Mark Bittman’s Shrimp In Green Sauce

By Mark Bittman

• Total Time: 30 minutes

• Rating: 4 (1,744 reviews)

• Comments: Read 201 comments

Green sauce varies in interpretation across culinary traditions, yet the Iberian rendition stands out as my preference. Its vivid green hue derives from parsley, while its bold flavor profile is shaped by chilies, scallions, and—most prominently—garlic. I have found it nearly impossible to overuse garlic in this preparation, as I have yet to reach a point of excess; the recipe calls for six cloves, though doubling that quantity is entirely justifiable.

Shrimp is an ideal pairing for this green sauce: it holds up well under high heat, releases subtle juices during cooking, and its vibrant pink color contrasts beautifully with the sauce’s green flecks.

This dish requires no more than 30 minutes of total preparation time. While it excels as a quick weeknight meal, portioned into eight servings, it also serves as an elegant starter for a dinner party.

Featured in: The Minimalist; "Too Much Garlic? Impossible"