If you love comfort food that feels both rich and fresh, this Shrimp and Mushroom Sauce Recipe is an absolute must-try. It brings together succulent shrimp and earthy mushrooms in a luscious, creamy tomato sauce with garlic and a hint of sweet chili, creating a harmony of flavors that will brighten up any weeknight dinner. Whether you’re cooking for family or impressing friends, this recipe strikes the perfect balance between simple ingredients and bold taste, making it a delicious crowd-pleaser every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Shrimp and Mushroom Sauce Recipe plays an important role, contributing to the vibrant flavors, creamy texture, and satisfying heartiness. Knowing how they work together will help you appreciate the magic behind this dish even more.
- 3 Tbsp olive oil: The base for sautéing and infusing flavor without overpowering the dish.
- 3 medium tomatoes: Fresh and juicy, they create a natural sweetness and acidity that brighten the sauce.
- 5 cloves of garlic (pressed): Adds a fragrant pungency that lifts the whole recipe.
- 1 Lb mushrooms: Earthy and meaty, they provide a wonderful texture contrast to the shrimp.
- 1 medium onion (finely diced): Caramelizes beautifully to add depth and a gentle sweetness.
- 1 tsp salt: Essential for balancing flavors throughout the sauce.
- 1 Tbsp sweet chili sauce: Brings a subtle heat and sweetness to round out the savory notes.
- ½ cup sour cream (not low fat): Gives the sauce a rich creaminess and smooth finish.
- 1 Lb large shrimp (peeled and deveined, tails left on): The star protein, tender and flavorful, with tails on for a beautiful presentation.
- 1 ½ cups reduced sodium chicken broth: Adds moisture and depth without being overwhelmingly salty.
How to Make Shrimp and Mushroom Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Simmering the Tomatoes and Garlic
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet or WOK over medium heat. Add your diced tomatoes and pressed garlic, then allow them to simmer uncovered for about 10 to 12 minutes. This slow simmer softens the tomatoes and helps them release their juices, which forms a flavorful base. Once done, set this mixture aside to be reunited with the rest of the ingredients later on.
Step 2: Caramelizing Onions and Mushrooms
Using the same skillet, crank the heat to medium-high and toss in your finely chopped onions and sliced mushrooms. The goal here is to caramelize these ingredients—the onions become sweet and golden while the mushrooms develop a rich, umami-packed flavor. This step builds a complex layer that complements the tangy tomatoes perfectly. Once caramelized, reintroduce the tomato and garlic mixture to the pan.
Step 3: Building the Creamy Sauce
To the pan, add 1 teaspoon of salt, sour cream, and sweet chili sauce. Stir everything together so the sour cream blends smoothly with the tomato and mushroom mixture, creating a luxurious texture. Then pour in the chicken broth to loosen the sauce and bring everything together with extra warmth and flavor. Give it a good mix so all the elements meld beautifully.
Step 4: Cooking the Shrimp in the Sauce
Bring the sauce up to a gentle simmer over medium-high heat, then gently add the shrimp. As the shrimp cook, give them a few turns in the sauce. This ensures each piece absorbs those wonderful flavors without sticking to the pan. Keep a watchful eye—the shrimp cook quickly and become tough if overdone. As soon as they turn pink and opaque, they’re ready.
Step 5: Finishing and Serving
Once cooked, let the sauce cool slightly to thicken up and intensify the flavors. This is when everything really comes together—creamy, saucy, and studded with tender shrimp and mushrooms. Serve it generously over plain rice, al dente pasta, or even creamy mashed potatoes to catch every last drop and turn your meal into a comforting masterpiece.
How to Serve Shrimp and Mushroom Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or chives add a vibrant green pop and a fresh aroma that balances the richness of the sauce. A sprinkle of cracked black pepper or a few red chili flakes can add subtle warmth and personality as well.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with simple sides such as steamed jasmine rice, buttered egg noodles, or creamy mashed potatoes. Light, crisp green salads or roasted vegetables also work beautifully to add freshness and texture contrast to the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, serve the shrimp and mushroom sauce over polenta cakes or hollowed-out bell peppers. You can also turn it into a fragrant pasta toss with linguine or fettuccine, garnished with lemon zest for a bright finish that surprises and delights your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer your leftover shrimp and mushroom sauce to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep well for up to three days, making it a perfect option for busy weeknights when you want a quick reheat and a delicious meal.
Freezing
If you’d like to save this sauce for longer, freezing is possible. Just portion it into freezer-safe containers and keep up to three months. Be aware that the texture of shrimp may slightly change after freezing, so it’s best enjoyed fresh but still a great option for meal prep.
Reheating
Reheat the sauce gently on the stove over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Avoid high heat to keep the shrimp tender and prevent the sauce from breaking. Adding a splash of broth or water can help restore the creamy texture if it thickens too much.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking to avoid excess water diluting the sauce.
What can I substitute for sour cream?
Greek yogurt is a great substitute if you want a healthier option with a similar tang and creaminess. Just use it in the same quantity but add it off the heat to prevent curdling.
Is this sauce spicy?
Only mildly, thanks to the sweet chili sauce. If you prefer more heat, you can add extra chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce to suit your taste.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Skip the shrimp and add hearty vegetables like zucchini or eggplant instead. Use vegetable broth in place of chicken broth to keep it fully vegetarian.
What’s the best way to peel and devein shrimp?
Use a small paring knife to make a shallow cut along the back of the shrimp and remove the vein with the tip of the knife or a toothpick. This ensures your shrimp are clean and tender for the sauce.
Final Thoughts
This Shrimp and Mushroom Sauce Recipe is one of those dishes that feels effortlessly elegant but is surprisingly easy to make. The balance of creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet flavors will win over any palate, making it a reliable favorite to keep in your recipe collection. Once you try it, I promise it’ll quickly become your go-to for a dinner that impresses without stress.
Print
Shrimp and Mushroom Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Shrimp and Mushroom Sauce recipe is a flavorful and creamy dish combining succulent shrimp, tender mushrooms, and tomatoes in a rich sauce enhanced by garlic, sour cream, and sweet chili sauce. Perfectly simmered to create a silky texture, it pairs beautifully with rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes for a comforting and elegant meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3 Tbsp olive oil
- 3 medium tomatoes
- 5 cloves of garlic (pressed)
- 1 Lb mushrooms
- 1 medium onion (finely diced)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 Tbsp sweet chili sauce
- ½ cup sour cream (not low fat)
- 1 Lb large shrimp (peeled and deveined, tails left on)
- 1 1/2 cups reduced sodium chicken broth
- 1 tsp sea salt
Instructions
- Simmer Tomatoes and Garlic: In a large heavy bottom skillet or wok, combine the diced tomatoes, pressed garlic, and olive oil. Simmer uncovered over medium heat until the tomatoes soften and release their juices, about 10-12 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Caramelize Onions and Mushrooms: Using the same skillet over medium-high heat, caramelize the finely diced onions and sliced mushrooms until they develop a golden color. Then add the reserved tomato and garlic mixture back into the pan.
- Add Seasonings and Cream: Stir in salt, sour cream, and sweet chili sauce to the pan. Then pour in the chicken broth and mix everything until combined.
- Simmer with Shrimp: Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and turn them a couple times in the sauce while cooking. Simmer until the shrimp are cooked through but not overcooked to avoid rubberiness.
- Finish and Serve: Allow the sauce to cool slightly; it will thicken as it cools. Serve this rich shrimp and mushroom sauce over plain rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes for a delicious meal.
Notes
- Do not overcook the shrimp as it will turn rubbery; cook just until opaque.
- Keep the shrimp tails on for a nice presentation and added flavor.
- The sauce thickens as it cools; adjust thickness by simmering longer if needed.
- Use reduced sodium chicken broth to control salt content.
- Pair with neutral sides like rice or pasta to let the sauce stand out.
