bringing it to a vigorous boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer for 10-12 minutes until the sauce develops a slightly thickened consistency.
  4. Carefully season the sauce with salt, adjusting to personal taste preferences.
  5. In a separate skillet, rapidly cook the shrimp over high heat for 2-3 minutes, ensuring they turn pink and become perfectly tender without overcooking.
  6. Cascade the verdant salsa over the cooked shrimp, gently folding to ensure each morsel is generously coated with the zesty sauce.
  7. Garnish with freshly cut lime wedges, offering a bright, citrusy accent to the dish.

Notes

  • Perfectly balance heat by removing jalapeño seeds for milder flavor or keeping them for extra spiciness.
  • Ensure shrimp doesn’t overcook by watching closely and removing from pan immediately after turning pink to maintain tender texture.
  • Select fresh tomatillos with tight, bright green husks for the most vibrant green salsa base and maximum flavor complexity.
  • Substitute shrimp with chicken or tofu for different protein options, keeping the delicious green salsa sauce consistent.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 220
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 12g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 25g
  • Cholesterol: 150mg
Truc Tran (Kris)

Truc Tran (Kris)

Senior Food Editor

Expertise

Home Cooking, Meal Planning, Recipe Development, Baking and Pastry, Food Editor, Cooking-video Maker, Vietnamese Food Evaluation Expert

Education

  • Hospitality (Commercial Cookery) at TasTAFE
  • Culinary Arts at Kendall College (Australia Branch in Sydney)
  • Vietnamese Cuisine Head Chef at HNAAu School (Vietnam, International Joint Training Program)

Truc Tran (Kris), an experienced food writer and editor, is great at exploring and describing global cuisines, from simple street food to fancy dining. In her writing, she skillfully mixes different flavors, cooking methods, and culinary traditions, showing the unique character of various cultures through their food and drinks. On azcuisines.com, Kris highlights her knowledge, especially in Asian cuisine and worldwide traditional dishes.

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