Gingered Shrimp

Gingered Shrimp Recipe from Belgium with Wasabi and Green Onion

Region / culture: Belgium | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 0 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Gingered Shrimp is a delicious and refreshing dish that combines the flavors of shrimp, pickled ginger, and horseradish. This recipe is perfect for a light and healthy meal or as an appetizer for a dinner party.

History

This recipe is inspired by traditional Asian flavors, where ginger and pickled ingredients are commonly used to add a tangy and spicy kick to dishes. The combination of shrimp and ginger is a classic pairing that has been enjoyed for centuries.

Ingredients

1 lb (454 g) of shelled cooked tiny shrimp, rinsed and drained
0.75 tsp of wasabi paste (or prepared horseradish)
0.25 cup of chopped pickled ginger
0.25 cup of seasoned rice vinegar
1 tbsp of chopped green onion
1 lb (454 g) of belgian endive
Coarsely-ground black pepper

How to prepare

In a bowl, combine shrimp with wasabi paste or horseradish, ginger, and vinegar.
Sprinkle with green onion.
Place the bowl on a tray.
Rinse Belgian endive, trim off the root ends, and separate the leaves; arrange them on the tray and sprinkle with coarse-ground pepper.
Spoon the shrimp onto the leaves to eat.

Variations

Add diced avocado or mango for a tropical twist.
Substitute the shrimp with cooked chicken or tofu for a vegetarian option.
Drizzle with a soy sauce and sesame oil dressing for an extra burst of flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to rinse and drain the shrimp thoroughly to remove any excess water.

- Adjust the amount of horseradish or wasabi paste to suit your taste preferences.

- Be sure to separate the Belgian endive leaves and arrange them on a tray for a beautiful presentation.

Serving Suggestions

Gingered Shrimp can be served as an appetizer or as a main dish with a side of rice or salad. It pairs well with a crisp white wine or a light beer.

Cooking Techniques

This recipe requires no cooking, making it a quick and easy dish to prepare. Simply combine the ingredients in a bowl and serve on Belgian endive leaves.

Ingredient Substitutions

Substitute pickled ginger with fresh grated ginger for a milder flavor.

- Use regular vinegar if seasoned rice vinegar is not available.

- Swap Belgian endive with lettuce leaves or cucumber slices for a different presentation.

Make Ahead Tips

This dish can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Keep the shrimp mixture and endive leaves separate until serving to prevent wilting.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the shrimp mixture on a platter lined with Belgian endive leaves for an elegant presentation. Garnish with additional chopped green onions or sesame seeds for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Gingered Shrimp pairs well with a variety of side dishes, including steamed rice, quinoa, or a fresh green salad. For drinks, try serving with a glass of chilled white wine or a fruity cocktail.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply microwave the shrimp mixture for a few seconds until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Gingered Shrimp contains approximately 120 calories, making it a light and satisfying meal option.

Carbohydrates

This dish is low in carbohydrates, making it a great option for those following a low-carb diet. Each serving contains approximately 5 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Gingered Shrimp is a low-fat dish, with each serving containing only 1 gram of fat. This makes it a healthy option for those looking to reduce their fat intake.

Proteins

Shrimp is a great source of protein, with each serving of this dish providing approximately 20 grams of protein. Protein is essential for building and repairing tissues in the body.

Vitamins and minerals

Shrimp is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin B12, selenium, and zinc. These nutrients are important for overall health and well-being.

Alergens

This recipe contains shellfish (shrimp) and may not be suitable for those with shellfish allergies. Be sure to check for any allergies before serving this dish.

Summary

Overall, Gingered Shrimp is a nutritious and low-calorie dish that is packed with protein and essential vitamins and minerals. It is a great option for a light and healthy meal.

Summary

Gingered Shrimp is a light and flavorful dish that is perfect for a quick and easy meal. With its tangy and spicy flavors, this dish is sure to impress your guests and leave them wanting more. Enjoy this dish as an appetizer or as a main course for a delicious and satisfying meal.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was drawn to it like a moth to a flame. It was a warm summer day, and I was browsing through an old cookbook that had been passed down to me from my own grandmother. As I flipped through the pages, a picture of gingered shrimp caught my eye. The vibrant colors and exotic spices called out to me, and I knew I had to give it a try.

I had always loved cooking, ever since I was a little girl watching my mother and grandmother in the kitchen. They would effortlessly whip up delicious meals that seemed to be made with love and care. I wanted to carry on that tradition, and this recipe for gingered shrimp seemed like the perfect opportunity.

I decided to make the dish for a family gathering that weekend. I gathered all the ingredients I would need - fresh shrimp, ginger, garlic, soy sauce, and a few other spices that would give the dish its unique flavor. As I started to prepare the shrimp, I could feel my grandmother's presence in the kitchen with me, guiding my hands as I chopped and stirred.

The smell of the ginger and garlic sizzling in the pan filled the air, and I knew I was onto something special. As the shrimp cooked, I added in the soy sauce and a touch of honey to balance out the flavors. The dish came together beautifully, the shrimp perfectly cooked and coated in a rich, savory sauce.

When I served the gingered shrimp to my family that evening, their faces lit up with delight. They raved about how delicious it was, and I knew that I had stumbled upon a recipe that would become a family favorite for generations to come.

As the years went by, I continued to make the gingered shrimp for special occasions and family gatherings. Each time, it brought back memories of that first time I had discovered the recipe in my grandmother's cookbook. I felt a connection to her through the dish, as if she was there with me in spirit, passing down her culinary knowledge from one generation to the next.

Over time, I added my own twist to the recipe, experimenting with different ingredients and techniques to make it my own. I shared the recipe with friends and neighbors, who all marveled at its deliciousness. It became my signature dish, the one that everyone would request whenever I hosted a dinner party.

As I grew older, I realized that the recipe for gingered shrimp was more than just a dish - it was a piece of my family's history, a link to the past that connected me to my roots. It was a reminder of the love and care that went into each meal my grandmother prepared, and the joy that came from sharing good food with the ones we love.

Now, as I pass the recipe down to my own children and grandchildren, I hope that they will feel the same connection to it that I do. I hope that they will remember the stories I have told them about how I learned to make the dish, and the memories we have shared over a steaming plate of gingered shrimp.

And so, as I sit here in my kitchen, preparing the dish once again for a family gathering, I can't help but smile at the thought of generations to come enjoying this recipe just as much as I have. The aroma of ginger and garlic fills the air, and I can almost hear my grandmother's voice whispering in my ear, encouraging me to keep cooking, keep sharing, and keep passing down the traditions that have brought us together for so many years.