Gulf Coast Shrimp and Rice

Gulf Coast Shrimp and Rice Recipe - A Delicious American Dish

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Gulf Coast Shrimp and Rice is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines fresh shrimp with rice, vegetables, and a creamy sauce. This recipe is a popular choice for seafood lovers and is perfect for a special dinner or gathering.

History

This recipe has its roots in the Gulf Coast region of the United States, where shrimp is a staple ingredient in many dishes. The combination of shrimp, rice, and creamy sauce has been a favorite among locals for generations.

Ingredients

1 cup chopped green pepper
1 cup sliced celery
1 cup sliced green onions
3 tbsp butter or margarine
1 lb (454 g) peeled, deveined raw shrimp, halved lengthwise
3 cup cooked rice
0.5 cup chopped pecans
1.5 cup sour cream
0.33 cup mayonnaise
2 tbsp lemon juice
2 tsp dry mustard
1 tsp dried tarragon
0.5 tsp salt
0.5 tsp celery salt
0.5 tsp ground black pepper
3 hard-cooked eggs, finely sieved
0.25 cup chopped fresh parsley

How to prepare

Cook the green peppers, celery, and onions in butter until they are tender, but not browned.
Add the shrimp and continue cooking for several minutes until the shrimp turns pink.
Add the rice and pecans.
Blend the sour cream with mayonnaise, lemon juice, mustard, tarragon, salt, celery salt, and pepper. Fold it into the shrimp mixture.
Cook the mixture until it is heated through, but do NOT boil.
Turn the mixture into a serving dish.
Sprinkle the sieved eggs over the center of the shrimp mixture. Garnish with parsley.

Variations

Add diced tomatoes or bell peppers for extra flavor and color.
Use cooked quinoa or couscous instead of rice for a different texture.
Substitute chicken or tofu for the shrimp for a vegetarian option.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the vegetables until they are tender but not browned to maintain their flavor and texture.

- Make sure to devein the shrimp before cooking to remove any grit or impurities.

- Do not overcook the shrimp, as they can become tough and rubbery.

- Be careful not to boil the sauce, as this can cause it to separate.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Gulf Coast Shrimp and Rice with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. It pairs well with a crisp white wine or a light beer.

Cooking Techniques

Saute the vegetables until tender.

- Cook the shrimp until pink and opaque.

- Mix the sauce ingredients together and fold into the shrimp mixture.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use butter instead of margarine.

- Use almonds or walnuts instead of pecans.

- Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the shrimp mixture ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to serve. Just reheat gently on the stove before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the dish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges for a pop of color and flavor. Serve in a decorative serving dish for an elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Gulf Coast Shrimp and Rice with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a light lager for a refreshing combination.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

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

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories per serving: 450

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 35g

Fats

Total Fat: 24g

Saturated Fat: 6g

Proteins

Protein: 22g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 15%

Vitamin C: 30%

Calcium: 10%

Iron: 20%

Alergens

Contains: Shellfish, nuts, eggs, dairy

Summary

This dish is a good source of protein and essential vitamins and minerals. However, it is high in fat and carbohydrates, so it should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Summary

Gulf Coast Shrimp and Rice is a delicious and satisfying dish that is perfect for seafood lovers. With a creamy sauce, tender shrimp, and flavorful vegetables, this recipe is sure to become a favorite at your dinner table. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was drawn to it like a magnet. It was a warm summer day in the Gulf Coast, and the scent of fresh seafood filled the air. I had always loved cooking, and I was eager to learn new recipes that captured the essence of the region.

I had been walking along the beach, taking in the sights and sounds of the ocean, when I stumbled upon a small seafood shack. The owner, an elderly woman with a twinkle in her eye, was busy preparing a dish that caught my attention. It was a simple yet elegant combination of shrimp and rice, seasoned with a blend of spices that tantalized my taste buds.

Curious, I approached the woman and asked her about the dish she was making. She smiled warmly and invited me to watch as she cooked. As she worked, she shared with me the story behind the recipe.

She explained that the dish was a traditional recipe passed down through generations in her family. It was a celebration of the bountiful seafood that the Gulf Coast had to offer, and a way to bring people together around the dinner table.

As I watched her cook, I was mesmerized by the way she moved with such grace and precision. She seemed to know exactly how much of each ingredient to add, and when to stir the pot just so. It was clear that she had mastered the recipe through years of practice and dedication.

After she finished cooking, she invited me to taste the dish. The flavors exploded in my mouth, a symphony of spices and textures that danced across my palate. I was hooked.

I asked her if she would be willing to share the recipe with me, and she graciously agreed. She handed me a worn piece of paper, covered in handwritten notes and splattered with food stains. It was a treasure trove of culinary secrets, passed down through generations and now entrusted to me.

I thanked the woman profusely and promised to cherish the recipe and pass it on to future generations. As I walked away from the seafood shack, I knew that I had stumbled upon a culinary gem that would become a staple in my own kitchen.

Back at home, I wasted no time in gathering the ingredients and preparing the dish. The scent of shrimp sizzling in a pan filled my kitchen, mingling with the aroma of spices and herbs. I followed the recipe meticulously, remembering the woman's words of wisdom as I cooked.

When the dish was finally ready, I plated it with care and took a bite. The flavors were just as I remembered, a harmonious blend of seafood and spices that transported me back to the Gulf Coast.

I shared the dish with my family, who marveled at the exquisite flavors and begged me to make it again. It became a regular feature on our dinner table, a reminder of the rich culinary heritage of the region and the kindness of the woman who had shared her recipe with me.

As the years passed, I continued to make Gulf Coast Shrimp and Rice, honing my skills and adding my own twists to the recipe. I passed it on to my children and grandchildren, sharing the story of how I had learned to make it and the memories of that fateful day on the beach.

Now, whenever I cook Gulf Coast Shrimp and Rice, I am transported back to that warm summer day in the Gulf Coast, where the scent of seafood filled the air and the sound of the ocean was music to my ears. It is a recipe that has become a part of me, a connection to the past and a tribute to the culinary traditions of the region.

And so, as I sit in my kitchen, preparing another batch of Gulf Coast Shrimp and Rice, I am filled with gratitude for the woman who shared her recipe with me and the memories that it brings. It is a dish that will always hold a special place in my heart, a reminder of the joy of cooking and the power of sharing food with those we love.