Shrimp Oreganata Recipe

What if I told you there was a way to whip up an impressive, restaurant-worthy dish in under 30 minutes? Enter Shrimp Oreganata: a classic Italian recipe bursting with flavor and surprisingly easy to make.

What Is Shrimp Oreganata?

Shrimp Oreganata is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines succulent shrimp with a seasoned breadcrumb topping, typically featuring oregano and other herbs. Here’s a basic recipe to get you started

Ingredients:

The Shrimp:

• 1 pound large raw shrimp (26-30 per pound is ideal)
• Extra virgin olive oil for patting dry

The Garlicky Breadcrumb Topping:

• ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 clove garlic, grated
• ½ teaspoon lemon zest
• 2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley
• 1 tablespoon fresh chopped oregano
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust for spice preference)
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

The Lemony Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• ¼ cup dry white wine
• ¼ cup chicken broth

Instructions:

1. Prep the Shrimp: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Then, pat your shrimp dry with paper towels. Excess moisture can prevent the breadcrumb topping from sticking and getting nice and crispy.
2. Craft the Flavorful Breadcrumb Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine your panko breadcrumbs, grated garlic, lemon zest, parsley, oregano, Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Drizzle with olive oil and toss everything together until the breadcrumbs are well-coated and moistened.
3. Assemble for Baking: Arrange your shrimp on a baking sheet or oven-safe skillet in a single layer. Now comes the fun part: spoon the lemony breadcrumb mixture generously on top of each shrimp. Feel free to pack it on a little – a good amount of topping adds flavor and textural contrast.
4. Bake to Golden Perfection: Add your shrimp to the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. You’re looking for the shrimp to cook through and become nice and pink while the breadcrumb topping becomes golden brown and crispy.
5. Deglaze and Finish (Optional): While the shrimp bakes, you can create a simple pan sauce to add another layer of flavor (this step is optional). Add the leftover olive oil from the baking sheet to a separate pan over medium heat. Once hot, deglaze the pan by pouring white wine and scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Let the wine simmer for a minute or two, then add the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until it reduces slightly about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and drizzle the pan sauce over the cooked shrimp before serving.

Tips For Shrimp Oreganata Triumph:

• Pick the Perfect Shrimp: Choose large shrimp (around 26-30 per pound) for best results. Jumbo shrimp can work, too, but adjust the cooking time slightly as they may cook faster.
• Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cooks quickly! Keep an eye on them during baking to avoid overcooking, making them rubbery.
• Spice it Up!: Love a little heat? Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes in the breadcrumb mixture to your preference.
• Fresh is Best: Herbs like oregano and parsley add the most flavor. However, if you’re in a pinch, dried herbs can be substituted in a 1:1 ratio (1 teaspoon each of dried oregano and parsley).
• Get Creative with Sides: Shrimp Oreganata pairs beautifully with various sides. Try it with simple roasted vegetables, pasta tossed in olive oil and garlic, or a bed of fluffy rice.

What To Serve With

Light And Bright Sides:

• Roasted Vegetables: The beauty of roasted vegetables is their simplicity and ability to adapt to your taste. Toss broccoli florets, asparagus spears, zucchini slices, or cherry tomatoes with olive oil, salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs (rosemary, thyme, or a touch of oregano would be lovely here) and roast them in the oven until tender-crisp.
• Arugula Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette: The peppery arugula contrasts the shrimp’s richness, while the bright lemon vinaigrette cuts through the creamy sauce. Add cherry tomatoes, shaved Parmesan cheese, or toasted pine nuts for extra flavor and texture.
• Grilled Asparagus with Lemon Butter Sauce: This quick and elegant side dish elevates the entire meal. Asparagus takes just minutes to grill, and a simple lemon butter sauce made with melted butter, fresh lemon juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper adds a touch of sophistication.

Heartier Pairings:

• Pasta: A classic choice for a reason! Shrimp Oreganata pairs beautifully with various pastas. Try angel hair or thin spaghetti tossed simply with olive oil and garlic for a lighter option. Opt for linguine, fettuccine, or penne if you prefer a more substantial base. You can add some reserved pasta water to the pan sauce for extra creaminess.
• Rice: Another crowd-pleasing side, rice soaks up all the delicious flavors of the shrimp and sauce. Plain white rice works well, but try brown rice, basmati rice, or even a lemon herb rice pilaf for extra depth.
• Garlic Bread: This is a no-brainer! Crusty bread is perfect for soaking up the garlicky pan sauce that inevitably pools at the bottom of the baking dish. You can go classic with a simple baguette or take it up a notch with homemade garlic bread.

Creative Twists:

• Risotto: Whip up a creamy risotto for a decadent and impressive side. This dish takes more time and effort, but the results are worth it. Flavor the risotto with white wine, lemon, and Parmesan cheese; it will be the perfect partner for the shrimp.
• Couscous: For a lighter twist on a grain side, try couscous. Cook the couscous according to package instructions, then fluff it with a fork and toss it with fresh chopped herbs like parsley, mint, or cilantro.
• Zucchini Noodles (Zoodles): This is a great low-carb option. Use a spiralizer to create zucchini noodles, then sauté them with a drizzle of olive oil and garlic until tender-crisp.

Health Benefits

• High in Protein: Shrimp is an excellent source of lean protein, which is essential for muscle repair, growth, and overall cellular function.
• Low in Calories: Shrimp is relatively low in calories compared to many other protein sources, making it a good choice for those looking to manage their calorie intake.
• Rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Shrimp is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, linked to numerous health benefits, including improved heart health and reduced inflammation.
• Vitamins and Minerals: Shrimp is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin B12, iodine, and selenium. These nutrients are essential for various bodily functions, including thyroid health, nerve function, and antioxidant defense.
• Oregano: Oregano is a potent herb rich in antioxidants and associated with various health benefits, including anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
• Low in Carbohydrates: Shrimp is naturally low in carbohydrates, making it suitable for low-carb or ketogenic diets.

Final Thoughts

Shrimp oreganata is a delightful testament to the harmonious fusion of flavors and the simplicity of Mediterranean cuisine. Its roots trace back to the coastal regions of Italy, where fresh seafood is abundant and culinary traditions run deep. This dish offers a symphony of tastes and textures that captivate the palate through the marriage of succulent shrimp, aromatic herbs, zesty lemon, and savory breadcrumbs.

Other Seafood Recipes:

• FRUTTI DI MARE SEAFOOD SALAD RECIPE
• CREAMY MUSHROOM RAVIOLI SAUCE RECIPE
• ZUPPA DI MUSSELS RECIPE

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