Delicious & Easy Saucy Shrimp Recipe: A Bonefish Grill Inspired Twist

Prepare to tantalize your taste buds with this incredible saucy shrimp recipe! Inspired by the much-loved Bonefish Grill’s signature dish, this homemade version captures all the rich, creamy, and irresistible flavors you crave, with a few delightful adjustments to make it even more accessible and uniquely delicious. We’ve streamlined the original concept by omitting calamata olives and clam juice – primarily because clam juice isn’t always easy to find, and we want everyone, everywhere, to be able to whip up this fantastic meal without a fuss. Get ready for a remarkably flavorful and easy weeknight dinner that will quickly become a staple in your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Saucy Shrimp Recipe

This isn’t just another shrimp recipe; it’s a culinary experience designed for simplicity and maximum flavor. Our saucy shrimp comes together in under 15 minutes, making it an absolute lifesaver for busy weeknights when you want something gourmet without the extensive prep time. The sauce is the star here – a luscious blend of aromatic garlic, sweet sun-dried tomatoes, tangy feta cheese, and rich heavy cream, all brought together with a hint of vegetable broth or white wine. It’s perfectly balanced, offering a creamy texture with bright, savory notes that perfectly complement the tender shrimp.

What sets this recipe apart from the Bonefish Grill version is not just the exclusion of hard-to-find ingredients, but also the vibrant addition of feta cheese, which melts into the sauce, adding a wonderful salty tang and extra creaminess that truly elevates the dish. Plus, the flexibility of serving options means you can pair it with anything from fluffy Jasmine rice to your favorite pasta, or even just a warm, crusty loaf of bread to soak up every last drop of that amazing sauce. This recipe is designed to serve 2-3 people generously, making it ideal for a cozy dinner or a small gathering.

The Secret to Perfectly Creamy & Flavorful Shrimp

The magic of this saucy shrimp lies in its rich and robust sauce. We start by quickly searing the shrimp to perfection, ensuring they remain tender and succulent. The real depth of flavor comes from sautéing garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and a touch of red crushed pepper in butter until fragrant. Sun-dried tomatoes are a powerhouse of umami, providing a concentrated sweetness and chewiness that’s essential for the sauce’s character. They release their intense flavor into the butter, creating a flavorful base before any liquids are added.

A small amount of all-purpose flour is whisked in to create a roux, which acts as a thickening agent for our sauce, giving it that luxurious, velvety consistency. This is then deglazed with vegetable broth or white wine, both of which contribute to the sauce’s complexity – the broth offering a savory foundation, and white wine adding a delicate acidity and depth. The final touch of heavy cream brings an undeniable richness, while feta cheese melts beautifully into the mixture, providing a tangy counterpoint that brightens the entire dish. A squeeze of fresh lime juice at the end adds a zesty finish, tying all the flavors together for a truly unforgettable experience.

Ingredient Spotlight

Shrimp: Use fresh or frozen (thawed) large shrimp. Peeled and deveined shrimp save a lot of time! Look for varieties labeled “EZ peel” for convenience.
Sun-dried Tomatoes: Oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes are preferred as they are softer and more flavorful. Chop them finely to distribute their intense taste throughout the sauce.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is non-negotiable for that authentic aroma and flavor.
Vegetable Broth or White Wine: Both work beautifully. If using white wine, opt for a dry white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc.
Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta cheese is key for that salty, tangy kick that melts into the creamy sauce.
Paprika & Red Crushed Pepper: Paprika adds a lovely color and mild flavor, while red crushed pepper offers a gentle warmth that can be adjusted to your preference.

Expert Tips for the Best Saucy Shrimp

Achieving perfect saucy shrimp is easier than you think, especially with a few insider tips:

Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cook very quickly, usually within 1-2 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque. Overcooked shrimp become rubbery, so keep a close eye on them during the initial sear and when you add them back to the sauce. The beauty of this recipe is that the shrimp are removed from the pan before the sauce is fully built, ensuring they don’t overcook.
Pat Shrimp Dry: Before cooking, make sure to pat your shrimp thoroughly dry with paper towels. This helps them sear better and develop a nice crust, rather than steaming in the pan.
Adjust Spice Level: The recipe calls for 1 tsp of red crushed pepper, which gives a mild to medium heat. If you prefer less spice, reduce it to 1/2 tsp or omit it entirely. For a bolder kick, feel free to add more!
Quality Ingredients Matter: Since there are relatively few ingredients, the quality of each shines through. Use fresh shrimp if possible, and good quality feta cheese.
Taste and Adjust: Always taste your sauce before adding the shrimp back in. Adjust salt, pepper, or lime juice as needed to suit your palate. Remember that feta cheese is salty, so season carefully.
Serving Temperature: This dish is best served immediately and enjoyed warm. The sauce thickens as it cools, and the shrimp are most tender when fresh.

What to Serve with Your Saucy Shrimp

The versatility of this saucy shrimp means it pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Here are some popular suggestions to complete your meal:

Jasmine Rice: The light, fragrant grains of Jasmine rice are perfect for soaking up every last drop of the creamy sauce. Its delicate flavor won’t overpower the shrimp.
Pasta: Toss the saucy shrimp directly with your favorite pasta, such as linguine, fettuccine, or even a shorter pasta like penne. The sauce clings beautifully to the noodles, creating a complete and satisfying meal.
Crusty Bread: A warm, crusty baguette or ciabatta is an absolute must-have for dipping. It’s perfect for scooping up the rich sauce and ensures no deliciousness goes to waste.
Steamed Vegetables: For a lighter meal, serve with a side of steamed asparagus, broccoli, or green beans. Their freshness provides a nice contrast to the rich sauce.
Quinoa or Couscous: These healthy grains offer an alternative to rice and pasta, providing a nutty flavor and satisfying texture.

How to Make This Quick & Easy Saucy Shrimp

Making this delectable saucy shrimp is surprisingly simple. You’ll start by quickly searing your seasoned shrimp in a hot skillet until perfectly pink. Then, remove the shrimp and build your incredible sauce in the same pan, infusing it with garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and a touch of heat. A quick whisk of flour, broth, cream, and feta creates a rich, velvety base before the shrimp return to soak up all that goodness. Garnish with fresh parsley, and you’re ready to serve! For detailed step-by-step instructions, refer to the recipe card below.

shrimp, feta cheese, parsley, and sun dried tomatoes

5 from 2 votes

Saucy Shrimp

By
Julie Maestre

Perfect saucy shrimp to serve over pasta or fluffy rice. A twist on Bonefish grill’s saucy shrimp recipe minus the calamata olives. Easy weeknight meal in under 15 minutes.

Prep:
2 minutes

Cook:
10 minutes

Total:
12 minutes

Servings:
2 servings

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Ingredients

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1 lb shrimp
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3 tbsp sun-dried tomatoes
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3 garlic cloves
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1 cup vegetable broth or white wine
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1 tbsp tomato paste
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3 tbsp heavy cream
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1 tsp all purpose flour
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1/4 cup feta cheese
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1 tbsp fresh lime juice
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1 tbsp butter
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2 tsp paprika
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1 tsp red crushed pepper
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salt and pepper to taste
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parsley, to garnish

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Instructions

Warm up a large skillet with some oil over medium-high heat.
Add the shrimp and season with paprika, salt, and pepper on both sides.
Cook the shrimp for 1 minute on each side.
Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
Add butter, garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and red crushed pepper. Cook until fragrant.
Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute.
Add the vegetable broth and let it come to a boil.
Add the heavy cream and 2 tbsp of feta cheese.
Season with salt and pepper.
Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
Serve immediately and enjoy!

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Nutrition

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Author:
Julie Maestre

Prep Time:
2 minutes

Cook Time:
10 minutes

Total Time:
12 minutes

Course: Entree

Cuisine: American

Servings:
2 servings

Calories: 473

Keyword: Saucy Shrimp

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More Delicious Dinner Ideas to Explore

If you loved this saucy shrimp recipe and are looking for more quick, flavorful seafood or weeknight meal inspiration, you’re in the right place! We believe that delicious dinners don’t have to be complicated. Expand your culinary repertoire with these other fantastic shrimp and dinner recipes that are sure to impress your family and friends:

Coconut Shrimp Curry: A rich and aromatic curry perfect for a comforting meal.
Creamy Shrimp Alfredo Pasta: Indulge in classic Alfredo with a delightful shrimp twist.
Creamy Garlic Shrimp: A simple yet elegant dish bursting with garlic flavor.
Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp: Bring a taste of the islands to your table with this savory and sweet recipe.

Frequently Asked Questions About Saucy Shrimp

What kind of shrimp should I use for saucy shrimp?: We recommend using large shrimp (21-25 count or larger) for this recipe. You can use fresh or frozen shrimp, just make sure they are peeled and deveined. If using frozen, thaw them completely before cooking and pat them dry. Larger shrimp tend to stay more tender and juicy in the sauce.
Can I make this saucy shrimp recipe ahead of time?: While this dish is best served immediately for optimal texture and flavor, you can prep some components in advance. You can chop your sun-dried tomatoes and mince the garlic. The sauce can be made a few hours ahead and gently reheated, but it’s best to cook the shrimp fresh and add them to the sauce just before serving. Reheating shrimp can make it rubbery if not done carefully.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?: Yes, with some modifications. You would need to substitute the heavy cream with a full-fat coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative. For the feta cheese, a dairy-free feta substitute can be used, or you can omit it and adjust seasoning to taste, perhaps adding a bit more lemon juice for tang. The butter can be replaced with olive oil or a dairy-free butter alternative.
How can I thicken the sauce if it’s too thin?: If your sauce turns out thinner than desired, you can create a quick slurry. Mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water until smooth. While the sauce is simmering, slowly whisk in the cornstarch slurry and continue to simmer for another minute or two until it thickens to your liking.
What’s the best way to store and reheat leftovers?: Store any leftover saucy shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stovetop over low heat. You might want to add a splash of vegetable broth or water to loosen the sauce as it can thicken in the fridge. Avoid high heat to prevent the shrimp from becoming tough.

Final Thoughts on This Unforgettable Saucy Shrimp

This saucy shrimp recipe is truly a gem – a testament to how simple ingredients can come together to create something extraordinary. It’s quick, easy, packed with flavor, and versatile enough to fit into any weeknight meal plan or special occasion. We’re confident that once you try this Bonefish Grill inspired twist, it will earn a permanent spot in your recipe rotation. Don’t hesitate to give it a go, and remember to share your delicious creations and feedback with us! Happy cooking!