Harissa Shrimp Skillet

Name: Harissa Shrimp Skillet
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 2 tbsp avocado oil or olive oil; 1 pound raw shrimp (deveined and tails removed); ¼ cup harissa sauce (mild or spicy); 1 tbsp honey; 2 large garlic cloves (minced); 1 tsp paprika; ½ - 1 tsp salt (or to taste); ½ tsp black pepper; 1 - 2 lemons; Fresh parsley or dill (chopped, optional for garnish); Naan (optional for serving); Tzatziki (optional for serving)

This sweet and spicy harissa shrimp skillet is an easy one-pan recipe made with juicy shrimp, garlic, lemon, and fresh herbs. Serve it with naan, rice, or eat it straight from the pan for an easy and flavorful weeknight dinner!

sweet and spicy harissa shrimp in a cast iron skillet

I originally published this harissa shrimp recipe in March 2021. I'm now updating the photos, adding more step-by-step shots, and sharing new tips to make it even easier for you to cook!

I first had harissa shrimp at a restaurant and couldn’t stop thinking about it. It was spicy, juicy, buttery, garlicky, and full of flavor—one of those meals you remember. After that, I had to figure out how to make it at home.

Now I make this version all the time. It’s quick, easy, and tastes just as good as the one I had that night. The harissa adds the perfect kick, the garlic and lemon bring everything together, and the drizzle of honey adds the perfect sweet kick.

This harissa shrimp skillet is a go-to weeknight recipe for me. One pan, a few simple ingredients, and it’s ready in under 20 minutes. So good with naan, rice, or just straight out of the pan with some homemade tzatziki.

What is Harissa?

Harissa is a spicy chili paste made with roasted peppers, garlic, olive oil, and spices. It’s bold, smoky, and adds a kick of heat and flavor to any dish. You can find it in jars at most grocery stores—both mild and spicy versions work great in this recipe.

Why you'll love this recipe:

Packed with flavor: The combo of spicy harissa, fresh garlic, and lemon makes this shrimp super bold and delicious.
Quick and easy: Cooks in one pan and is ready in under 20 minutes—perfect for busy nights.
High in protein: Shrimp is packed with lean protein and is the perfect healthy protein.

The ingredients

all ingredients in recipe in small bowls including raw shrimp, olive oil, harissa sauce, honey, sale, pepper, paprika, lemon, and garlic

Shrimp: Use raw shrimp. You can use frozen or fresh shrimp. Make sure you devein them and remove the tails for easy eating.

Harissa Sauce: This is the star of the recipe. It adds smoky, spicy, and bold flavor. You can use mild or spicy, depending on what you like.

Honey: A touch of sweetness to balance the heat from the harissa. It rounds out the flavor.

Garlic: Fresh garlic gives that extra savory punch. It makes everything taste better.

Paprika: Adds smokiness and boosts the color and flavor of the shrimp.

Salt & Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning. Add to taste. I usually start with less and adjust after cooking.

Lemon: Brightens everything up. I use the juice in the marinade and also add a fresh squeeze right before serving.

Fresh Parsley or Dill: Totally optional, but it adds a fresh pop of color and flavor. Use whichever you have or skip it.

Check out the Substitutions & Variations section below if you have any ingredient questions! Otherwise, the full recipe with measurements is at the bottom of the page.

How to Make Harissa Shrimp in a Skillet

patting raw shrimp dry with a paper towel before seasoning

Step One: Make sure your shrimp are deveined and tails removed. Then, pat the shrimp dry so they sear nicely.

raw shrimp marinating in a bowl with harissa paste, garlic, honey, paprika, salt, and pepper

Step Two: Toss them in a quick marinade with harissa, honey, garlic, lemon juice, paprika, salt, and pepper. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes.

adding the shrimp in a single layer to a hot cast iron skillet

Step Three: Heat olive or avocado oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer.

seared harissa shrimp in a cast iron skillet

Step Four: Sear for 3–4 minutes per side until pink and cooked through.

Serve your harissa shrimp skillet hot with a squeeze of lemon and fresh herbs. It's so good with warm naan and tzatziki!

Top Tips

Adjust the spice: If you're not into too much heat, choose mild harissa or use less of the spicy version. You can always add more if you like it hot!
Cook shrimp in one layer: To get the perfect sear, make sure the shrimp are spread out in the pan, not stacked. This helps them cook evenly and get a nice crispy texture.
Using frozen shrimp? If you are using frozen shrimp, just make sure they're fully defrosted and patted dry before cooking for the best texture.

Equipment

Large bowl
Skillet or Cast Iron Skillet
Tongs or a spatula
Cutting board
Knife

spicy harissa shrimp skillet with fresh dill and honey

Substitutions & Variations

Shrimp: You can use chicken, scallops, or even tofu for a different protein.
Harissa sauce: Swap with another chili paste or sauce, like sriracha or sambal oelek, for a similar spicy kick.
Honey: You can use maple syrup or agave as a substitute for honey.
Garlic: Garlic powder can work in a pinch, but fresh garlic has the best flavor.
Herbs: Swap parsley for cilantro, basil, or mint for a fresh twist.
Grilled Harissa Shrimp: Skewer the shrimp and grill them instead of pan-searing for a smoky, charred flavor.
Harissa Shrimp Tacos: Serve the shrimp in soft tortillas with a crunchy slaw and a drizzle of lime crema for a fun taco twist.
Veggie Add-ins: Toss in some sliced bell peppers, onions, or zucchini to cook alongside the shrimp for a complete meal.

How to Store & Meal Prep

Store leftover harissa shrimp in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. When you're ready to enjoy, reheat in a skillet over low heat for a few minutes until warmed through, or in the microwave for about 30 seconds.

To meal prep, cook the shrimp and store it in individual containers with your choice of sides (like rice or veggies). Keep everything in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the shrimp for up to 1 month—just thaw and reheat before serving.

juicy harissa shrimp in a bowl with homemade tzatziki and naan bread

Frequently Asked Questions

How spicy is harissa?

So, harissa heat levels can vary a lot by brand. I have found that some are mild, while others (like Trader Joe’s) can bring some serious spice. If yours isn’t spicy enough, you can always kick it up a notch by adding a chopped jalapeño, red chili flakes, or chili while cooking.

How to serve Harissa Shrimp?

I love serving harissa shrimp family-style in the skillet with warmed naan or crusty bread, and a fresh salad for a cozy meal. It’s also perfect over rice or quinoa, topped with fresh herbs, a squeeze of lemon, and a dollop of tzatziki sauce. For a fun twist, tuck it into soft tortillas with a drizzle of yogurt and fresh veggies for quick tacos. It's such a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in so many ways!

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp! Just make sure to thaw them completely before marinating and cooking.

What's the difference between harissa paste and sauce?

Harissa paste is thicker and more concentrated, made from ground dried chilies, garlic, and spices. Harissa sauce is thinner and more liquid, often with added olive oil or vinegar, making it perfect for drizzling or as a condiment. Both have the same bold, spicy flavor, but the paste is more intense, while the sauce is easier to pour or spread.

Can I use harissa paste for this recipe?

Yes, you can use either harissa paste or harissa sauce for this recipe. If you use paste, you may want to thin it out a bit with a little olive oil or water to make it easier to coat the shrimp.

How can I make this recipe less spicy?

Use mild harissa or reduce the amount of harissa sauce in the marinade. You can also add a bit of yogurt to tone down the heat.

harissa shrimp with lemon, garlic, and honey

More healthy and flavorful dinner recipes!

Did you make this recipe?

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