Spanish-Style Shrimp and Chorizo Skillet

Spanish-style prawn and chorizo skillets take their character from cured chorizo, which releases paprika-rich oil into the pan and forms the base of a quick, deeply savoury sauce. Here, garlic, smoked paprika, cherry tomatoes, roasted red peppers and dry white wine create a glossy, gently tangy finish that coats the prawns without needing a long simmer. The result is smoky, bright and generous, with sweet seafood set against the richness of the sausage. Serve it straight from the pan with bread, rice or simple potatoes to catch the sauce.
Cuisine style Spanish-inspired skillet cooking
Flavor profile Smoky • Savoury • Bright
Techniques Sautéing • Simmering
Key equipment Large frying pan
Cooking style One-pot cooking • Minimal cleanup
Time commitment Under 30 minutes

Why this recipe works

  • Paprika-rich base: Cooking the chorizo first releases its seasoned oils, which carry the garlic and smoked paprika through the sauce.
  • Bright, glossy sauce: White wine, tomatoes and lemon balance the richness of the chorizo and keep the dish lively rather than heavy.
  • Fast cooking: Prawns cook in minutes, making this a full-flavoured pan dish that fits comfortably into a weeknight dinner.

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Ingredient notes

  • Use cured Spanish chorizo: Cured chorizo slices cleanly and releases flavourful oils as it cooks; fresh cooking chorizo will behave differently and give a looser sauce.
  • Choose smoked paprika: Smoked paprika gives the dish its recognisable warmth and depth. Stir it in briefly so it blooms without burning.
  • Season after reducing: Chorizo can be quite salty, so keep the early seasoning light and adjust once the sauce has reduced.

Common mistakes

  • Overcooking the prawns: Add the prawns only once the sauce has reduced, then cook just until opaque so they stay juicy.
  • Catching the paprika: Smoked paprika can turn bitter if it scorches, so stir it in briefly before adding the tomatoes, peppers and wine.
  • Reducing too aggressively: Keep the sauce at a steady simmer after adding the wine so it concentrates without drying out.

Serving ideas

  • Serve with bread or rice: Crusty bread is ideal for the smoky sauce, while plain rice turns the skillet into a more substantial dinner.
  • Finish with parsley and lemon: Fresh parsley and lemon sharpen the rich chorizo base and should be added just before serving.

Equipment you'll need

Ingredients
Instructions
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  1. Heat the olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Slice the chorizo and add it to the pan, cooking for 3 to 4 minutes until it releases its oils and starts to colour.
  2. Thinly slice the garlic and stir it into the chorizo for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the smoked paprika and stir for 10 seconds to bloom it without letting it catch.
  3. Add the cherry tomatoes and roasted red peppers, then pour in the white wine. Simmer for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes soften and the sauce looks glossy and slightly reduced.
  4. Season with the fine sea salt, then add the prawns in a single layer. Cook for 2 to 4 minutes, turning once, until the prawns are just opaque and cooked through.
  5. Finely chop the parsley and squeeze in the lemon juice to taste. Toss briefly, then serve straight from the pan while hot.

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Recipe notes

Tips

  • If your chorizo is very salty, start with a pinch of fine sea salt and adjust at the end once the sauce has reduced.
  • Keep the heat at a gentle simmer after adding the wine so the sauce reduces without drying out the prawns.
  • If serving anyone who is pregnant, elderly, or immunocompromised, make sure the prawns are fully cooked through and piping hot.

Substitutions

  • Replace Dry White Wine with the same amount of water for an alcohol-free version; simmer 1 to 2 minutes longer to concentrate the sauce.
  • Replace Cherry tomatoes with chopped Tomato for a softer, more saucy finish.

Storage

  • Refrigerate up to 2 days
  • Cool quickly, then refrigerate in a sealed container. Reheat gently in a frying pan over low heat with a splash of water until piping hot, taking care not to overcook the prawns.

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Recipe overview

  • Servings: 2 servings
  • Total time: 25min (20min active)
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Cuisine: Spanish
  • Allergens:
    Crustaceans
Beginner friendly One pot

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