These Shrimp Boats features tender zucchini boats stuffed with a flavorful mix of sautéed shrimp, garlic, marinated artichoke hearts, and melted parmesan cheese.
What is a Shrimp Boat?
A shrimp boat is more than just a vessel you see bobbing along the Gulf Coast. While traditionally associated with the fishing industry, shrimp boats have become a fun name for many shrimp-based recipes where shrimp is the star. Whether you’re grilling, steaming, or frying, there’s something delicious about preparing shrimp in all its forms.
Tips and Tricks for the Best Shrimp Boat
- Fresh Shrimp: For the best flavor, opt for fresh shrimp over frozen if possible. If using frozen shrimp, ensure they are fully thawed and patted dry before cooking.
- Garlic Butter Perfection: Adding both butter and olive oil prevents the butter from burning and creates a rich, smooth sauce for your shrimp.
- Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: The secret to tender, juicy shrimp is not overcooking them. As soon as they turn opaque and pink, remove them from the heat.
- Bread Choice: French bread is commonly used for shrimp boats, but you can experiment with sourdough, ciabatta, or even large crusty rolls for individual servings.
- Gluten-Free Option: Swap the bread for baked sweet potatoes or a hollowed-out zucchini boat to make this recipe gluten-free and low-carb.
Shrimp Boat Variations
The shrimp boat recipe is incredibly versatile. Here are a few exciting variations to consider:
Shrimp and Bacon Boat: Crumble crispy bacon into the shrimp mixture and top with cheddar cheese for an indulgent take on the classic.
Cajun Shrimp Boat: Add Cajun seasoning to the shrimp for a spicy twist, and serve with a drizzle of remoulade sauce or a side of coleslaw.
Shrimp Scampi Boat: Toss your shrimp in a buttery garlic and white wine sauce, then load it into the bread and bake with parmesan cheese.
Creamy Shrimp Boat: Make a creamy shrimp filling by adding heavy cream and cream cheese to the skillet after cooking the shrimp. Stir in the cheese to melt and serve in the bread or potato.
How to Serve Shrimp Boats
Shrimp boats are wonderfully versatile and can be served in various ways:
- As an Appetizer: Slice the shrimp boat into smaller portions for a party appetizer. Serve with a dipping sauce like cocktail sauce or garlic aioli.
- As a Main Course: Pair your shrimp boat with a light side like a garden salad, grilled vegetables, or roasted potatoes.
- As Part of a Seafood Spread: Include it in a seafood feast alongside crab cakes, lobster rolls, or clam chowder for a decadent spread.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
If you have leftovers (which may be rare because shrimp boats are so delicious), follow these storage tips:
- Refrigerate: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Be mindful that shrimp tend to lose their optimal texture when reheated, so consume it quickly.
- Reheat: To reheat, place the shrimp boat in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through—about 10-15 minutes. You can also microwave it in a pinch, but the bread may lose its crispness.
- Freezing: While you can freeze cooked shrimp, it’s best to freeze the shrimp mixture separately from the bread. This way, when you’re ready to eat, you can thaw the shrimp mixture and freshly prepare the bread or potatoes.
FAQs About Shrimp Boats
Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?
Yes, you can use pre-cooked shrimp, but make sure to reduce the cooking time so they don’t become tough. Add them at the end just to heat through.
What type of cheese works best for shrimp boats?
Cheddar, mozzarella, and parmesan are all excellent choices. Feel free to mix and match depending on your flavor preference.
Can I add vegetables to my shrimp boat?
Absolutely! Consider adding sautéed bell peppers, spinach, or even roasted corn to the shrimp mixture before baking.
What bread should I use for shrimp boats?
A French baguette works perfectly for this recipe, but other crusty breads like ciabatta or sourdough also work well. You want a bread that will hold up to the shrimp filling without getting too soggy.
Shrimp Boat
These Shrimp Boats features tender zucchini boats stuffed with a flavorful mix of sautéed shrimp, garlic, marinated artichoke hearts, and melted parmesan cheese.
Ingredients
- 3 large zucchini
- 1 tablespoon garlic herb seasoning, divided
- 4 tablespoons butter, divided
- 1 pound raw shrimp, shelled, deveined, and tails removed
- 1 teaspoon olive oil or spray
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 1/4 cup marinated artichoke hearts, chopped
Instructions
- Prep Your Zucchini Boats: Slice each zucchini lengthwise and scoop out the center to create a boat shape, saving the scooped-out zucchini bits. Brush or spray the boats with olive oil and sprinkle with a bit of garlic herb seasoning.
- Grill or Bake: Heat your grill to medium-high. Place the zucchini cut-side down and grill for about 5 minutes to get a nice sear. No grill? No problem—bake them cut-side down in a 450°F oven for 5-10 minutes. Set aside.
- Cook the Shrimp: Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in the shrimp with the rest of the garlic herb seasoning and lemon juice. Cook for about 5 minutes until the shrimp turn golden, then flip for one more minute. Remove and set aside.
- Make the Filling: Using the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the chopped zucchini you set aside earlier, along with the artichoke hearts. Sauté until soft, then add minced garlic and cook for another minute or two.
- Assemble the Boats: Lay the grilled zucchini boats on a baking sheet and stuff them with the cooked zucchini filling. Tear the shrimp into smaller pieces and scatter them on top. Sprinkle generously with parmesan cheese.
- Broil to Perfection: Pop the assembled boats under the broiler until the cheese is bubbly and golden, about 5 minutes. Serve them warm and watch these flavor bombs disappear from the plate!
Nutrition Information
Yield
6Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 199Total Fat 13gSaturated Fat 7gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 5gCholesterol 123mgSodium 764mgCarbohydrates 8gFiber 2gSugar 3gProtein 15g
Easy Shrimp Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
Shrimp boats are the perfect way to enjoy shrimp in a fun, delicious, and customizable dish. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or just enjoy a hearty seafood dinner, this recipe will be a hit. With simple ingredients, lots of variations, and a few cooking tips, you’ll be a shrimp boat pro in no time.
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