Blog | California Center for Functional Medicine

Summer Shrimp Piccata

Written by Sunjya Schweig, MD | Jun 14, 2025 12:03:16 AM

 

Makes: 2 (as a main dish) or 3–4 (as part of a larger meal)

 

 

Prep Time: 10 minutes

 

Cook Time: 15 minutes

 

No one wants to be stuck in a hot kitchen when it’s sweltering outside. Shrimp is a great summer go-to. It's quick to cook, endlessly versatile, and surprisingly satisfying. This Summer Shrimp Piccata is bright, lemony, and comes together in minutes. It's light enough for a warm evening but filling enough to be a full meal.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb shrimp (about 14 large shrimp), peeled and deveined

  • 2 Tbsp olive oil

  • 1 shallot, diced

  • 1 Tbsp garlic, minced

  • 1 tsp arrowroot powder

  • 1 cup chicken broth

  • 2 Tbsp capers

  • 1 Tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (plus more for garnish)

  • 1 lemon, juiced

  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prep the Shrimp

    • Pat shrimp dry with a paper towel.

    • Season both sides with salt and pepper. Set aside.

  2. Make the Sauce Base

    • Heat a cast iron pan over medium-high heat.

    • Add olive oil, then sauté garlic and diced shallot for about 5 minutes until soft and fragrant.

  3. Simmer

    • Add lemon juice, chicken broth, and a pinch of salt and pepper.

    • Let it simmer for 5 minutes.

  4. Thicken the Sauce

    • Sprinkle in the arrowroot powder and immediately whisk until smooth—no clumps.

    • Continue simmering for about 5 minutes, until the sauce begins to thicken.

  5. Cook the Shrimp

    • Add shrimp to the pan.

    • Cook 4 minutes on one side, then flip and cook another 2 minutes on the other.

  6. Finish the Dish

    • Add capers and parsley after flipping the shrimp.

    • Let everything simmer for 1–2 more minutes to meld flavors.

    • If the sauce is too thin, mix a small amount of arrowroot with water and stir in gradually, allowing time to thicken.

  7. Serve

    • Garnish with extra parsley.

    • Serve warm over cauliflower rice—enjoy!