5 Ways To Make Christmas Shrimp Delicious

The holiday season is upon us, and what better way to celebrate than with a delicious and festive Christmas shrimp dish? Shrimp is a popular seafood choice for the holidays, and for good reason. It's easy to prepare, can be cooked in a variety of ways, and is a crowd-pleaser. In this article, we'll explore five ways to make Christmas shrimp delicious, along with some helpful tips and tricks to ensure your dish is a hit.

The Importance of Shrimp in Holiday Cooking

Shrimp is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, from appetizers to main courses. During the holiday season, shrimp is a popular choice for several reasons. Firstly, it's a convenient ingredient to work with, as it can be thawed and cooked quickly. Secondly, shrimp is a cost-effective option, especially when compared to other types of seafood. Finally, shrimp is a flavorful ingredient that can be paired with a wide range of herbs and spices to create a delicious and memorable dish.

5 Ways to Make Christmas Shrimp Delicious

1. Garlic Butter Shrimp

Garlic butter shrimp is a classic Christmas dish that's easy to make and always a hit. To prepare this dish, simply melt some butter in a pan, add some minced garlic, and sauté the shrimp until they're pink and cooked through. Serve with some crusty bread or over rice for a delicious and satisfying meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions:

1. Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
3. Add the shrimp and sauté for 2-3 minutes, until pink and cooked through.
4. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
5. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.

2. Shrimp and Pineapple Skewers

Shrimp and pineapple skewers are a fun and easy way to enjoy shrimp during the holiday season. Simply thread shrimp and pineapple chunks onto skewers, brush with a mixture of soy sauce, brown sugar, and ginger, and grill or broil until cooked through. Serve with a side of quinoa or couscous for a healthy and delicious meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 cup pineapple chunks
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon grated ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 10 bamboo skewers

Instructions:

1. Preheat the grill or broiler to medium-high heat.
2. Thread the shrimp and pineapple onto the skewers.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, ginger, and red pepper flakes.
4. Brush the mixture onto the shrimp and pineapple.
5. Grill or broil for 2-3 minutes, until cooked through.
6. Serve hot, garnished with chopped green onions if desired.

3. Spicy Shrimp and Sausage Pasta

Spicy shrimp and sausage pasta is a hearty and flavorful dish that's perfect for the holiday season. Simply cook some pasta according to the package instructions, then toss with cooked sausage, shrimp, and a spicy tomato sauce. Serve with some crusty bread or a side salad for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 pound spicy sausage, such as andouille or chorizo
• 1 cup pasta, such as penne or linguine
• 2 cups spicy tomato sauce
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions.
2. In a large skillet, cook the sausage over medium-high heat, until browned and cooked through.
3. Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, until pink and cooked through.
4. Stir in the tomato sauce and bring to a simmer.
5. Toss the cooked pasta with the shrimp and sausage mixture.
6. Season with salt, pepper, and Parmesan cheese.
7. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley.

4. Shrimp and Bacon Wrap

Shrimp and bacon wraps are a fun and easy way to enjoy shrimp during the holiday season. Simply cook some shrimp and bacon, then wrap them in a tortilla with some lettuce, tomato, and avocado. Serve with a side of chips or a salad for a delicious and satisfying meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 6 slices of bacon
• 1 head of lettuce, chopped
• 1 tomato, diced
• 1 avocado, diced
• 1 cup shredded cheese, such as cheddar or Monterey Jack
• 6 large tortillas

Instructions:

1. Cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium-high heat, until crispy and golden.
2. Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, until pink and cooked through.
3. In a separate pan, warm the tortillas over medium heat.
4. Assemble the wraps by placing some shrimp, bacon, lettuce, tomato, and avocado onto each tortilla.
5. Sprinkle with shredded cheese and serve hot.

5. Shrimp and Leek Gratin

Shrimp and leek gratin is a creamy and flavorful dish that's perfect for the holiday season. Simply sauté some leeks and garlic, then top with shrimp, cream, and cheese. Bake until golden and bubbly, then serve with some crusty bread or a side salad.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 leeks, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated cheese, such as Gruyère or Parmesan
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. In a large skillet, sauté the leeks and garlic over medium heat, until softened and fragrant.
3. Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, until pink and cooked through.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream and grated cheese.
5. Pour the cream mixture over the shrimp and leeks, then sprinkle with chopped parsley.
6. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, until golden and bubbly.
7. Serve hot, garnished with additional parsley if desired.

Tips and Tricks for Cooking Shrimp

• Make sure to thaw frozen shrimp properly before cooking. This will help ensure that the shrimp cook evenly and prevent them from becoming tough or rubbery.
• Don't overcook the shrimp! Shrimp cook quickly, so be sure to check on them frequently to prevent overcooking.
• Use a variety of seasonings and spices to add flavor to your shrimp dishes. Some popular options include garlic, lemon, and Old Bay.
• Don't be afraid to experiment with different types of shrimp. Some popular varieties include large shrimp, medium shrimp, and baby shrimp.

Conclusion

Christmas shrimp is a delicious and festive dish that's perfect for the holiday season. With these five recipes, you'll have a variety of options to choose from, whether you're looking for a quick and easy appetizer or a hearty and flavorful main course. Remember to thaw your shrimp properly, don't overcook them, and use a variety of seasonings and spices to add flavor. Happy cooking!