Shrimp on a Stick with Jalapenos

Shrimp on a Stick with Jalapenos Recipe from Panama

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

Introduction

Shrimp on a Stick with Jalapenos is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines succulent shrimp with spicy jalapenos and sweet mandarin oranges. This recipe is perfect for grilling outdoors or cooking on a stove, making it a versatile option for any occasion.

History

The origins of Shrimp on a Stick with Jalapenos can be traced back to traditional Mexican cuisine, where seafood is often paired with spicy peppers for a bold and zesty flavor profile. Over time, this dish has evolved to incorporate a variety of ingredients and cooking techniques, making it a popular choice for seafood lovers around the world.

Ingredients

20 jumbo shrimp (prawns), 8 – 10 per pound
1 lb (454 g) fresh jalapeno chiles
1 can mandarin orange sections
0.25 lb (113 g) butter
1 lemon, juiced (0.5 tsp)
liquid smoke (only if grilling on a stove)
20 short wooden skewers
salt, to taste

How to prepare

Zest the lemon and add it to a small saucepan with the butter.
Melt the butter and stir in the lemon juice. This can be done on the corner of the charcoal grill before grilling the shrimp.
Peel and devein the shrimp, leaving the tails intact.
Slice the jalapenos into 0.75 inch pieces.
Skewer the shrimp by placing the tail on the skewer, followed by a piece of chili and an orange segment. Skewer through the upper end of the shrimp to form a crescent shape around the chili and orange.
Cover the skewered shrimp and refrigerate until ready to cook.
Brush the shrimp with the lemon butter and cook on a medium charcoal or gas grill with hickory chips. Turn the shrimp once and baste with butter as needed.
If grilling on a stove, add liquid smoke to the lemon butter.

Variations

Substitute the shrimp with chicken or beef for a different flavor profile.
Use different types of peppers, such as bell peppers or serrano peppers, for a unique twist.
Add pineapple or mango chunks to the skewers for a tropical touch.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to devein the shrimp properly to ensure a clean and flavorful dish.

- Soak the wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before skewering the shrimp to prevent them from burning on the grill.

- Baste the shrimp with the lemon butter mixture while grilling to keep them moist and flavorful.

- Adjust the amount of jalapenos to suit your spice preference – you can remove the seeds for a milder flavor or leave them in for extra heat.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Shrimp on a Stick with Jalapenos with a side of rice or a fresh salad for a complete and satisfying meal. You can also pair it with a citrusy cocktail or a cold beer for a refreshing combination.

Cooking Techniques

Grill the shrimp on a medium heat to ensure they cook evenly and develop a nice charred flavor. Basting with the lemon butter mixture will keep them moist and add extra flavor.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have fresh jalapenos, you can use pickled jalapenos or another type of chili pepper. You can also use canned pineapple instead of mandarin oranges for a different flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the skewers in advance and refrigerate them until ready to cook. The lemon butter mixture can also be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the skewers on a platter with a sprinkle of fresh herbs, such as cilantro or parsley, for a vibrant and appetizing presentation. You can also serve them with a dipping sauce or salsa on the side.

Pairing Recommendations

Shrimp on a Stick with Jalapenos pairs well with a variety of side dishes, such as rice, quinoa, or grilled vegetables. For drinks, try a crisp white wine, a light beer, or a citrusy cocktail to complement the flavors of the dish.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place the skewers on a baking sheet and heat in the oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes, or until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Shrimp on a Stick with Jalapenos contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Shrimp on a Stick with Jalapenos contains approximately 5 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Shrimp on a Stick with Jalapenos contains approximately 10 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Shrimp on a Stick with Jalapenos contains approximately 20 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Shrimp is a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin B12, selenium, and zinc. Jalapenos are rich in vitamin C and capsaicin, a compound that may have health benefits.

Alergens

This recipe contains shellfish (shrimp) and dairy (butter), which may be allergens for some individuals. Please check for any allergies before consuming.

Summary

Shrimp on a Stick with Jalapenos is a nutritious and protein-rich dish that is also high in fats. It provides a good balance of macronutrients and can be enjoyed as part of a healthy diet in moderation.

Summary

Shrimp on a Stick with Jalapenos is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines succulent shrimp with spicy jalapenos and sweet mandarin oranges. This recipe is easy to prepare and can be cooked on a grill or stove for a versatile and tasty meal. Enjoy this dish with your favorite side dishes and drinks for a complete and satisfying dining experience.

How did I get this recipe?

I can still recall the sense of amazement I felt when I first saw this recipe for Shrimp on a Stick with Jalapenos. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Maria in her cozy little kitchen. Maria was a fantastic cook, and she always had the most delicious dishes up her sleeve.

On this particular day, Maria was busy preparing a feast for a family gathering. As I sat at the kitchen table watching her work her magic, she suddenly turned to me with a mischievous twinkle in her eye.

"I have a new recipe to show you," she said, pulling out a sheet of paper from her recipe binder. "It's for Shrimp on a Stick with Jalapenos. It's a family favorite, and I think you'll love it."

I eagerly leaned in as Maria began to explain the recipe to me. She described how the shrimp were marinated in a zesty blend of spices, garlic, and jalapenos before being skewered and grilled to perfection. The thought of the spicy shrimp paired with the cool jalapenos sent my taste buds into a frenzy.

As Maria continued to walk me through the recipe, I couldn't help but marvel at her culinary skills. She had a way of making even the most complex dishes seem effortless. I knew that I had to learn how to make Shrimp on a Stick with Jalapenos for myself.

After the family gathering, Maria invited me back to her kitchen to give the recipe a try. Together, we gathered all the necessary ingredients and got to work. As we chopped, mixed, and grilled, Maria shared stories of how she had come to acquire the recipe.

She told me that she first learned how to make Shrimp on a Stick with Jalapenos from her own grandmother, who had picked up the recipe during a trip to Mexico many years ago. Over the years, Maria had put her own twist on the recipe, adding her own special blend of spices and seasonings to make it truly unique.

As we sat down to enjoy our creation, I couldn't help but feel grateful for Maria's generosity in sharing her recipe with me. The Shrimp on a Stick with Jalapenos was even more delicious than I had imagined, with the perfect balance of heat and flavor.

From that day on, Shrimp on a Stick with Jalapenos became a staple in my own kitchen. I would often make it for family gatherings, impressing my loved ones with the spicy, flavorful dish. And every time I cooked it, I would think back to that warm summer day in Maria's kitchen, where I had first discovered the magic of this incredible recipe.

As the years went by, I continued to hone my skills in the kitchen, learning new recipes and techniques from friends, family, and even strangers. But Shrimp on a Stick with Jalapenos would always hold a special place in my heart, as a reminder of the day I first learned how to make it from my dear friend Maria.

And so, every time I skewer those succulent shrimp and grill them to perfection, I can't help but smile and think of Maria, and the sense of amazement I felt when I first saw that recipe for Shrimp on a Stick with Jalapenos.