Shrimp al Pincho

Shrimp al Pincho Recipe from Ecuador | Ingredients: Shrimps, White Wine, Garlic, Pepper, Salt, Parsley, Basil, Paprika

Region / culture: Ecuador | Preparation time: 1 hour | Cooking time: 6 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Shrimp al Pincho is a delicious and flavorful dish that is perfect for a summer barbecue or a quick weeknight meal. The combination of shrimp, garlic, white wine, and herbs creates a mouthwatering dish that is sure to impress your family and friends.

History

Shrimp al Pincho is a traditional Spanish dish that is typically served as a tapa or appetizer. The dish originated in the Basque region of Spain and has since become popular throughout the country. The name "al Pincho" refers to the skewers that the shrimp are threaded onto before grilling.

Ingredients

12 shrimps
0.25 cup of dry white wine
1 clove of minced garlic
0.25 tsp of pepper
salt to taste
0.5 tsp of parsley flakes
0.5 tbsp of basil
1 pinch of paprika

How to prepare

Wash and peel the shrimps. Fry them in oil with garlic and season with salt and pepper.
Remove from heat and cover the shrimps with wine, parsley, and basil. Marinate for 1 hour in the refrigerator.
Thread 3 shrimps onto each skewer. Grill for 2 – 3 minutes on each side.
Brush the shrimps with melted butter while grilling.

Variations

Add diced tomatoes or bell peppers to the marinade for a pop of color and flavor.
Use different herbs and spices, such as cilantro or cumin, to change up the flavor profile.
Substitute the white wine with lemon juice or chicken broth for a different taste.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to marinate the shrimp for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to fully develop.

- Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as they can become tough and rubbery.

- Brushing the shrimp with melted butter while grilling adds an extra layer of flavor and helps prevent them from sticking to the grill.

Serving Suggestions

Shrimp al Pincho can be served as an appetizer with a side of crusty bread or as a main dish with a salad or grilled vegetables.

Cooking Techniques

Grilling the shrimp on skewers helps to infuse them with smoky flavor and creates a beautiful presentation. Make sure to preheat the grill and oil the grates before cooking.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have white wine on hand, you can use chicken broth or vegetable broth as a substitute. You can also use fresh herbs instead of dried herbs for a more intense flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

You can marinate the shrimp ahead of time and keep them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before grilling. This allows the flavors to meld together and makes for a quick and easy meal.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the shrimp al Pincho on a platter with lemon wedges and fresh herbs for a beautiful presentation. You can also garnish with a sprinkle of paprika for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Shrimp al Pincho pairs well with a crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. It also goes well with a light beer or a citrusy cocktail.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply place the shrimp in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

- Total Calories per serving: 100 calories

Carbohydrates

- Shrimp: 0g

- White wine: 0g

- Garlic: 1g

- Herbs and spices: 1g

- Total Carbohydrates per serving: 2g

Fats

- Shrimp: 1g

- White wine: 0g

- Garlic: 0g

- Herbs and spices: 0g

- Total Fats per serving: 1g

Proteins

- Shrimp: 12g

- Total Proteins per serving: 12g

Vitamins and minerals

Shrimp is a good source of vitamin B12, vitamin D, and selenium.

- Garlic is rich in vitamin C, vitamin B6, and manganese.

- Herbs and spices provide various vitamins and minerals, depending on the type used.

Alergens

Shrimp: Shellfish

- Garlic: None

- Herbs and spices: None

Summary

Shrimp al Pincho is a low-carb, high-protein dish that is rich in vitamins and minerals. It is a healthy and delicious option for seafood lovers.

Summary

Shrimp al Pincho is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for any occasion. With a few simple ingredients and some basic cooking techniques, you can create a flavorful and impressive meal that will have everyone coming back for more. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I discovered this recipe is a cherished memory. It was a warm summer evening, and I was visiting my dear friend Maria in her cozy little kitchen. Maria was known far and wide for her delicious cooking, and I always jumped at the chance to learn a new recipe from her.

On that particular day, Maria had something special planned for dinner - Shrimp al Pincho. I had never heard of this dish before, but the tantalizing aroma that filled the air as she cooked piqued my curiosity. Maria chuckled at my eager expression and handed me a glass of wine as she began to explain the recipe.

She told me that Shrimp al Pincho was a traditional Spanish dish that she had learned from her grandmother many years ago. The name "al Pincho" referred to the method of cooking the shrimp on skewers over an open flame, giving them a delicious smoky flavor.

As Maria walked me through the recipe, I watched in awe as she expertly peeled and deveined the shrimp, marinated them in a mixture of olive oil, garlic, and herbs, and then threaded them onto skewers. She then placed the skewers on the grill, where the shrimp sizzled and released their mouthwatering aroma.

While we waited for the shrimp to cook, Maria shared stories of her childhood in Spain, where her grandmother would cook this dish for special occasions. She recounted how she would help her grandmother prepare the shrimp, eagerly learning the family recipe that had been passed down through generations.

As we sat down to enjoy the delicious Shrimp al Pincho, I marveled at how such a simple dish could be so full of flavor and history. The combination of the smoky grilled shrimp with the savory marinade was simply divine, and I knew that I had to learn how to make it myself.

Over the years, I have made Shrimp al Pincho countless times, each time bringing back memories of that special evening with Maria. I have tweaked the recipe here and there, adding my own twist with different herbs and spices, but the essence of the dish remains the same - a tribute to tradition and the joy of sharing good food with loved ones.

I have shared the recipe with friends and family, passing on the culinary knowledge that I gained from Maria all those years ago. And each time I make Shrimp al Pincho, I feel a sense of connection to my roots and the generations of cooks who came before me.

So, as I sit down to enjoy a plate of sizzling Shrimp al Pincho, I am filled with gratitude for the gift of cooking and the joy of learning from those who came before me. And I can't help but smile, knowing that this simple dish will continue to bring people together for years to come.