Tag: shrimp

“If you don’t have time to do it right, when will you have time to do it over?” ~ John Wooden

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I get so excited when I find simple recipes that don’t taste simple!

There are times I do not mind spending 1 hour + in the kitchen on one meal but I must admit, those times are getting fewer and fewer. The problem is that I miss all the goodness of those hours slaving away in the kitchen. So when I run across recipes that give me both yummy and quick – I’m sold!

Garlic Cilantro Shrimp

  • 1 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 head of garlic, roasted (directions below)
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • 1 Tablespoon dry white wine
  • 4 Tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • 1 Tablespoons chili sauce
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deviened
  • salt and pepper
  • 3-4 cups jasmine rice, cooked

In a large bowl, combine roasted garlic (squish it out of the head of garlic), lime juice, wine, 3 tablespoons olive oil and chili sauce. Whisk until smooth.

Stir in cilantro, mix well.

Pat shrimp dry and season with salt and pepper.

In a medium skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and butter over medium high heat. Add shrimp and cook on both sides for 2-3 minutes each or until cooked through.

Remove from pan and stir into cilantro mixture until well coated.

Serve over Jasmine rice with garlic bread.

Roasted Garlic

Preheat oven to 400º. Trim the top off a head of garlic (leaving it intact). Place on a piece of foil and drizzle with olive oil. Wrap foil up around the garlic, place in baking dish and cook for 45 mins. Remove from oven and let cool. You then should be able to pick up garlic and squeeze it out the top of it’s shell.

-abp

“Be quick, but don’t hurry.” ~ John Wooden

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Shrimp dishes can be unbelievably quick!

And sometimes (a lot of times) quick is what I really need. Especially in the summer. It stays light out for so long ( I LOVE that though), the night slips up on you! Next thing I know it’s 7:15 and I haven’t even to begin to start supper.

This is why I always have frozen peeled and deveined shrimp in my freezer. It thaws super quick and with a little seasoning and rice – you have a dinner.

There is a little more to the following recipe but it’s still a quick one!

Honey Garlic Shrimp and Noodles

  • 3/4 cup honey
  • 1/2 cup soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons garlic, minced
  • 2 teaspoons ginger, minced
  • 1 lb medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 green onions, chopped
  • 2 teaspoons cornstarch
  • 1-2 tablespoons water
  • 8 oz, udon noodles, cooked

Whisk together honey, soy sauce, garlic, ginger in a medium bowl.

In a large zip lock bag, place shrimp and 1/4 of the sauce in the bag. Coat well and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes and/or up to 8 hours.

Heat olive oil in large skillet over medium high heat. Remove shrimp from marinade (discard marinade) and cook shrimp for about a minute per side. Add in the remaining sauce and cook until heated through, add the cornstarch slurry (whisked water and cornstarch) bring to a simmer until thickened.

Serve shrimp and sauce over cooked udon noodles. Sprinkle with green onions.


-abp

“Nothing would be more tiresome than eating and drinking if God had not made them a pleasure as well as a necessity.” ~ Voltaire

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I love Mexican food! Who doesn’t like Mexican food?

If you don’t, seriously, I don’t trust you.

It’s un-American to not like Mexican food. Isn’t it like, right behind hamburgers and hotdogs??

(no offense to my non-mexican food loving friends)

The thing about Mexican food though – is it can kill a diet. All those never ending baskets of chips and salsa. Not to mention if you order cheese dip…….

Because of this, if I’m watching what I eat (aka on a diet), it’s best for me to avoid Mexican restaurants.

I have no will power.

And I know it.

So, the following recipe helps me indulge my cravings without totally blowing my calorie count.

Shrimp Tostadas with Black Bean Salsa

For the shrimp:

  • 1 lb shrimp peeled and deveined
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground chili powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

For the black bean salsa:

  • 1/4 cup chopped green onions
  • 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
  • 2 tablespoon prepared chunky salsa (choose your heat level)
  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 (15-ounce) can unsalted black beans, rinsed and drained

For the avocado topping:

  • 1/4 cup plain fat-free Greek yogurt
  • 1 teaspoon lime juice
  • 1 ripe peeled avocado
  • 1 cup chopped seeded tomato
  • garlic salt, to taste
  • pepper, to taste

Other:

  • 3 Tablespoons of olive oil
  • 8 corn tostadas
  • 4 lime wedges

Preheat oven to 300 degrees.

Arrange tostados on baking sheet.

Combine all shrimp ingredients in a bowl, let sit for 10 minutes.

In a separate bowl, mix together all the ingredients for the salsa, cover and refriderate. (this can be done ahead of time)

To prepare avocado topping, combine yogurt, juice, and avocado in a small bowl, mashing with a fork until smooth. Stir in tomato.

Put Tostados on baking dish and place in oven to warm

Heat oil in large pan to medium-high heat. Add shrimp and cook for around 6-7 minutes or until opaque/done.

Divide each topping (beans, shrimp, avocado) evenly over the 8 warmed tostadas. Serve with cracked pepper and a squeeze of lime.

The length of the ingredient list might throw you for a minute but this is actually a very simple recipe. Extremely tasty too!

Here are a couple things for you to take note:
1. The Black Bean Salsa makes this dish!
2. I prefer regular guacamole as opposed to this avocado spread – so you can make your own favorite guacamole or buy ready made.
3. These shrimp can be grilled on skewers for a little more flavor/color but I did not have any skewers when I made this.

-abp

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“If everything seems under control, you’re just not going fast enough.” ~ Mario Andretti

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You know what my favorite thing is about shrimp dishes?

How fast they cook!

Granted, for it to be quick, you need to buy peeled and de-veined shrimp. (worth every penny IMO!)

Although I’m at home most of the time now – my time is not my own, so quick and tasty meals are perfect for a week night meal.

This is a perfect example.

 Baked Greek Shrimp

(adapted from Cooking Light)

  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 1/2 pounds large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon Greek Seasoning
  • 1/2 cup chopped onion
  • 2 garlic clove, minced
  • 2 tablespoons bottled clam juice
  • 1 tablespoon white wine
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, drained
  • cooking spray
  • 3/4 cup (2 ounces) crumbled feta cheese$
  • 1 tablespoons dried parsley

Preheat oven to 450°.

Combine lemon juice, greek seasoning and shrimp in a large bowl; toss well.

Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.  Add onion to pan; sauté 2-3 minutes. Add garlic; sauté 1 minute. Add clam juice, wine, oregano, pepper, and tomatoes; bring to a boil. Reduce heat, and simmer 5 minutes. Stir in shrimp mixture. Place mixture in an 11 x 7–inch baking dish coated with cooking spray. Sprinkle cheese evenly over mixture.

Bake at 450° for 12 minutes or until shrimp are done and cheese melts. Sprinkle with parsley; serve over cooked orzo.

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“Having children is exciting. Life puts the past into perspective.” ~ Sam Taylor-Wood

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By the time Friday rolls around, we are both pretty tired and the last thing I really want to do is cook, so it’s usually a night we go out to dinner.

But since pumpkin head has been around it’s sometimes easier to stay in and cook than it is to get ready to go out. (A whole new world, I tell ya! 🙂 )

So this Friday night – I’m cooking.

But don’t worry – I’m not exerting too much effort.

Simple but delicious.
That’s the plan for tonight.

Spicy Shrimp Pasta
(Adapted from Kevin & Amanda)

  • 4 oz fettuccine pasta
  • 3/4 lb raw shrimp, peeled, deviened and tails removed
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 1 tsp freshly ground pepper
  • 2 tbsp flour
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 1 1/4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup whipping cream
  • 1/2 tsp cajun seasoning

Cook pasta according to directions.

Sprinkle shrimp with salt and pepper.  Then coat evenly with flour. Heat butter and oil over medium-high heat, add shrimp in one layer and cook for 2-3 minutes or until brown. Flip shrimp and cook other side. Remove from pan.

Deglaze (pour in chicken broth and scrape brown bits off bottom) pan with chicken broth for about 5 minutes. Reduce heat to medium and add cream, whisking constantly. Cook until bubbly and cream starts to thicken. Add cajun seasoning and salt and pepper to taste.  Add pasta and shrimp. Toss to coat.

As I stated, simple but delicious.  A perfect meal for 2.

phonto

-abp

“Let your food be your medicine, and your medicine be your food.” ~ Hippocrates

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I’m so happy that my seafood man “Bayou Joe” (who has been out of commission because of health reasons) is feeling better and back at selling good quality seafood.

That is why I have two shrimp recipes this week. I bought 2 lbs of shrimp and a pound of scallops which I can not wait to use. Anybody have any “can’t live without” scallop recipes??

This recipe is an adapted version of the Shrimp and Wild Rice Casserole from the locally famous Winning Seasons cookbook that was put out by the Tuscaloosa Junior League in the 70’s and is a must have for any southern cook.

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Shrimp and Wild Rice Casserole

  • 2 Tbs chopped green onions (green part only)
  • 2 Tbs chopped sweet onion
  • 2 Tbs slice mushrooms (I used the kind in the jar because it was all I had but fresh preferably)
  • 2 Tbs butter
  • 1 Tbs worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 Tbs mustard
  • A few shakes of hot sauce
  • 1 lb. shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 can cream of mushroom
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 2 cups cooked wild rice
  • 3/4 cup panko bread crumbs
  • Pam cooking spray

Preheat over to 350º.

Saute pepper, onion and mushrooms in butter until soft.

DSC03362Mix together onion mixture, worcestershire, mustard, hot sauce, shrimp, soup, salt, pepper, cheese and cooked rice.

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Place in prepared (spray with Pam) casserole dish and top with bread crumbs and spray crumbs with Pam (to help brown). Bake for 30-35 minutes or until browned and bubbly. (I had to broil at the end to get it brown enough)

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This is very simple meal that can be easily doubled and served to a crowd or it can be a different swing to a weeknight comfort meal.

**Note** – this could also be made with chicken.

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Enjoy!

-abp

“One man’s poison ivy is another man’s spinach.” ~ George Ade

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Ok, so I’ve been MIA for a little bit.

I have a good excuse – I was out of town for close to a week and as I’ve explained before I am not one of those people who claims to be able to do it all.

I can’t and I know it.

So what is takes to get everything taken care of to get out of town and everything it takes to get it all straightened out when you get back has kept me busy.

I’m pretty much back in the swing of things so tonight I am making Shrimp Scampi with Roasted Peppers and Spinach.

This is a Publix Apron Meal that I ran across while making this weeks grocery list.

Shrimp Scampi with Roasted Red Peppers and Spinach

  • 3 cloves garlic, crushed
  • 1 oz parmesan cheese, shredded
  • 8 oz linguene
  • 2 Tbs olive oil
  • 1/2 cup Gia Russa sweet pepper bruschetta topping
  • 12 oz shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1/2 tsp salt, divided
  • 1/2 tsp pepper, divided
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 3 Tbs butter
  • 6 oz baby spinach

Cook and drain pasta.

pasta

Saute garlic in oil until it slightly browns.

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Add shrimp, topping, pepper flakes, 1/4 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp pepper. Cook and stir for 1 minute.

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Add broth and cook for 2-3 minutes or until reduced by half and shrimp are pink and opaque.

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Reduce heat to low and add in butter, spinach, cheese and remaining salt and pepper. Cook and stir until butter and cheese is melted and spinach is wilted.

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Add in pasta, stir to coat and heat through.

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Serve and spinkle with a little extra cheese.

Scrimp Scampi with Roasted Peppers and SpinachScrimp Scampi with Roasted Red Peppers and Spinach. pooreamy.com

I found it odd that this shrimp scampi did not have lemon in it and to be honest, I missed it.  I would add a couple tablespoons of lemon juice to the next batch.

Hope everyone’s week has started out well!

-abp

“Going to the gym wouldn’t be on my list of favorite things to do.” ~ Kate Moss

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After lots of eating out, take out and a few crockpot dinners I decided I might put a little more effort into tonight’s dinner. But not too much, I don’t want to over exert myself considering I already went to the gym today. 😉

Tell me – will it ever not be a chore to go to the gym???

I’m thinking no.

I just don’t get all those people who love working out.

It’s weird. (no offense to my working out friends)

I wish I were weird.

Sorry – back to dinner. So tonight I’m making Baked Shrimp Scampi. Nice and simple.

Baked Shrimp Scampi

  • 1 cup butter
  • 2 tablespoons prepared Dijon-style mustard
  • 2 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon chopped garlic
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (I used dry because it’s what I had)
  • 1.5 – 2 pounds raw shrimp, shelled and deveined

Preheat oven to 450º.

In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the butter, mustard, lemon juice, garlic, and parsley. When the butter melts completely, remove from heat.

melt

Arrange shrimp in a shallow baking dish. Pour the butter mixture over the shrimp. Stir to coat.

arrange shrimpstir to coat

Bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until the shrimp are pink and opaque.

bake

Serve over angel hair pasta. Top with parsley and squeeze of fresh lemon juice.

serve with angel hair pasta

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Like I said. Nice and easy. Not to mention quite tasty! I very much enjoyed this meal! To make it even better we finished dinner off with an old fashioned Strawberry Shortcake!

Strawberry Shortcake Nothing beats a childhood favorite!

abp

“You know you’re in love when you can’t fall asleep because reality is finally better than your dreams.” ~ Dr. Seuss

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Saturday. 6:15 a.m.

WHAT am I doing AWAKE???

Never fails – I can’t sleep when I can sleep in but am always snoozing when the alarm goes off during the week. Oh well. Might as well be productive! (As long as I can be productive from the comfort of my pillow loaded bed) 🙂

I actually have a pretty full day ahead of me but that can not get started until the DH and my cute pumpkin of a stepson wake up. (lucky boys)

There’s both an Alabama and Auburn game on today we have to watch, we wanna go to the Moundville Native American Festival and also try to take in a movie – we’re thinking Hotel Transylvania or Pitch Perfect. But first on my list today is going to the grocery store. I am itching to make a recipe I found on Normal Cooking written by a great girl named Lindsay (even if she is an Auburn fan) 🙂 You really need to check out her page! I’m so impressed with her – she cooks and post like everyday!!! I aspire to be more like that!

Garlicky Baked Shrimp is the recipe that I will be trying tonight.  It looks to be simple but very, very tasty! Thanks Lindsey for sharing.

Garlicky Baked Shrimp

1 lb. raw shrimp, deveined and peeled (I pull the tails off beforehand too)
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 Tbsp. white wine
salt and pepper
1/4 cup (4 Tbsp.) melted butter
1/2 cup Panko bread crumbs
2 Tbsp. fresh Italian-leaf parsley, chopped
Juice of half of a lemon (optional)

Preheat oven to 350º

Start by combining the garlic, lemon juice and wine.

Mix in shrimp until completely combined.

Pour into baking dish and spread evenly, season with salt and pepper.

Then mix butter, Panko crumbs and parsley (I didn’t have fresh so I used dry italian seasoning).

Sprinkle Panko mixture evenly over shrimp.

Cook at 350º for 15-18 or until shrimp are cooked through. (I had to broil mine a bit at the end to get the browness I wanted)

I served this with a salad and fettuccine spaghetti alfredo (one of the pumpkins favorites).

It was delicious! Once again I thank Lindsay of Normal Cooking for sharing this recipe. I look forward to trying more of hers!

Hope everyone has a great weekend!

abp

(p.s. we did see Hotel Transylvania – very cute movie and then went to see Argo on Sunday night – very good, I see Oscars in it’s future!)