Shrimp Fra Diavolo

6 servings Prep: 10 m Cook: 20 m Total: 30 m Beginner
A simple and spicy dish with shrimp, tomatoes, white wine, and fiery red pepper flakes that will impress your friends. It’s delicious; I like to serve it over low carb pasta, making it truly Atkins Friendly!

Ingredients

6 servings
  • 1 lb peeled large shrimp
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 3 tsp dried crushed pepper flakes
  • 3-5 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, sliced
  • 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes
  • 1 cup dry white wine
  • 3 garlic cloves, chopped
  • 1/4 tsp dried oregano leaves
  • 3 tbsp chopped fresh Italian parsley
  • 3 tbsp chopped fresh basil leaves

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Toss the shrimp in a medium bowl with 1 teaspoon of salt and red pepper flakes.
  2. Heat the 3 tablespoons oil in a heavy large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and sauté for about a minute, toss, and continue cooking until just cooked through, about 1 to 2 minutes more. Transfer the shrimp to a large plate; set aside.
  3. Add the onion to the same skillet, adding 1 to 2 teaspoons of olive oil to the pan, if necessary, and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
  4. Add the tomatoes with their juices, wine, garlic, and oregano. Simmer until the sauce thickens slightly, about 10 minutes.
  5. Return the shrimp and any accumulated juices to the tomato mixture; toss to coat, and cook for about a minute so the flavors meld together. Stir in the parsley and basil. Season with more salt, to taste, and serve over spaghetti.

Common Problems and Solutions

Q: Why are my shrimp rubbery?

A: Don't overcook the shrimp - they only need 2-3 minutes total in the pan. They should be pink and just opaque. Remove them from the pan immediately and they'll finish cooking when you return them to the sauce at the end.

Q: Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

A: Yes, use about 2 cups of diced fresh tomatoes. You may need to simmer the sauce a bit longer (15-20 minutes) to break down the tomatoes and thicken the sauce.

Q: How spicy is this dish with 3 teaspoons of red pepper flakes?

A: Quite spicy! Fra Diavolo means 'brother devil' in Italian. Start with 1-2 teaspoons if you're sensitive to heat, or use the full 3 teaspoons for authentic fiery flavor.

Tips and Techniques

Don’t skip the step of returning the shrimp to the sauce at the end - that final minute allows the flavors to really meld together. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of pasta water or white wine to loosen it.

Ingredient Substitutions

  • large shrimp: medium shrimp or crawfish tails
  • dry white wine: chicken broth or seafood stock
  • fresh basil and parsley: 1-2 tsp dried basil and 1 tbsp dried parsley

Equipment Needed

  • heavy large skillet or sauté pan
  • medium bowl

Historical Context

Fra Diavolo is an Italian-American dish that became popular in the American South, where it fits right in with our love of spicy seafood dishes. The name means ‘brother devil’ and refers to the fiery red pepper flakes.