This Shrimp and Tomato Succotash Skillet is a colorful and flavorful dish that brings together tender shrimp, sweet corn, juicy tomatoes, and a mix of fresh vegetables. The skillet is packed with nutrients, offering a perfect balance of protein, fiber, and fresh flavors. Each bite is a burst of savory goodness, and the simple seasoning allows the natural tastes of the ingredients to shine through.
Whether you’re looking for a light and healthy weeknight meal or a dish to impress your guests, this skillet delivers. It’s quick to prepare, incredibly satisfying, and perfect for a summer dinner. The combination of fresh shrimp, vegetables, and lemony brightness makes this dish an irresistible choice for any seafood lover.
Full Recipe:
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1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
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2 tbsp olive oil
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1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
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1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
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1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
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1/2 cup green beans, chopped
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1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped
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1/2 cup scallions, chopped
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1/4 tsp smoked paprika
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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1 tbsp lemon juice
Directions:
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shrimp and season with smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until the shrimp are pink and opaque. Remove from skillet and set aside.
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In the same skillet, add the bell pepper, green beans, and corn. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
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Add the cherry tomatoes and cook for an additional 2 minutes until they begin to soften.
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Return the shrimp to the skillet and toss everything together. Stir in the fresh basil and scallions. Drizzle with lemon juice and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
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Serve hot, garnished with extra fresh basil if desired.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 280 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Shrimp and Tomato Succotash Skillet: A Flavorful and Healthy One-Pan Meal
The Shrimp and Tomato Succotash Skillet is a delightful dish that offers a blend of fresh, vibrant ingredients, making it perfect for a quick yet satisfying dinner. This one-pan meal is bursting with flavors from tender shrimp, sweet corn, juicy tomatoes, and a variety of crisp vegetables. Its versatility and ease of preparation make it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or simply want a healthy dinner that doesn’t compromise on taste, this shrimp skillet is a guaranteed winner.
What is Succotash?
Succotash is a traditional American dish that originated in the Southern United States. It typically consists of corn and beans, often with added vegetables like tomatoes and peppers. While the classic version features lima beans, this recipe takes a more modern approach by incorporating green beans, corn, and bell peppers. The word “succotash” is derived from the Narragansett word msickquatash, meaning “boiled corn kernels.”
Succotash is a hearty, comforting side dish, but when paired with shrimp, it transforms into a complete meal that’s both filling and nutritious. The sweetness of the corn, combined with the slight crunch of the green beans and the acidity of the tomatoes, creates a balanced flavor profile that complements the shrimp perfectly.
Why You’ll Love This Shrimp and Tomato Succotash Skillet
One of the main reasons this dish is so popular is because of its simplicity and versatility. It’s the type of recipe you can easily customize based on what you have on hand. If you don’t have green beans, you can use zucchini or even asparagus. Want to add a little spice? Consider throwing in some chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce. The possibilities are endless!
Another great thing about this shrimp skillet is how quickly it comes together. In just 25 minutes, you can prepare a full, nutritious meal for your family. The ingredients are easy to find at any grocery store, and most of them are pantry staples, meaning you can make this dish even on days when you don’t have a lot of time to plan.
Moreover, it’s a well-balanced dish, providing a good mix of lean protein from the shrimp, healthy fats from the olive oil, and plenty of vitamins and fiber from the vegetables. Whether you’re following a low-carb, keto, or gluten-free diet, this recipe is a great option that will fit right into your healthy eating plan.
The Health Benefits of Shrimp
Shrimp is a high-protein, low-calorie food, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking to maintain or lose weight. It is also packed with essential nutrients, such as vitamin B12, iodine, and selenium, which support various aspects of health. The high protein content in shrimp makes it an ideal food for muscle repair and maintenance, making it a great option for athletes or those on a fitness journey.
Shrimp is also low in fat and carbohydrates, making it a perfect protein choice for those following low-carb or keto diets. Additionally, it provides a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for heart health and brain function. However, it’s important to ensure you’re purchasing shrimp from a sustainable source, as overfishing has become a concern in some regions.
The Role of Vegetables in This Dish
One of the standout features of the Shrimp and Tomato Succotash Skillet is the variety of vegetables included in the recipe. The corn provides a natural sweetness, while the green beans and red bell peppers add texture and crunch. Tomatoes, with their tangy flavor, bring a refreshing contrast to the richness of the shrimp, creating a dish that is as satisfying as it is flavorful.
Each of these vegetables comes with its own set of health benefits. For example, tomatoes are rich in antioxidants, particularly lycopene, which has been linked to a reduced risk of heart disease and certain cancers. Bell peppers are packed with vitamin C, which supports immune health, and green beans are a great source of fiber, which aids in digestion and helps maintain blood sugar levels.
By incorporating a variety of vegetables, this recipe not only adds layers of flavor but also boosts the nutritional value, making it a well-rounded, healthy meal that doesn’t sacrifice taste.
Making This Dish Your Own
The beauty of this Shrimp and Tomato Succotash Skillet lies in its versatility. Feel free to experiment with different vegetables, spices, or herbs to suit your preferences. For instance, you could add a handful of spinach or kale to boost the leafy green content, or swap out the basil for parsley or cilantro for a different flavor profile. If you’re craving a bit of heat, a dash of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes will spice things up.
You can also swap out the shrimp for other types of seafood or even chicken for a non-seafood option. If you’re looking for a vegetarian version, you could omit the shrimp entirely and add extra vegetables or even some beans like black beans or chickpeas. For a richer flavor, consider adding a drizzle of coconut milk or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese at the end for a creamy touch.
Pairing Your Shrimp and Tomato Succotash Skillet
This dish is perfect as a standalone meal, but if you’re looking to round it out with some sides, here are a few ideas. A light salad with mixed greens, a lemon vinaigrette, and some avocado will complement the dish beautifully. If you’re craving carbs, a side of rice or quinoa would work well, as the grains will soak up the delicious juices from the skillet.
For a beverage pairing, a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio would work wonderfully with the shrimp, while a refreshing sparkling water or iced tea can provide a non-alcoholic option.
Conclusion
The Shrimp and Tomato Succotash Skillet is a flavorful, healthy, and easy-to-make dish that brings the best of summer into your kitchen. It’s packed with vibrant vegetables, lean protein, and fresh herbs, making it a nutritious meal that doesn’t skimp on taste. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner, a meal to impress guests, or a dish that is easy to prepare in a pinch, this shrimp skillet has it all.
With its rich flavor profile and endless possibilities for customization, this dish will quickly become a staple in your meal rotation. So next time you’re craving something fresh and flavorful, give this Shrimp and Tomato Succotash Skillet a try—you won’t be disappointed!
