Description
Chimichurri Shrimp with Rice and Tzatziki is a vibrant and flavorful dish featuring jumbo shrimp marinated in a zesty chimichurri sauce, grilled to perfection, and served alongside a fresh cherry tomato salad, steamed rice, and creamy tzatziki for dipping. This easy-to-make recipe balances the punchy herby sauce with the cool tanginess of tzatziki, making it a delightful and satisfying meal ideal for a quick dinner or casual entertaining.
Ingredients
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			Chimichurri Sauce
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1/2 cup parsley
- 1 small chile (such as fresno chile)
- 3-4 cloves garlic
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
Main
- 1 pound jumbo shrimp, raw, peeled and deveined
- Wooden skewers, soaked
Sides & Serving
- 1/2 cup tzatziki, for serving
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- Bread or cooked rice, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare Chimichurri Sauce: Combine olive oil, red wine vinegar, parsley, chile, garlic, oregano, and salt in a food processor and blitz until somewhat emulsified. Let the sauce rest to allow flavors to meld. Alternatively, finely chop all ingredients and mix well in a bowl.
- Divide Sauce: Split chimichurri sauce into three portions: one for tossing with shrimp, one for brushing while cooking, and one for brushing at the table.
- Prepare Shrimp: Thaw shrimp if frozen, remove shells and tails if desired, and pat dry thoroughly with paper towels. Toss shrimp with one third of the chimichurri sauce to marinate.
- Skewer and Cook Shrimp: Thread marinated shrimp onto soaked wooden skewers. Heat a grill pan, grill, or sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add shrimp and cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side, brushing occasionally with additional chimichurri sauce while cooking, until shrimp are opaque and reach 145°F internal temperature.
- Prepare Tomato Salad and Serve: Toss cherry tomatoes with a spoonful of reserved chimichurri. Plate cooked shrimp with rice or bread, the dressed tomatoes, and a side dish of tzatziki for dipping and extra flavor. Enjoy while warm.
Notes
- This dish offers a vibrant mix of tangy, herby chimichurri paired with juicy grilled shrimp for a punchy, flavorful meal.
- Soaking wooden skewers before grilling prevents them from burning and breaking while cooking.
- The tzatziki adds a cooling contrast that balances the heat and acidity of the chimichurri sauce.
- Rice or crusty bread work equally well as base sides to soak up extra sauce.
- Use fresno chile or other mild chiles for gentle heat; adjust based on your spice preference.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 603
- Sugar: 4.8 g
- Sodium: 984 mg
- Fat: 39.6 g
- Saturated Fat: 6.3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 33.3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25.7 g
- Fiber: 1.9 g
- Protein: 37.6 g
- Cholesterol: 250 mg
 
