Chef John's Deviled Shrimp Ragu

Chef John's Deviled Shrimp Ragu
  • PREP TIME
    20 mins
  • COOK TIME
    30 mins
  • TOTAL TIME
    50 mins
  • SERVING
    4 People
  • VIEWS
    88

Indulge in this tantalizing shrimp ragu, a symphony of sweet and spicy notes that dance on your palate. Served over creamy polenta or your favorite pasta, this dish is a guaranteed showstopper.

Ingridients

Adjust Servings

Nutrition

  • Carbohydrate
    8 g
  • Cholesterol
    94 mg
  • Fiber
    0 g
  • Protein
    10 g
  • Saturated Fat
    3 g
  • Sodium
    270 mg
  • Sugar
    7 g
  • Fat
    9 g
  • Unsaturated Fat
    0 g

Follow The Directions

01

Step

Infuse the shrimp stock: In a saucepan, toast the shrimp shells with a bay leaf and a pinch of smoked paprika over medium-low heat, stirring until the shells turn pink (about 5 minutes). Add water, bring to a simmer, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 20 to 25 minutes to create a flavorful stock.

02

Step

Prepare the sauce base: In a bowl, whisk together lemon juice, ketchup, brown sugar, ground chipotle pepper, 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, minced garlic, a pinch of salt, and cayenne pepper. Set aside.

03

Step

Strain and combine: Strain the shrimp stock into a bowl, discarding the shells and bay leaf. Whisk the strained shrimp stock into the ketchup mixture and set aside.

04

Step

Sear the shrimp: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over high heat until it shimmers. Sear the shrimp in the hot oil until the bottom sides are browned, about 3 minutes. Stir in the shrimp stock mixture and cook until the shrimp are opaque, about 3 minutes. Transfer the shrimp to a bowl using a slotted spoon, leaving the sauce in the skillet.

05

Step

Reduce and enrich the sauce: Bring the sauce to a boil and cook until it has reduced and thickened, about 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in the cold butter, turn off the heat, and let the residual heat of the pan melt the butter. Stir until the butter is fully incorporated into the sauce, creating a silky, luscious texture.

06

Step

Final assembly: Stir the shrimp back into the sauce and toss with minced fresh chives. Serve immediately over creamy polenta, rice, or your favorite pasta.

For a richer flavor, consider using homemade shrimp stock. You can also adjust the amount of chipotle pepper and cayenne to control the heat level. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.

Brennan Larkin

Written by

Our recipe authors are passionate food lovers who share thousands of diverse dishes from around the world. They bring daily cooking inspiration with delicious, easy-to-make recipes for every occasion.

RECIPE REVIEWS

Avarage Rating: 4.3/ 5 ( 29 Ratings)
Total Reviews: (9)
  • Ciara White

    My family loved this! I will definitely be making this again.

  • Wilma Gutkowski

    I added a little sherry as suggested, and it really enhanced the flavor.

  • Lori Crooks

    The spice level was just right. I served it over polenta, and it was a delicious combination.

  • Ferne Lebsack

    I used vegetable broth instead of shrimp stock, and it was still delicious.

  • Julie Langworth

    This is now my go-to shrimp recipe!

  • Reynold Reichert

    Next time, I'll try adding a little more chipotle pepper for an extra kick.

  • Oscar Bednar

    Easy to follow and the results are restaurant quality.

  • Tyreek Batzwolf

    This recipe is amazing! The sauce is so flavorful, and the shrimp were perfectly cooked.

  • Carmen Hudson

    I made this for a dinner party, and everyone raved about it. It's definitely a crowd-pleaser!

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