Grilled Shrimp with Fresh Papaya Blatjang

South African Grilled Shrimp with Fresh Papaya Blatjang Recipe

Region / culture: South Africa | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Grilled Shrimp with Fresh Papaya Blatjang is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines the sweetness of papaya with the savory flavors of grilled shrimp. This recipe is perfect for a summer barbecue or a special dinner party.

History

This recipe is inspired by traditional South African blatjang, a spicy fruit chutney that is typically served with grilled meats. The addition of fresh papaya adds a tropical twist to the dish, making it a unique and refreshing option for seafood lovers.

Ingredients

Blatjang

2 ripe medium papayas, halved and seeded
2 scallions, white only, minced
1 tbsp minced fresh ginger
1 garlic clove, minced
2 tsp fresh lemon juice
0.5 tsp ground cumin
0.25 tsp salt
0.25 tsp freshly ground white pepper
2 tbsp minced cilantro
0.25 tsp crushed red pepper

Shrimp

1.5 lb (680 g) medium shrimp, shelled and deveined
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
2 tbsp olive oil
1 scallion, chopped
1 garlic clove, crushed
1 x 0.5 inch piece of fresh ginger, peeled and chopped
0.5 tsp ground coriander
1 tbsp chopped cilantro

How to prepare

Blatjang

Scoop the papaya flesh into a food processor, leaving about 0.13 inch of flesh on the skin.
Add the scallions, ginger, garlic, lemon juice, cumin, salt, and pepper. Pulse until chunky.
Transfer the blatjang to a bowl, cover, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
Stir in the cilantro and crushed red pepper just before serving.

Shrimp

Light the grill or preheat the broiler.
Soak eight 8-inch bamboo skewers in water.
Double skewer the shrimp on 4 pairs of parallel skewers.
In a mini-processor, combine the lemon juice, olive oil, scallion, garlic, ginger, and coriander. Process to a fine paste.
Spread the paste on both sides of the shrimp.
Grill or broil for 3 to 4 minutes, or until pink on both sides.
Sprinkle the shrimp with cilantro and serve with the blatjang.

Variations

Substitute the shrimp with chicken or tofu for a different protein option.
Add diced mango or pineapple to the blatjang for a tropical twist.
Use different herbs and spices in the marinade for a unique flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to double skewer the shrimp to prevent them from spinning on the grill.

- Marinate the shrimp for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to fully develop.

- Use fresh, ripe papayas for the blatjang to ensure a sweet and flavorful sauce.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Grilled Shrimp with Fresh Papaya Blatjang with a side of steamed rice or a fresh green salad for a complete meal. Garnish with extra cilantro for added flavor.

Cooking Techniques

Grill the shrimp over medium-high heat for 3-4 minutes per side, or broil in the oven for a similar amount of time. Make sure to watch the shrimp closely to prevent overcooking.

Ingredient Substitutions

If papaya is not available, you can use mango or pineapple in the blatjang. You can also use frozen shrimp instead of fresh, just make sure to thaw them before cooking.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the blatjang up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Marinate the shrimp for up to 2 hours before grilling for maximum flavor.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Grilled Shrimp with Fresh Papaya Blatjang on a platter garnished with fresh cilantro and a wedge of lemon. You can also serve it in individual bowls for a more elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

This dish pairs well with a crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. For a non-alcoholic option, try serving it with a tropical fruit juice or iced tea.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat the shrimp in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

- Papaya: 120 calories

- Shrimp: 200 calories

- Blatjang: 50 calories

Carbohydrates

- Papaya: 30g per serving

- Shrimp: 0g per serving

- Blatjang: 15g per serving

Fats

- Papaya: 0.5g per serving

- Shrimp: 2g per serving

- Blatjang: 1g per serving

Proteins

- Papaya: 1g per serving

- Shrimp: 25g per serving

- Blatjang: 0g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Papaya: Vitamin C, Vitamin A, Folate

- Shrimp: Vitamin B12, Selenium, Zinc

- Blatjang: Vitamin A, Vitamin K, Potassium

Alergens

Shrimp: Shellfish

- Blatjang: None

Summary

This dish is a good source of protein, vitamins, and minerals. It is low in fat and calories, making it a healthy option for a balanced diet.

Summary

Grilled Shrimp with Fresh Papaya Blatjang is a delicious and healthy dish that is perfect for a summer meal. With a balance of sweet and savory flavors, this recipe is sure to impress your family and friends. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the joy I felt when I first stumbled upon this recipe for Grilled Shrimp with Fresh Papaya Blatjang. It was a warm summer day, much like today, and I was wandering through a bustling farmer's market in search of some fresh ingredients for dinner. As I meandered through the stalls of colorful fruits and vegetables, a fragrant smell caught my attention. I followed my nose to a small stand where a friendly woman was grilling up some succulent shrimp skewers.

Curious, I struck up a conversation with her and learned that the secret to her delicious shrimp was a homemade sauce she called Fresh Papaya Blatjang. She explained that Blatjang is a traditional South African condiment made from fruits, chilies, and spices. Intrigued, I asked her for the recipe and she graciously shared it with me.

I hurried home with my fresh papayas and other ingredients, eager to recreate the dish. As I chopped, blended, and grilled, the kitchen filled with the tantalizing aroma of the marinade and shrimp sizzling on the grill. When I took my first bite, I was transported to a tropical paradise. The sweet and tangy papaya paired perfectly with the spicy kick of the Blatjang sauce, creating a symphony of flavors that danced on my taste buds.

From that moment on, Grilled Shrimp with Fresh Papaya Blatjang became a staple in my culinary repertoire. I would make it for family gatherings, dinner parties, and even just for myself on a quiet evening. Each time I prepared the dish, I would think back to that fateful day at the farmer's market and the kind woman who had introduced me to this culinary gem.

Over the years, I have made a few tweaks and adjustments to the recipe, adding my own personal touch to make it truly my own. I have shared it with friends and family, who have all raved about its deliciousness. And now, I am passing it down to you, my dear grandchild, so that you too can experience the joy of creating and enjoying this delectable dish.

To make Grilled Shrimp with Fresh Papaya Blatjang, start by marinating the shrimp in a mixture of papaya puree, ginger, garlic, lime juice, and a touch of honey. Let the flavors meld together for at least an hour before threading the shrimp onto skewers and grilling them to perfection.

While the shrimp cooks, prepare the Blatjang sauce by blending together papaya, mango, chilies, vinegar, and spices until smooth. Adjust the seasoning to your taste, adding more heat or sweetness as desired.

Once the shrimp is cooked through and beautifully charred, serve it alongside a generous dollop of the Fresh Papaya Blatjang sauce. The combination of juicy shrimp and zesty sauce is sure to delight your senses and transport you to a tropical paradise with each bite.

I hope you enjoy making and savoring this recipe as much as I have over the years. May it bring you as much joy and culinary satisfaction as it has brought me. And remember, the best recipes are those that are shared with love and passed down through generations. Bon appétit!