Healthy Garlic Shrimp with Leeks
User Reviews
4.7
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
15 mins
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Total Time
25 mins
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Servings
4 Servings
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Calories
351 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
Italian
Healthy Garlic Shrimp with Leeks
Description
This recipe combines large wild-caught shrimp with garlic and leeks sautéed in olive oil. The garlic is cooked briefly to release aroma, then leeks are softened with optional sea salt, creating a mild, slightly sweet base. The shrimp are then added and seasoned generously with lemon peel, cayenne pepper, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper, imparting a mildly spicy and herbaceous profile.
The shrimp cook until fully opaque and pink, varying from 6 to 15 minutes depending on size, ensuring they are thoroughly cooked but not rubbery. The dish maintains a balance of tender shrimp and softened leeks with a light sauce from the olive oil and seasoning. Chopped parsley mixed in and used for garnish adds freshness to the plate.
This meal can be served as a light main or with a side like rice or crusty bread. The combination of garlic, leeks, and spices provides a flavorful yet simple preparation highlighting the shrimp's texture and flavor. Cleaning leeks properly to remove grit is important for the final dish's quality.
Ensure shrimp are fully cooked and adjust seasoning for preferred spice levels. The recipe notes the extended cooking time required for jumbo shrimp and suggests reserving leek tops for broth if desired.
Ingredients
- 4 to 5 tablespoons olive oil divided
- 4 cloves garlic chopped
- 2 leek chopped, medium-sized
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
- 2 pounds Shrimp wild-caught, about 16-20 large per pound
- 1 teaspoon lemon peel
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon oregano dried
- 1 handful parsley for garnish, chopped
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat 4 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat.
- Add garlic, cook, and stir for 10 seconds to release its aroma.
- Stir in the chopped leeks. I like to sprinkle the vegetables with a few pinches of sea salt at this point (optional)
- Cook and occasionally stir for 5 minutes, or until leeks are softened.
- Add in the shrimp, then season everything with lemon peel, cayenne pepper, oregano, and salt and pepper to taste. I am pretty generous with black pepper in this dish. Let the shrimp cook for a few minutes and let one side becoming pinkish before combining it thoroughly with the leeks.
- Cook and stir until the shrimp are pink on both sides, opaque and cooked through, and the flavors have come together (anywhere from 6 to 15 minutes depending on their size).
- Optional: drizzle one tablespoon of olive oil over the entire dish and stir in half of the chopped parsley.
- Serve with extra parsley for garnish.
Notes
- Cook shrimp for 6 to 15 minutes depending on size to reach desired doneness; large shrimp may need longer.
- Clean leeks thoroughly by cutting lengthwise and rinsing to remove dirt between leaves.
- Reserve tough leek tops for making flavorful broth if desired.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4Servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 351 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 351kcal | 18% |
| Carbohydrates | 8g | 3% |
| Protein | 47g | 94% |
| Fat | 15g | 23% |
| Saturated Fat | 2g | 10% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2g | 12% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 10g | 50% |
| Trans Fat | 0.01g | 1% |
| Cholesterol | 365mg | 122% |
| Sodium | 280mg | 12% |
| Potassium | 709mg | 15% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 2g | 4% |
| Vitamin A | 939IU | 19% |
| Vitamin C | 8mg | 9% |
| Calcium | 187mg | 19% |
| Iron | 3mg | 17% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.7
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