Shrimp Salad Trinidad

Shrimp Salad Trinidad Recipe - a delicious and unique dish from Trinidad

Region / culture: Trinidad | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 5 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Shrimp Salad Trinidad is a delicious and refreshing dish that combines the flavors of shrimp, curry, and rum with a touch of sweetness from mandarin oranges. This recipe is perfect for a light lunch or as an appetizer for a Caribbean-themed dinner party.

History

Shrimp Salad Trinidad is a popular dish in Trinidad and Tobago, where seafood plays a prominent role in the local cuisine. The combination of shrimp with curry and rum reflects the diverse cultural influences on the island, including Indian and Caribbean flavors.

Ingredients

1 lb (454 g) cleaned shrimp
mayonnaise
0.25 tsp salt
0.25 tsp pepper
0.25 tsp sugar
1 tsp tomato ketchup
1 tsp mustard
0.5 tsp curry powder
a few drops of lemon or lime juice
1 cap Trinidad rum
canned mandarine segments or pineapple pieces or mixed fruit, drained (fresh or canned)
2 tbsp drained, canned mushrooms, sliced
lettuce, cleaned, to line individual serving container (e.g. cocktail glass)
wedge of lemon or lime

How to prepare

Bring salted water to a rolling boil and add all cleaned shrimp at once. Cook until the water comes back to a boil, then drain the shrimp.
In a bowl, combine mayonnaise with all seasonings, including rum.
Add mushrooms and mandarin slices (or other fruit).
Line a serving dish with cleaned lettuce and place the shrimp salad on top.
Garnish with a wedge of lemon or lime, attached to the rim of the glass.

Variations

Substitute chicken or tofu for the shrimp for a different twist on this dish.
Add diced bell peppers, celery, or red onion for extra crunch and flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the shrimp just until they turn pink and opaque, as overcooking can make them tough and rubbery.

- Adjust the seasonings to taste, adding more or less curry powder, salt, or lime juice as desired.

- For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the mayonnaise mixture.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Shrimp Salad Trinidad on a bed of lettuce or with a side of rice for a complete meal.

- Garnish with fresh herbs, such as cilantro or parsley, for added flavor and color.

Cooking Techniques

Boiling the shrimp until just cooked ensures they are tender and juicy.

- Mixing the mayonnaise with seasonings and rum creates a flavorful dressing for the salad.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use Greek yogurt or sour cream instead of mayonnaise for a lighter dressing.

- Replace the rum with white wine or vinegar for a non-alcoholic version.

Make Ahead Tips

Prepare the shrimp salad mixture in advance and refrigerate until ready to serve.

- Keep the lettuce separate until serving to prevent it from wilting.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Shrimp Salad Trinidad in individual cocktail glasses for an elegant presentation. - Top with a sprinkle of paprika or chopped nuts for added texture and flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Shrimp Salad Trinidad with a crisp white wine or a fruity rum cocktail for a tropical touch.

- Serve with a side of coconut rice or fried plantains for a complete Caribbean meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover shrimp salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

- Reheat gently in the microwave or enjoy cold as a refreshing salad.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

- Calories per serving: 250

Carbohydrates

10g per serving

Fats

15g per serving

Proteins

20g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin A, and iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains shellfish (shrimp) and eggs (mayonnaise).

Summary

Shrimp Salad Trinidad is a balanced dish that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, along with essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Shrimp Salad Trinidad is a flavorful and colorful dish that combines the sweetness of mandarin oranges with the savory flavors of shrimp, curry, and rum. This recipe is easy to make and perfect for a light and refreshing meal.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of wonder I felt when I first saw this recipe for Shrimp Salad Trinidad. It was a warm summer day, and I was flipping through an old cookbook that had been passed down to me from my mother. As I turned the pages, a faded piece of paper fell out and fluttered to the ground. Curious, I picked it up and saw the words "Shrimp Salad Trinidad" scrawled across the top in elegant handwriting.

Intrigued, I read through the ingredients and instructions. The combination of flavors and spices was unlike anything I had ever seen before. Fresh shrimp, ripe mango, crisp bell peppers, and a tangy dressing made with lime juice and cilantro. It sounded delicious.

I knew I had to try making it myself. I gathered the ingredients and set to work in the kitchen, following the instructions carefully. As the aromas of the spices filled the air, I felt a sense of excitement and anticipation.

When the salad was finally ready, I took a bite and was transported to a tropical paradise. The flavors were bold and vibrant, each ingredient complementing the others perfectly. I knew I had stumbled upon a true culinary gem.

I found out that this recipe had been given to my mother by a friend who had traveled to Trinidad and learned it from a local chef. The friend had passed it on to my mother, who in turn shared it with me. It was a recipe that had traveled across continents and generations, each cook adding their own twist to make it their own.

Since that day, Shrimp Salad Trinidad has become a staple in my cooking repertoire. I have made it for family gatherings, potlucks, and dinner parties, always receiving rave reviews. It never fails to impress with its exotic flavors and vibrant colors.

Over the years, I have made a few tweaks to the original recipe, adding my own personal touch. Sometimes I swap out the mango for pineapple or add a bit of heat with some diced jalapenos. Each variation brings a new dimension to the dish, keeping it fresh and exciting.

As I prepare the salad now, I can't help but think back to that day when I first discovered the recipe. It is a reminder of the joy and wonder that cooking can bring, the way it connects us to different cultures and traditions.

I am grateful for the friends and family who have shared their recipes with me over the years, passing down their culinary knowledge and love. Each dish tells a story, a tale of flavors and memories that bring us together around the table.

So as I sit down to enjoy my Shrimp Salad Trinidad, I savor every bite, knowing that it is more than just a meal. It is a reminder of the journey that brought this recipe into my life, a journey of discovery, connection, and delicious food.