Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that will transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary Mediterranean-inspired feast! This Garlic Shrimp with Crispy Pancetta is not just a recipe—it's a symphony of flavors that combines the succulence of perfectly cooked shrimp with the irresistible crunch of golden pancetta. In just 25 minutes, you'll create a restaurant-quality dish that will have your family and friends begging for seconds.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 ounces pancetta, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 1 pound of large shrimp, 4 ounces of diced pancetta, 4 cloves of minced garlic, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, salt and pepper to taste, and chopped parsley for garnish.
- In a large skillet, heat the 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Allow the oil to warm for about 1-2 minutes until it shimmers but does not smoke.
- Add the diced pancetta to the skillet. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pancetta becomes crispy and golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to remove the pancetta from the skillet and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat.
- In the same skillet with the pancetta drippings, add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute, stirring constantly to prevent the garlic from burning. You want it to become fragrant and slightly golden.
- Once the garlic is ready, add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook the shrimp for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as they can become tough.
- Once the shrimp are cooked, return the crispy pancetta to the skillet. Gently toss everything together to combine the flavors.
- Remove the skillet from the heat and transfer the garlic shrimp and pancetta to a serving dish. Garnish with chopped parsley for a fresh touch.
- Serve immediately, either on its own or over a bed of pasta or rice for a complete meal. Enjoy your Garlic Shrimp with Crispy Pancetta!
Tips
- Shrimp Selection: Choose large, fresh shrimp for the best texture and flavor. Ensure they are properly peeled and deveined.
- Pancetta Perfection: Cook pancetta slowly to render out the fat and achieve a crispy, golden-brown texture. This will provide a rich, savory base for your dish.
- Garlic Technique: Be vigilant when sautéing garlic—it can burn quickly. Remove from heat the moment it becomes fragrant and lightly golden.
- Shrimp Cooking Tip: Watch your shrimp carefully! They cook quickly and can become rubbery if overcooked. They're done when they turn pink and opaque.
- Flavor Enhancement: For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a splash of white wine or a squeeze of lemon juice when cooking the shrimp.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve over pasta, risotto, or with crusty bread to soak up the delicious pan juices.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 2g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 220mg
