Shrimp Omelet

This shrimp omelet recipe is proof that healthy breakfasts don’t have to be boring. Shrimp is a mild, lean protein that’s quick to cook and easily adaptable to different flavor profiles. Some dried spices and a squeeze of lemon are all you need to infuse the filling with bold flavor, which gets a powerful punch from additions like crumbled bacon and sweet and hot peppers. Serve it for breakfast alongside some crispy potatoes, or enjoy it for lunch with a simple side salad. Either way, it’s a fast and easy way to whip up a protein-packed meal.

Shrimp Omelet Ingredients

• Shrimp: Shrimp cooks really quickly, which makes it an ideal protein option for fast breakfast recipes like this one. It’s also a mildly flavored seafood option, so it easily absorbs the flavors of whatever it’s cooked with.
• Red pepper and jalapeno pepper: An easy way to add bold flavor, peppers are vegetal and fresh with gentle crunch. In this recipe, we use a mix of sweet and hot peppers to help add complexity and depth to the dish.
• Bacon: Rich, smoky and pleasantly salty, bacon makes for a welcome addition to any breakfast recipe. Be sure to chop or crumble it before adding it to the pan, so it incorporates consistently.
• Onion: When sauteed with butter and spices, onion becomes soft, translucent and sweet. It’s a great base for stuffed omelets because it adds a bit of flavor and a nice, toothsome texture.
• Lemon juice: A squeeze of lemon juice is an easy way to brighten up the natural flavors of seafood—shrimp included.
• Dried basil, Greek seasoning and garlic powder: To start this recipe off, we saute the shrimp with vegetables like peppers and onions. The dried herbs help add a bold, concentrated flavor that makes each bite taste herbal, fresh and a bit spicy.
• Butter: Eggs cooked in butter taste so much richer and more savory than eggs cooked in oil—which is why we start off this recipe with a knob of butter in a hot pan.
• Eggs: Eggs cook quickly, so make sure you’re working with a nonstick pan that’s heated to the appropriate temperature to ensure that they don’t stick.
• Monterey Jack cheese: Mild, buttery and slightly sweet, this cheese melts evenly and consistently, so it’s easy to incorporate into any egg-based recipe.
• Parsley: Fresh and just a bit zesty, parsley makes a tasty and attractive garnish for this omelet with shrimp.

Directions

Step 1: Saute the stuffing

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In a large nonstick skillet, saute the shrimp, red pepper, bacon, onion, lemon juice, jalapeno and seasonings in oil and 1 tablespoon butter for two to three minutes, or until the shrimp turn pink and the vegetables are tender. Remove from the heat and keep warm.

Step 2: Make the omelet

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In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter over medium-high heat, then add the eggs (the mixture should set immediately at the edges). As the eggs set, lift and push the cooked edges toward the center, letting the uncooked portion flow underneath.

Step 3: Fold and garnish

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When the eggs are set, spoon the shrimp mixture on one side and sprinkle with cheese, then fold the other side over the filling. Invert the omelet onto a plate, then cut it in half. Sprinkle with the parsley.

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Shrimp Omelet Variations

• Add more vegetables: If you love a vegetable-stuffed omelet, you can absolutely add more veggies to this one. Some fantastic additions would be mushrooms, spinach, leeks or even broccoli. To add, simply toss the extra vegetables into the pan in Step 1, and saute them along with the shrimp, bacon and seasonings.
• Marinate the shrimp in advance: Marinating shrimp is easy to do, and it’s a great way to add a deeper flavor to each bite. If you know you’ll be making this omelet in advance and have some extra time to prepare, toss the shrimp in the seasonings listed above plus some salt, pepper, olive oil and a squeeze of lemon juice. Transfer the mixture to a bag and let it marinate in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight. Once ready to use, the shrimp will be infused with extra flavor.

How to Store a Shrimp Omelet

Omelets are best enjoyed right away, and they aren’t ideal for making in advance and storing. If you do have some omelet leftover, you can transfer it to an airtight container with a tight-fitting lid and store it in the refrigerator. Alternatively, you can also wrap the leftovers in plastic wrap and store them in the refrigerator for about one day.

How do you reheat an egg shrimp omelet?

You can reheat this omelet in a variety of ways. The easiest and quickest way is to reheat it in the microwave for about 30 seconds to one minute. Alternatively, you could also return the leftover omelet to a pan and warm it over low to medium heat until it’s completely warmed through.

Shrimp Omelet Tips

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What’s the best type of pan to make an omelet in?

Eggs are one of the stickiest foods you can make, so having a reliable nonstick skillet makes the process so much easier. Be mindful that nonstick skillets can scratch, so it’s best to use silicone or bamboo tools when making an omelet in a nonstick skillet.

What if my omelet falls apart?

Don’t worry if your omelet falls apart! This recipe is just as delicious when served as an egg scramble rather than a traditional omelet.

Can I add different cheeses to this omelet?

You can absolutely add different cheeses to this omelet if you don’t have Monterey Jack on hand. Some fantastic alternatives are Swiss, cheddar or Manchego.