When the autumn leaves fall, the air turns chilly, and the days get shorter, we find ourselves saying goodbye to the warmth of summer and welcoming the lovely winter season. This time of the year tempts us to curl up in our warm blankets, gather around cozy fires, and indulge in comforting foods that satisfy our taste buds.
Winter brings forth a treasure trove of seasonal delicacies, and among them, shrimp stands out with its delicate flavor. It offers a delightful contrast to many of the other winter dishes. From shrimp kabobs to shrimp pasta, these comforting dishes will brighten up the chilliest of winter days and help create lasting memories with loved ones around the table. In this blog, we welcome you to embark on a culinary adventure to find the greatest shrimp recipes to soothe your palate and bring warmth to your heart this winter.
1) Grilled Shrimp Kabobs with Vegetables
The fresh and juicy flavors of the grilled shrimp kabobs with vegetables make them a perfect addition to any winter cuisine. Here’s a quick run-down of the recipe and all the steps you need to follow to make shrimp kabobs on the grill:
Ingredients:
- Parsley
- Olive oil
- Fresh lemon juice
- Lemon zest
- Honey
- Paprika
- Minced garlic
- Black pepper
- Salt
- Red pepper flakes
- 1 lb. large or jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined (16-20 count or 21-25 count)
- Baby bella mushrooms (cremini mushrooms), equal in size as much as possible
- 1 ½ large red or yellow bell peppers, stemmed, seeded, and cut into 1-inch pieces
Instructions:
Microwave vegetables:
- Line two microwave-safe plates with paper towels.
- Spread chopped bell peppers in a single layer on one plate and microwave on high for 2 minutes. Set aside to cool.
- Spread mushrooms evenly on the other plate and microwave on high for 3 minutes. Set aside to cool.
Make the marinade:
- In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, honey, minced garlic, paprika, red pepper flakes, parsley, salt, and black pepper.
- Reserve 3 tablespoons of the mixture for later use.
Marinate the kabobs:
- Combine shrimp and cooled vegetables with the marinade, ensuring everything is fully coated.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes. If you plan to use wooden skewers, soak them in water during this time.
Thread the skewers:
- Skewer the ingredients in this sequence: shrimp (from tail to head), mushroom (through its cap), shrimp, pepper, and repeat until the skewer is full.
- Ensure the largest surface area of each piece touches the grill.
Grill:
- Preheat a gas grill to medium-high for 10 minutes.
- Place the skewers on the grill and cook each side for 3-4 minutes.
- Lightly brush each side with the reserved shrimp kabob sauce while grilling.
- The kabobs are done when the shrimp turns pink and opaque and the vegetables are tender with grill marks.
Serve:
- Transfer the cooked skewers to a serving plate.
- Optionally, garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges.
- Use the remaining sauce as a topping for the kabobs.
2) Shrimp and Broccoli Alfredo Pasta
Easy to make and packed with flavor, this shrimp and broccoli Alfredo pasta is the perfect choice for a comforting and satisfying meal. Let's dive into the recipe!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- One head of broccoli, cut into florets
- 8 ounces of fettuccine pasta (or any pasta of your choice)
- Three tablespoons unsalted butter
- Three cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup chicken broth
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
- Boil salted water and cook fettuccine until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In the same pot, add more water and bring it to a boil. Blanch broccoli for 2-3 minutes until tender-crisp. Drain and set aside.
- Melt 2 tbsp. butter in a skillet. Sauté garlic for 30 seconds. Add shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until pink. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, melt one tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Stir in heavy cream and chicken broth, and simmer for a few minutes.
- Add grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until smooth.
- Mix in the cooked shrimp and broccoli, and season with salt and pepper.
- Combine cooked fettuccine, shrimp, broccoli, and Alfredo sauce in the pan. Adjust the sauce thickness by adding a splash of chicken broth or pasta water.
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley. Enjoy.
3) Shrimp and Spinach Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms
Treat yourself to a delightful blend of flavors with these delectable shrimp and spinach-stuffed portobello mushrooms. Follow these easy steps:
Ingredients:
- Four large portobello mushrooms with stems removed and cleaned
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Two cloves garlic, minced
- Two tablespoons of olive oil
- Two tablespoons melted butter
- One teaspoon of dried oregano
- One teaspoon of dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the portobello mushrooms by gently removing the stems and scraping out the gills with a spoon to create space for the filling. Brush caps with olive oil. Place on a baking sheet, gill-side up.
- Heat one tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat in a medium-sized skillet. Add minced garlic and sauté for about one minute until fragrant.
- Cook shrimp in a skillet until pink and cooked through (2-3 minutes per side). Season with salt, pepper, oregano, thyme, and red pepper flakes (optional). Remove and chop into bite-sized pieces.
- In the same skillet, add the chopped spinach and cook until wilted (for about 1-2 minutes). Remove the skillet from the heat.
- Combine chopped shrimp, cooked spinach, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, and melted butter in a mixing bowl. Mix thoroughly until evenly distributed.
- Divide the shrimp and spinach filling among the portobello mushrooms, gently pressing the mixture into the caps.
- Bake the stuffed mushrooms in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes or until the mushrooms are tender and the filling is golden brown.
- Remove the mushrooms from the oven and let them cool for a minute before serving.
- Garnish the stuffed portobello mushrooms with fresh chopped parsley for a burst of color and added flavor.
Conclusion
When the winter chill sets in, tantalizing your taste buds with delightful shrimp recipes is an absolute must! From the comforting warmth of grilled shrimp kabobs with vegetables to the zesty kick of coconut shrimp curry, these dishes will satisfy your cravings and bring a touch of magic to your winter table.
Whether hosting a cozy gathering or simply seeking a culinary adventure, these best shrimp recipes promise to add flavor and joy to your winter season. So, don your apron, fire up the stove, and let these succulent shrimp dishes transport you to a delightful winter wonderland of flavors!
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