We’ve always loved how seafood brings bold flavors to the table, and our Shrimp and Fennel Recipe is a standout favorite. This simple dish pairs succulent shrimp with the fresh, licorice-like crunch of fennel for a light Mediterranean-inspired meal that’s as nutritious as it is delicious.
It’s perfect for busy weeknights yet elegant enough for guests, blending ease with gourmet appeal. Join us as we share this go-to recipe that’ll elevate your dinner routine.
Ingredients
In our Shrimp and Fennel recipe, we gather the essential ingredients that deliver its bold, Mediterranean-inspired flavors—think succulent shrimp paired with the crisp, anise-like crunch of fennel for a nutritious, versatile dish.
- Shrimp: 1 pound of large, fresh shrimp, peeled and deveined, to ensure a tender, juicy texture that absorbs the flavors effortlessly.
- Fennel: 2 medium fennel bulbs, thinly sliced (about 4 cups), for that signature crisp and slightly sweet bite that elevates the dish’s freshness.
- Olive Oil: 3 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil, for sautéing and infusing a rich, fruity base that ties in the Mediterranean essence.
- Garlic: 4 cloves, minced, to add a pungent, aromatic punch that builds layers of flavor early in the cooking process.
- Onion: 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped, providing a subtle sweetness and depth as one of the first aromatics.
- Tomatoes: 1 can (14 ounces) of diced tomatoes, drained, for a juicy, tangy element that creates a simple yet vibrant sauce.
- White Wine: ½ cup of dry white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc, to deglaze and introduce a bright acidity midway through preparation.
- Lemon: 1 large lemon, zested and juiced, for a zesty finish that brightens the shrimp and balances the fennel’s earthiness.
- Herbs: 2 tablespoons of fresh parsley and 1 tablespoon of fresh dill, chopped, added toward the end for a burst of herbaceous, garden-fresh aroma.
- Seasonings: 1 teaspoon of sea salt, ½ teaspoon of black pepper, and ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes, to taste, ensuring the dish is perfectly seasoned from start to finish.
Required Equipment
With our ingredients assembled for the Shrimp and Fennel recipe, we now gather the essential tools to ensure smooth preparation and optimal results. These items help us handle everything from chopping fresh fennel to sautéing succulent shrimp with precision.
To make our Shrimp and Fennel dish efficiently, here’s a list of the key equipment we recommend:
- Large Skillet or Frying Pan: A 12-inch non-stick or stainless steel skillet is ideal for searing the shrimp and fennel bulbs evenly, allowing for quick heat distribution and easy stirring to achieve that perfect golden-brown finish.
- Cutting Board and Chef’s Knife: Use a sturdy wooden or plastic cutting board paired with a sharp 8-inch chef’s knife to slice the fennel, onion, and garlic safely and efficiently, minimizing prep time while preserving the crisp texture of the vegetables.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons Set: Accurate measurements are crucial for our recipe’s balance of flavors, so a standard set ensures we measure out the 3 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil and ½ cup of dry white wine without guesswork.
- Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula: This tool is perfect for gently stirring the ingredients in the skillet, preventing sticking and maintaining the integrity of the shrimp as we incorporate the diced tomatoes and herbs.
- Zester or Microplane: Essential for grating the zest from 1 large lemon, this tool extracts the bright, aromatic oils that enhance the dish’s Mediterranean-inspired taste without including the bitter pith.
- Medium Mixing Bowl: A 2-quart bowl comes in handy for marinating the shrimp or combining seasonings like sea salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes before cooking.
By having these tools ready, we set ourselves up for a seamless cooking experience that highlights the vibrant flavors of our Shrimp and Fennel recipe.
Instructions
With our fresh ingredients and tools prepared, we guide you through creating our flavorful Shrimp and Fennel dish step by step. Let’s bring out the vibrant Mediterranean flavors and textures that make this recipe a standout.
Prepare the Ingredients
Before cooking, we start by prepping our ingredients to ensure everything is ready for seamless assembly. Begin with the shrimp: rinse 1 pound of large fresh shrimp under cold water, pat them dry with paper towels, and devein them if needed for a cleaner taste.
- Trim and slice 2 medium fennel bulbs: remove the tough outer layers, cut off the stalks and fronds (reserving some fronds for garnish), and thinly slice the bulbs into half-moon shapes to achieve a crisp, anise-like crunch that complements the shrimp.
- Dice 1 medium yellow onion and mince 4 cloves of garlic: chop the onion into small, even pieces for even caramelization and finely mince the garlic to release its pungent aroma without overpowering the dish.
- Zest and juice 1 large lemon: use a zester or microplane to grate the zest for a bright, citrusy burst, then squeeze the juice into a small bowl to add acidity that balances the richness.
- Measure out the remaining ingredients: open and drain 1 can of diced tomatoes, measure ½ cup of dry white wine for deglazing, and chop fresh herbs like parsley and dill to enhance the herby freshness. Season with 1 teaspoon sea salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes for adjustable heat.
Cook the Shrimp and Fennel
Now we move to the stove, where the magic happens in our large skillet. Heat 3 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil over medium heat until it shimmers, then add the prepped ingredients to build layers of flavor.
- Sauté the aromatics: add the diced onion and minced garlic to the hot oil, stirring with a wooden spoon for 2-3 minutes until the onion softens and the garlic turns golden, filling the kitchen with an irresistible savory scent.
- Incorporate the fennel: toss in the sliced fennel bulbs and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften and develop a slight caramelized edge that adds a sweet, crunchy contrast.
- Add liquids and seasonings: pour in the drained diced tomatoes, ½ cup dry white wine, lemon zest, and juice, then season with sea salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld into a rich, tangy sauce that coats everything beautifully.
- Cook the shrimp: nestle the 1 pound of prepared shrimp into the skillet, ensuring they are submerged in the sauce, and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque, releasing their succulent, briny juices that infuse the dish.
Assemble and Serve
With the cooking complete, we finalize our Shrimp and Fennel by combining elements for a harmonious presentation. Stir in the chopped fresh herbs like parsley and dill at the last minute to preserve their vibrant green color and fresh aroma.
- Taste and adjust: sample the dish and add more sea salt or black pepper if needed to enhance the bold, layered flavors.
- Plate the dish: divide the mixture into serving bowls, topping each with reserved fennel fronds for a visually appealing garnish that adds extra crunch.
- Serve immediately: pair with crusty bread or rice to soak up the sauce, enjoying the tender shrimp, crisp fennel, and zesty notes while they’re at their peak.
Make-Ahead Instructions
To make our Shrimp and Fennel recipe even more convenient, we suggest preparing key components in advance. This approach allows us to maintain the dish’s vibrant flavors and textures while saving time on busy days.
Prepping Ingredients Ahead
We can handle much of the prep work up to 24 hours in advance to ensure everything comes together seamlessly after the main cooking instructions.
- Slice the Fennel and Onion: Trim and thinly slice the fennel bulbs and dice the yellow onion. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator to preserve their crunch and flavor.
- Mince Garlic and Herbs: Finely mince the garlic cloves and chop fresh herbs like parsley and dill. Place them in separate small containers or bags in the fridge to keep their aroma intact.
- Zest and Juice the Lemon: Use a zester to remove the zest from the lemon and squeeze out the juice. Transfer both to covered bowls and refrigerate to avoid any loss of brightness.
Marinating the Shrimp
For optimal taste, we advise marinating the shrimp ahead of time, which infuses them with the dish’s Mediterranean-inspired essence.
- Combine the shrimp with minced garlic, lemon zest, juice, olive oil, and a pinch of sea salt and black pepper in a medium mixing bowl.
- Cover and refrigerate the mixture for up to 4 hours. This step enhances the succulent texture without over-marinating, which could affect the shrimp’s delicate quality.
Assembling and Storing the Base
We can partially prepare the sauce base to simplify the cooking process.
- In a large skillet, sauté the sliced fennel, diced onion, and minced garlic in olive oil until softened, then add diced tomatoes, white wine, and seasonings as outlined in the instructions.
- Cool the mixture completely, then transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. When ready to cook, reheat gently before adding the marinated shrimp.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Proper storage is key to preserving the freshness of our Shrimp and Fennel components. Below is a quick reference for make-ahead timelines:
| Component | Make-Ahead Time | Storage Method | Reheating Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sliced Fennel and Onion | Up to 24 hours | Airtight container in fridge | Use directly; no reheating needed |
| Mince Garlic and Herbs | Up to 24 hours | Sealed bags or containers in fridge | Stir in fresh for best flavor |
| Marinated Shrimp | Up to 4 hours | Covered bowl in fridge | Cook immediately after removing from fridge |
| Sauce Base | Up to 2 days | Airtight container in fridge | Reheat in skillet over medium heat until warm, stirring occasionally |
By following these steps, we ensure our Shrimp and Fennel dish remains flavorful and effortless to assemble. Always taste and adjust seasonings before serving to account for any changes during storage.
Conclusion
We’ve loved sharing this Shrimp and Fennel recipe with you
It’s a dish that brings bold flavors to your table effortlessly
Whether you’re cooking for a quick meal or a special occasion
we encourage you to make it your own and enjoy its fresh taste
You’ll find it’s become one of our go-to favorites for its simplicity and vibrancy
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Shrimp and Fennel?
Shrimp and Fennel is a Mediterranean-inspired dish featuring fresh shrimp and crunchy fennel for a bold, nutritious meal. It’s versatile, ideal for quick weeknights or elegant dinners, combining succulent seafood with vibrant flavors from herbs, garlic, and lemon.
What ingredients are needed for Shrimp and Fennel?
You’ll need 1 pound of fresh large shrimp, 2 medium fennel bulbs, 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, 4 cloves minced garlic, 1 diced onion, 1 can diced tomatoes, ½ cup dry white wine, zest and juice of 1 lemon, plus herbs like parsley and dill. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes for a flavorful result.
What equipment is required to make this dish?
Gather a large skillet for cooking, a cutting board and chef’s knife for prep, measuring cups and spoons for accuracy, a wooden spoon for stirring, and a zester for lemon. These tools ensure efficient preparation and highlight the dish’s vibrant flavors.
How do I prepare Shrimp and Fennel?
Start by prepping ingredients: rinse and devein shrimp, slice fennel, dice onion, and mince garlic. Heat oil in a skillet, sauté aromatics and fennel, add liquids and seasonings, then cook shrimp until pink. Taste, adjust seasoning, and serve with fennel fronds, paired with bread or rice.
Can I make Shrimp and Fennel ahead of time?
Yes, prepare sliced fennel, onion, garlic, herbs, and lemon zest up to 24 hours in advance. Marinate shrimp for enhanced flavor and partially make the sauce base. Store components separately in the fridge; reheat gently on the stove to maintain freshness and taste.
Is Shrimp and Fennel healthy?
Absolutely, it’s packed with protein from shrimp and fiber from fennel, plus heart-healthy olive oil and antioxidants from herbs and tomatoes. Low in carbs and calories, it’s a nutritious option that supports a balanced diet while delivering delicious Mediterranean flavors.