Camptown Shrimp Recipe

Jennifer Segal

15 May, 2024

Discover the Spicy Magic of Camptown Shrimp! Dive into a world of bold flavors and sizzling sensations in this must-try recipe.

Camptown Shrimp

Publisher: Crisp Recipe
Cuisine: American
Category: Main Course
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 250 calories

Camptown shrimp is a flavorful and savory American dish that combines succulent shrimp with a rich and aromatic sauce. This dish is known for its bold and spicy flavors, making it a favorite among seafood enthusiasts and those who enjoy a touch of heat in their meals.

To prepare Camptown shrimp, large shrimp are typically used. They are first sautéed in olive oil until they turn pink and slightly caramelized, which enhances their natural sweetness. The shrimp are then set aside while a fragrant base is created in the skillet, featuring minced garlic, chopped onions, and bell peppers. These ingredients add depth and texture to the dish.

What sets Camptown shrimp apart is the spicy kick it offers. Smoked paprika and cayenne pepper are key seasonings, infusing the dish with a smoky and fiery flavor profile. A splash of white wine, if desired, and chicken broth create a luscious sauce that brings all the ingredients together. The addition of cherry tomatoes adds a burst of freshness and color to the dish.

Camptown shrimp is typically served over a bed of rice or pasta, allowing the spicy sauce to coat each bite. Garnished with fresh parsley, it's a visually appealing and mouthwatering dish that's perfect for any occasion. Whether you're a fan of bold flavors or simply looking to elevate your seafood repertoire, Camptown shrimp is a delightful choice that's sure to satisfy your taste buds.

Recipe

Explore our mouthwatering Camptown shrimp recipe. Get ready for a flavorful adventure with this spicy and savory seafood delight!

Ingredients

1 pound of large shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 tablespoons of olive oil
3 cloves of garlic, minced
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 bell pepper, diced
1 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup of chicken broth
1/4 cup of white wine (optional)
1 teaspoon of smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper (adjust to your spice preference)
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Directions

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the minced garlic, chopped onion, and diced bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until they start to soften.
Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside.
In the same skillet, add the halved cherry tomatoes and cook for about 2 minutes until they begin to soften.
Pour in the white wine (if using) and let it simmer for a minute to reduce slightly.
Add the chicken broth, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir everything together and let it simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss them in the sauce for a minute or two to heat through.
Serve the Camptown shrimp over rice, pasta, or with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a burst of color and flavor.
Enjoy your homemade Camptown shrimp dish! Feel free to adjust the spice level and ingredients to suit your taste.

Recipe Video

Camptown Shrimp

This is a video about Camptown Shrimp.

Rated: 4.9 of 5.0 from 19 reviews.

Recipe Tags: Camptown Shrimp, Camptown Shrimp Recipe, Recipe

Servings

Serving Camptown shrimp is a delightful experience, and here's how you can do it:

Base: Start with a base, such as cooked white rice, brown rice, pasta, or even a bed of greens like spinach or arugula. This will provide a foundation for the Camptown shrimp and help soak up the flavorful sauce.
Arrange the Shrimp: Place the cooked Camptown shrimp on top of the base. You can either distribute them evenly or arrange them decoratively for a visually appealing presentation.
Spoon the Sauce: Generously spoon the spicy sauce and the sautéed vegetables from the skillet over the shrimp. Ensure that each serving has a good amount of sauce, as it's packed with flavor.
Garnish: To add a touch of freshness and color, garnish your Camptown shrimp with freshly chopped parsley. This not only enhances the presentation but also adds a burst of freshness to each bite.
Sides: Consider serving complementary sides, such as a simple salad with vinaigrette, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables. These sides can balance the heat of the dish and provide additional textures and flavors.
Enjoy: Serve your Camptown shrimp hot, and encourage your guests to mix the shrimp, sauce, and base together to fully enjoy the flavors. Don't forget to provide extra napkins, as it can be a bit messy but delicious!
Beverage: Pair this spicy dish with a cool beverage like a crisp white wine or a citrusy beer to balance the heat.

Tips

Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh, high-quality shrimp for the best flavor and texture. Look for shrimp that are firm, pink, and have no strong odor.
Adjust Spice Level: The level of spiciness in Camptown shrimp can be adjusted to your preference. If you enjoy more heat, add extra cayenne pepper. If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of cayenne or omit it altogether.
Don't Overcook Shrimp: Shrimp cook quickly, and overcooking can make them tough and rubbery. Cook them just until they turn pink and opaque, which usually takes 2-3 minutes per side.
Use a Skillet: A large skillet or pan with high sides is ideal for this recipe, as it allows you to sauté the shrimp and create the sauce without overcrowding the pan.
White Wine (Optional): While white wine is optional, it can add depth of flavor to the sauce. If you choose to use it, select a dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.
Customize the Veggies: Feel free to customize the vegetable mix. You can add mushrooms, zucchini, or other veggies you prefer. Just ensure they're chopped to a similar size for even cooking.
Serve with Your Favorite Base: Camptown shrimp is versatile and can be served over rice, pasta, or even couscous. Choose your favorite base or what you have on hand.
Prep Ahead: You can chop the garlic, onions, and bell peppers ahead of time to speed up the cooking process. This is especially helpful if you're making the dish for a weeknight dinner.
Double the Recipe: If you're feeding a larger group, you can easily double the recipe. Just use a larger skillet or cook the shrimp in batches to avoid overcrowding.
Taste and Adjust: Before serving, taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings. Add more salt, pepper, or spices if needed to achieve the perfect balance of flavors.
Leftovers: Camptown shrimp leftovers can be refrigerated for a day or two. Reheat them gently on the stove, adding a bit of chicken broth if the sauce has thickened too much.
Experiment: Don't hesitate to experiment with the recipe. You can add ingredients like olives, capers, or lemon zest to customize the flavors to your liking.

Ingredient Substitutes

See the list below if you need to substitute certain ingredients in the Camptown shrimp recipe, I've written some potential options here:

Shrimp: If you don't have shrimp or prefer a different protein, you can use chicken, scallops, or even tofu as a substitute. Adjust the cooking time accordingly based on the protein you choose.
Olive Oil: You can substitute olive oil with other cooking oils like vegetable oil, canola oil, or even butter for a richer flavor.
Garlic: If you run out of fresh garlic, you can use garlic powder as a substitute. Typically, 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder is equivalent to one fresh garlic clove.
Onion: If you don't have onions, you can use shallots or scallions as a substitute. They provide a similar onion-like flavor.
Bell Pepper: Any color of bell pepper (red, yellow, or green) can be used interchangeably. If you don't have bell peppers, consider using other vegetables like zucchini, carrots, or celery.
Cherry Tomatoes: If you're out of cherry tomatoes, you can use diced regular tomatoes or canned diced tomatoes as a substitute. Just be aware that canned tomatoes might add a slightly different texture and flavor.
Chicken Broth: Vegetable broth or seafood broth can be used as a substitute for chicken broth. If you want a richer flavor, you can dilute bouillon cubes or granules with water.
White Wine (Optional): If you prefer not to use wine, you can substitute it with chicken or vegetable broth. This will still add some depth to the sauce without the alcohol.
Smoked Paprika: If you don't have smoked paprika, regular paprika can be used as a substitute. Smoked paprika provides a smoky flavor, so you might miss that element.
Cayenne Pepper: Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to your preferred level of spiciness. If you don't have cayenne, you can use red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
Fresh Parsley: If you don't have fresh parsley for garnish, you can use dried parsley flakes or substitute it with fresh cilantro or chives.