5 inspirations for frozen shrimp
Jennifer Chandler
I always keep a bag of frozen shrimp in my freezer for quick meals. This freezer item has proved to be the solution for last-minute suppers on a busy night, and its convenience applies to our new “Safer at Home” kitchens.
Whether it’s shell-on or peeled, frozen shrimp can be thawed in mere minutes. Simply place the shrimp in a colander in your sink under cold running water.
Now, let’s get cooking! Here are five dishes to whip up with a bag of frozen shrimp.
New Orleans Barbecue Shrimp: This iconic New Orleans dish doesn’t use barbecue sauce. Instead, the shrimp is cooked in a tasty garlic butter sauce flavored with Worcestershire and black pepper. Pick up a loaf of French bread (or a box of frozen Texas toast) to sop up the yummy sauce.
Grilled shrimp: Shrimp is delicious on the grill. I like to grill shrimp on skewers so I don’t lose any between the grates, but you can use a grill basket if you prefer. Serve grilled shrimp with a dipping sauce as an appetizer or simple supper, make shrimp tacos or throw them on top of a salad.
Shrimp and Grits: To whip up a delicious bowl of Shrimp and Grits, all you need is some Cajun seasoning, smoked pork (Tasso ham, andouille sausage and bacon all work), a little chicken stock and some butter. Jazz up the grits with whatever cheese you have on hand.
Shrimp Alfredo: This classic Italian dish comes together in minutes. The ingredients for Alfredo Sauce are simply heavy cream, butter and Parmesan cheese. Simmer together and then toss with sauteed shrimp and your favorite pasta.
Shrimp salad: All you need is mayonnaise, a little minced onion and some sliced celery. Jazz it up by adding a little fresh dill, a squeeze of lemon juice, Dijon mustard or splash of white wine vinegar. I like to make mine with a spicy remoulade sauce.
Jennifer Chandler is the Food & Dining reporter at The Commercial Appeal. She can be reached at jennifer.chandler@commercialappeal.com, and you can follow her on Twitter and Instagram at @cookwjennifer.