Shrimp beeps are a mouthwatering seafood dish featuring tender shrimp sautéed in a spicy tomato sauce. The name comes from serving them atop a warm, fluffy garlic biscuit that “beeps” when you pull it apart. This impressive yet easy recipe is sure to become a new favorite.
In this comprehensive guide you’ll learn how to make shrimp beeps completely from scratch, from peeling the shrimp to whipping up the zesty tomato sauce. We’ll also cover how to bake perfect garlic biscuits to serve alongside. With just a few basic ingredients you can have a restaurant-quality meal on the table in under an hour. Let’s get cooking!
Shrimp beeps consist of two main components – the shrimp and the tomato sauce. Large shrimp are briefly sautéed, then finished cooking in a boldly-seasoned tomato sauce. The sauce features flavors like crushed red pepper, garlic, and basil.
The shrimp and sauce are spooned over top of a warm garlic biscuit. The biscuit soaks up the delicious sauce while adding a nice crunch. Alternatively, the shrimp can be served sans biscuit for a gluten-free option.
This recipe can work as an appetizer for a dinner party or a casual weeknight meal. It’s easy to adapt by adjusting spice levels or swapping proteins. No matter how you customize it, shrimp beeps always impress.
Gathering the Ingredients
To make shrimp beeps at home, you’ll need:
For the shrimp
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- 1⁄4 tsp salt
For the tomato sauce:
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- 1⁄2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- 1⁄4 cup chopped basil
For the biscuits (optional):
- 2 cups flour
- 1 Tbsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1⁄2 tsp garlic powder
- 1⁄2 cup cold butter
- 3⁄4 cup milk
That’s it! Now let’s get cooking.
Sautéing the Shrimp
Start by peeling and deveining the shrimp. Rinse thoroughly. Pat dry with paper towels.
In a large skillet, heat 2 Tbsp olive oil over medium-high heat. Season shrimp with minced garlic and salt. Add to the hot skillet and sauté for 1-2 minutes per side until just opaque and cooked through. Be careful not to overcook.
Transfer cooked shrimp to a clean plate and set aside. We’ll finish cooking them in the sauce later.
Making the Spicy Tomato Sauce
To the same skillet over medium heat, add 1 Tbsp olive oil. Cook 1 tsp minced garlic and 1⁄2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
Pour in 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes. Season with salt and pepper. Let simmer, uncovered, for 15 minutes to meld flavors and reduce slightly.
Once thickened, stir in 1⁄4 cup chopped fresh basil. Add shrimp back to the pan along with any accumulated juices. Cook just until heated through, about 2 minutes.
Baking Fluffy Garlic Biscuits (Optional)
While the sauce simmers, you can prepare biscuits if desired.
Preheat oven to 425°F.
In a bowl, mix 2 cups flour, 1 Tbsp baking powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1⁄2 tsp garlic powder.
Cut in 1⁄2 cup cold butter until mixture resembles crumbs. Stir in 3⁄4 cup milk just until combined.
Turn dough onto a floured surface and knead briefly. Roll out to 1/2 inch thickness and cut into rounds using a biscuit cutter or glass.
Arrange on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake 12-15 minutes until golden brown.
Brush with melted butter and sprinkle with garlic powder right after removing from oven.
Putting It All Together
When the shrimp beeps are ready to serve, place each biscuit on a plate and top with 2-3 sautéed shrimp. Spoon tomato sauce generously over the top.
Garnish with torn basil leaves and an extra pinch of crushed red pepper for some color and added flavor.
You can also skip the biscuit and serve shrimp beeps as a sauce over pasta or zucchini noodles for a gluten-free option.
No matter how you choose to serve them, shrimp beeps make an impressive yet easy weeknight meal. Just a few simple ingredients come together to create a restaurant-quality dish.
Tips for Delicious Shrimp Beeps
Follow these tips and tricks for the best homemade shrimp beeps:
- Use fresh, not frozen, shrimp for the best texture
- Don’t overcook the shrimp – sauté just until opaque
- Make the spicy tomato sauce ahead of time for convenience
- Add more crushed red pepper for extra heat if desired
- Use peeled, chopped tomatoes for a quicker sauce
- Serve over pasta or rice if forgoing biscuits
- Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions
- Pair with a chilled white wine or Mexican beer
With this easy recipe, you can impress family and friends with your culinary skills. Shrimp beeps make great appetizers for parties or casual dinners.
Serve them up hot and watch them disappear! What are you waiting for? Go give this delicious recipe a try today.
Frequently Asked Questions About Shrimp Beeps
If you’re new to making shrimp beeps, you probably have some questions. Here are answers to some of the most common FAQs:
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! You can serve the shrimp and sauce over rice, quinoa, or gluten-free pasta instead of biscuits.
What type of shrimp works best?
Use extra-large or jumbo shrimp if you can find them. Smaller shrimp may overcook and become tough.
How spicy should the tomato sauce be?
That’s up to you! Add crushed red pepper to taste. Start with 1⁄2 tsp and increase if you want more heat.
Can I use jarred tomato sauce?
For the best flavor, we recommend making the sauce from scratch. But you can substitute 2 cups of your favorite jarred tomato or marinara sauce if needed.
How do I know when the shrimp are done?
Shrimp cook fast, so watch them closely. They should turn opaque and firm up, taking only 1-2 minutes per side. Be very careful not to overcook.
Can the sauce or biscuits be made ahead?
Yes! You can prepare the sauce and bake biscuits a day or two in advance for quicker assembly later on.
With this easy, customizable recipe, you can enjoy restaurant-worthy shrimp beeps anytime. Let us know if you have any other questions!