Spanish Garlic Shrimp with Roasted Peppers & Herbed Cauliflower Rice

Method

1. Step 1: Pat shrimp completely dry with paper towels. This ensures proper searing and prevents steaming. Season lightly with salt, pepper, and half the smoked paprika. Set aside for 5 minutes to come to room temperature.

2. Step 2: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and swirl to coat. The oil should shimmer and flow easily across the pan—this indicates proper temperature for searing.

3. Step 3: Arrange shrimp in a single layer in the hot oil. Sear without moving for 90 seconds until the underside turns opaque and develops a golden crust. Flip and cook another 60 seconds. Transfer to a plate; shrimp will finish cooking later.

4. Step 4: In the same skillet, add sliced garlic and chili flakes. Sauté for 30-45 seconds, stirring constantly, until the garlic becomes fragrant and turns a pale golden color. Watch carefully—garlic burns quickly and turns bitter.

5. Step 5: Add bell peppers and cook for 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften and char slightly at the edges. The peppers should retain a slight crunch.

6. Step 6: Pour in white wine and use a wooden spoon to scrape up all the browned bits from the bottom—this is the foundation of the sauce's flavor. Let wine reduce by half, about 2 minutes.

7. Step 7: Add cherry tomatoes and the remaining smoked paprika. Cook for 2 minutes until tomatoes begin to collapse and release their juices. The sauce should lightly coat the vegetables.

8. Step 8: Return shrimp to the skillet along with any accumulated juices. Toss everything together and cook for 60-90 seconds until shrimp are fully pink and cooked through. Remove from heat immediately to prevent overcooking.

9. Step 9: While the shrimp cook, steam or microwave cauliflower rice for 3-4 minutes until tender. Season with a drizzle of olive oil and half the parsley.

10. Step 10: Divide cauliflower rice between plates and top with the garlic shrimp and peppers. Garnish with remaining fresh parsley and serve immediately.