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Garlic and Shrimp in Roasted Garlic Sauce

This dish features tender shrimp coated in a rich, nutty sauce made from slow-roasted garlic. The process involves roasting garlic until caramelized, then combining it with sautéed aromatics, lemon, and herbs to create a glossy, flavorful sauce that elevates simple seafood into a refined yet comforting meal.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 head garlic bulb top sliced off for roasting
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil for roasting and cooking
  • 1 pound shrimp peeled and deveined
  • 1 small shallot finely chopped, optional
  • ¼ cup lemon juice freshly squeezed
  • ¼ cup chopped parsley fresh
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes red pepper flakes adjust to taste
  • 1 tablespoon butter butter for richness at the end
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Foil
  • Spatula
  • Tongs

Method
 

  1. Wrap the garlic bulb in foil with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and roast in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 40 minutes until the cloves are soft, fragrant, and golden.
  2. While the garlic roasts, prepare the shrimp by patting them dry and seasoning with a little salt and pepper. Set aside.
  3. Once the garlic is cool enough to handle, squeeze out the softened cloves into a small bowl and mash them with a fork until smooth and spreadable.
  4. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped shallots (if using) and sauté for about 3 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
  5. Add the mashed roasted garlic to the skillet, stirring well. Cook for about 2 minutes until the mixture is fragrant and slightly caramelized.
  6. Push the garlic mixture to one side of the skillet and add the shrimp in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until they turn pink, opaque, and slightly curled. Remove the shrimp and set aside.
  7. Deglaze the pan with ¼ cup of fresh lemon juice, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom for flavor. Let it simmer for about 1 minute until slightly reduced.
  8. Stir in the chopped parsley and red pepper flakes, then return the cooked shrimp to the skillet. Toss gently to coat in the garlic sauce and cook for another minute until heated through and glossy.
  9. Finish by stirring in the butter until melted and the sauce is shiny. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve immediately over rice or crusty bread, garnished with extra parsley if desired.

Notes

For extra flavor, prepare the roasted garlic a day in advance and store it in the fridge. This dish pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or crusty bread to soak up the sauce.