Drunken shrimp just got a makeover. Not sure if you can call this drunken since I significantly cut down the wine, but the shrimp aren’t 100% sober either.

Drunken Shrimp

This Drunken Shrimp is a little less drunk than most recipes – I only use a one-quarter cup of white wine combined with clam juice and fresh lemon. The sauce is so flavorful – definitely serve some crusty bread on the side to soak it up! For some more Italian shrimp recipes, try my Shrimp Fra Diavolo and Shrimp Scampi with Broccoli Orzo.

This drunken shrimp recipe combines so many classic Italian ingredients in one dish. DO NOT omit the anchovy paste, it adds a complex, salty flavor that is not fishy. It’s the secret ingredient in many Italian sauces, and this one is no different. This dish also has capers, garlic, parsley, and red pepper flakes. If you’re not a fan of spicy foods, omit the crushed red pepper.

Can you use drinking wine for cooking?

Yes! As always, the rule when cooking with wine is to use the wine you are drinking. I always have pinot grigio on hand, so that’s what I used in this recipe. Don’t use cooking wine when a recipe calls for wine – it’s not the same.

If you are not a wine drinker, buy a small bottle just for cooking, and keep it in your refrigerator. If you have leftover wine, you can freeze it in an ice cube tray. Once frozen, store the cubes in a plastic container for the next time a recipe calls for wine.

What to Serve with Drunken Shrimp

My favorite way to eat drunken shrimp is in a bowl with a crusty piece of bread to dip in the sauce. This shrimp would also be excellent over your favorite pasta, like orzo or spaghetti.

For sides, serve the shrimp with broccolini or wilted spinach with garlic and oil or a salad like a Caprese Salad.