Spot Shrimp – If you’re looking for a seafood dish that will truly impress, you can’t go wrong with Spot Shrimp. Known for their sweet, delicate flavor, Spot Shrimp (also called Alaskan Spot Prawns) are a premium catch from the cold waters of the Pacific Northwest.
Why Spot Shrimp?
Spot Shrimp, often referred to as the lobster of the shrimp world, are larger than other shrimp species, with a sweet, buttery flavor and firm texture. They’re perfect for simple preparations that allow their flavor to shine. Spot Shrimp are typically available fresh during the season (usually May through September) and frozen the rest of the year. If you can get your hands on these delicacies, you’re in for a treat!
Tips and Tricks for Cooking
Peeling Tip: Spot Shrimp are delicate, so handle them gently when peeling. Leave the tails on for a prettier presentation.
Don’t overcook: Spot Shrimp cook quickly. As soon as they turn pink and opaque, they’re done. Overcooking will result in rubbery shrimp.
Butter vs. Olive Oil: Both work beautifully in this recipe. If you want a richer, more decadent flavor, opt for butter. Olive oil adds a slightly lighter touch.
Wine Substitute: If you don’t have wine on hand, seafood stock or even vegetable broth works well. You just need a bit of liquid to deglaze the pan and create a flavorful sauce.
Variations on the Classic
While this recipe highlights the natural flavor of Spot Shrimp, there are many ways you can add your own twist:
Creamy Shrimp Scampi: Add a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half to the lemon garlic sauce for a richer, creamier dish.
Spicy Cajun Shrimp: Add 1 tsp of Cajun seasoning to the shrimp, and use a bit more red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta: Toss the cooked shrimp and garlic-lemon sauce with your favorite pasta for a quick and delicious meal.
Grilled Shrimp: Instead of cooking the shrimp in a skillet, marinate them with olive oil, garlic, and lemon juice, then grill them on high heat for about 2 minutes per side.
How to Serve Spot Shrimp
Spot Shrimp is versatile, making it a fantastic ingredient for various meals. Here are some serving suggestions to make the most of your dish:
- With Rice: Serve the shrimp and sauce over jasmine or basmati rice for a complete meal.
- On a Salad: Top a fresh arugula or spinach salad with Shrimp for a light and refreshing meal.
- As a Starter: Serve on a platter with crusty bread for dipping in the garlic-lemon sauce.
- Tacos: Fill warm tortillas with the shrimp, a slaw of shredded cabbage, and a drizzle of lime crema for delicious Spot Shrimp tacos.
How to Store and Reheat
It is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers safely:
Reheat: To reheat, gently warm the shrimp in a skillet with a splash of olive oil or butter. Be careful not to overcook them again during the reheating process, as they can become tough.
Refrigerate: Place any leftover shrimp in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days.
Freeze: If you want to store them longer, place the shrimp in a freezer-safe container. They’ll stay good in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Recipe FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen Shrimp?
A: Absolutely! Frozen Spot Shrimp are often just as flavorful as fresh ones because they are typically flash-frozen immediately after being caught. Just be sure to thaw them properly before cooking.
Q: What can I substitute for white wine in the recipe?
A: If you don’t have white wine, seafood stock or vegetable broth are excellent substitutes. You could also use water with a splash of lemon juice for extra acidity.
Q: How can I tell when Shrimp are fully cooked?
A: The shrimp will turn from translucent to opaque and will have a bright pink color. This typically takes only 2-3 minutes of cooking per side.
Q: What’s the difference between Spot Shrimp and other types of shrimp?
A: Spot Shrimp are larger, sweeter, and more delicate than most other shrimp species. They also have a more buttery texture, making them highly prized among seafood lovers.
Q: Can I grill with the shells on?
A: Yes! Grilling shrimp with the shells on can add extra flavor and help protect the delicate meat from overcooking. Just be sure to marinate them well and grill quickly over high heat.
Spot Shrimp (Best Garlic)
Spot Shrimp - If you’re looking for a seafood dish that will truly impress, you can’t go wrong with Spot Shrimp. Known for their sweet, delicate flavor, Spot Shrimp (also called Alaskan Spot Prawns) are a premium catch from the cold waters of the Pacific Northwest.
Ingredients
- 1 to 2 pounds large shrimp (Spot Prawns are ideal)
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 or 2 small hot chiles (or 2 dried chiles), sliced thin or crumbled
- Salt, to taste
- 4 to 6 cloves garlic, roughly chopped or sliced thin
- Juice of a lemon
Instructions
- Heat the oil: Start by heating the olive oil in a large sauté pan over high heat. Once it just begins to smoke, you're ready for the shrimp.
- Add shrimp: Toss the shrimp into the pan, stirring to coat them in the hot oil.
- Flavor the shrimp: Add the garlic, chiles, and a generous pinch of salt. Cook over high heat, stirring occasionally, until the shrimp just start to turn pink—this should only take about 2 minutes.
- Finish with lemon: Quickly toss the shrimp with fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavors, and serve immediately.
Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 408Total Fat 18gSaturated Fat 3gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 14gCholesterol 479mgSodium 2296mgCarbohydrates 8gFiber 0gSugar 2gProtein 52g
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
This Spot Shrimp recipe is simple, yet incredibly flavorful, highlighting the delicate sweetness of the shrimp. Whether you serve it as a quick weeknight meal or a special occasion dish, it’s bound to impress. Don’t hesitate to get creative by adding your favorite herbs and spices, or try one of the variations to make it your own.
Happy cooking!
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