Shrimp Bake in Tomato Sauce

Shrimp Bake in Tomato Sauce is a simple, flavorful, and comforting dish that features juicy shrimp baked in a rich, aromatic tomato sauce. With fresh grape tomatoes, onions, green pepper, and a kick of cumin, this dish is packed with flavor and ready in just under an hour. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a casual dinner party!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Shrimp Bake in Tomato Sauce is a one-dish wonder that’s both satisfying and easy to make. The combination of bursting tomatoes, savory vegetables, and tender shrimp creates a mouthwatering meal that’s perfect for any occasion. The sauce has a lovely balance of sweetness from the tomatoes and a smoky depth from cumin, making it a comforting yet vibrant dish. Plus, the shrimp cooks quickly, making it a great choice for busy nights!

Ingredients

• 2 cups grape tomatoes

• 1/2 medium onion, diced

• 1 green pepper, diced

• 1 jalapeño, chopped (optional)

• 2 cloves garlic, grated

• 1 tablespoon tomato paste

• 1 teaspoon salt (to taste)

• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 3/4 teaspoon ground cumin

• 1 pound uncooked, thawed raw shrimp (tail off)

• Fresh parsley (for garnish)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat the Oven:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).

Prepare the Sauce:

1. In an 11×7 oven-safe dish, add the grape tomatoes, onion, green pepper, jalapeño (if using), garlic, tomato paste, salt, pepper, olive oil, and cumin. Stir everything together to combine.

Bake the Sauce:

1. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to burst and the flavors to meld.

Finish the Sauce:

1. Once baked, use a fork to burst the tomatoes and stir the mixture, creating a saucy base.

Add the Shrimp:

1. Add the uncooked shrimp to the dish, stirring them into the sauce. Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 8-10 minutes, or until the shrimp are fully cooked and opaque.

Garnish and Serve:

1. Remove from the oven and sprinkle with fresh parsley. Serve immediately, and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 40 minutes

• Total Time: 50 minutes

Variations

• Add more vegetables: Feel free to add zucchini, spinach, or even artichokes to the sauce for extra flavor and texture.

• Spicy option: Increase the amount of jalapeño or add a pinch of red pepper flakes for more heat.

• Substitute shrimp: If you prefer, you can substitute the shrimp with scallops, fish fillets, or even chicken breast. Adjust the cooking time as needed.

• Add cheese: For an extra indulgent dish, sprinkle grated mozzarella or Parmesan over the shrimp and sauce before baking for the last 10 minutes.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.

• Freezing: You can freeze the shrimp and tomato sauce separately for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

• Reheating: Reheat in the oven or on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp if reheating.

FAQs

1. Can I use canned tomatoes instead of grape tomatoes?

Yes, you can use canned diced tomatoes instead of grape tomatoes, but fresh tomatoes will give the sauce a better texture and flavor.

2. How do I know when the shrimp is cooked?

Shrimp is fully cooked when it turns opaque and pink. It should also curl into a “C” shape. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).

3. Can I add more spices to the sauce?

Absolutely! You can experiment with spices like smoked paprika, coriander, or thyme to enhance the flavor.

4. Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

You can prepare the tomato sauce up to the point of adding the shrimp and store it in the fridge. When ready to serve, simply add the shrimp and bake.

5. Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them thoroughly before adding them to the dish.

6. Can I make this dish without cumin?

Yes, if you don’t have cumin, you can substitute it with ground coriander or smoked paprika for a different flavor profile.

7. Can I serve this with something other than parsley?

Yes, fresh basil, cilantro, or chives would also make great garnishes for this dish.

8. What can I serve this dish with?

This shrimp bake pairs well with rice, couscous, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. A side of sautéed greens or a fresh salad would complement it nicely.

9. Can I cook this in a different sized dish?

Yes, you can adjust the recipe to fit different-sized baking dishes. Just ensure the shrimp is evenly distributed and the sauce can simmer around the shrimp.

10. How do I prevent the shrimp from overcooking?

Shrimp cooks very quickly, so make sure to watch them closely during the final bake. Remove them as soon as they are opaque and curled.

Conclusion

Shrimp Bake in Tomato Sauce is a simple yet flavorful dish that brings together juicy shrimp, sweet tomatoes, and aromatic spices in a comforting, hearty bake. It’s easy to prepare and perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion. With minimal ingredients and a quick cooking time, this dish delivers maximum flavor and is sure to become a go-to favorite! Enjoy!

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