Bloody Mary Shrimp

This Bloody Mary Shrimp recipe is a zesty and spicy dish that combines the bold flavors of a Bloody Mary cocktail with tender, perfectly cooked shrimp. It’s an excellent choice for a flavorful dinner or a standout appetizer at your next gathering.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 cup Bloody Mary mix
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 teaspoons horseradish
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon hot sauce
  • 1 pint grape tomatoes, halved
  • 2 stalks celery, diced
  • ½ white onion, diced
  • 2 lbs shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 teaspoon celery salt
  • ½ teaspoon lemon pepper seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • ¼ cup white wine vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro (for garnish)

Directions

  1. Marinate the Shrimp: In a small bowl, combine Bloody Mary mix, Worcestershire sauce, horseradish, lemon juice, and tomato paste. Whisk until blended. Add the shrimp, cover, and refrigerate for 1 hour.
  2. Prepare the Vegetables: Slice the grape tomatoes in half. Dice the celery and white onion.
  3. Sauté the Vegetables: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the tomatoes, celery, and onions; sauté for 5 minutes. Add the white wine vinegar and cook until the tomatoes blister, about 5 more minutes. Transfer the vegetables to a bowl and set aside.
  4. Season the Shrimp: In a small bowl, mix together the celery salt, lemon pepper seasoning, and paprika. Remove the shrimp from the marinade and season both sides with the spice mixture.
  5. Cook the Shrimp: Return the frying pan to medium-high heat. Sear the shrimp for 30 seconds on each side. Pour in half of the marinade and stir. Lower the heat to a simmer, add the remaining spice mixture, and cook for 10 minutes. Add the sautéed vegetables back into the pan. Garnish with chopped cilantro and lemon wedges. Serve and enjoy!

Nutritional Facts

Per serving (based on 9 servings):

  • Calories: 117 kcal
  • Protein: 21g
  • Carbohydrates: 4g
  • Fat: 2g
  • Saturated Fat: 0.3g
  • Cholesterol: 162mg
  • Sodium: 440mg
  • Potassium: 445mg
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Vitamin A: 481 IU
  • Vitamin C: 10mg
  • Calcium: 76mg
  • Iron: 1mg

What Makes Bloody Mary Shrimp Unique

The Bloody Mary Shrimp stands out due to its inspiration from the classic cocktail, which is renowned for its complex blend of tomato juice, spices, and other complementary ingredients. By turning this beloved drink into a dish, the recipe incorporates the key flavors of the Bloody Mary but in a completely different format, highlighting the shrimp while adding layers of heat and tang. The marinade, made from ingredients like Worcestershire sauce, horseradish, hot sauce, and lemon juice, infuses the shrimp with deep flavors before cooking. Once sautéed, the shrimp retain their natural sweetness, perfectly complementing the sharpness and spice of the marinade.

This dish is also versatile and can be customized to suit various tastes. The amount of spice can be adjusted depending on personal preference, and vegetables like tomatoes, onions, and celery help bring out the freshness of the dish, enhancing both the flavor profile and visual appeal.

Perfect Pairings

The Bloody Mary Shrimp can be served with a variety of side dishes to create a balanced and satisfying meal. For a light and fresh pairing, consider serving it with a simple green salad, dressed with a tangy vinaigrette. This can cut through the richness of the shrimp while complementing its flavors. If you’re looking for something more filling, roasted vegetables or a creamy pasta dish could be excellent sides, offering a contrast to the spice of the shrimp while keeping the overall meal well-rounded.

Additionally, Bloody Mary Shrimp can be enjoyed with a drink that matches its boldness. A classic Bloody Mary cocktail itself would be a natural choice, as it pairs well with the flavors of the dish. However, for those who prefer non-alcoholic beverages, a zesty lime or lemon soda, or even an iced tea with a splash of lemon, can be a refreshing accompaniment that enhances the experience.

The Benefits of Shrimp

Shrimp is a versatile and nutritious seafood option that not only adds delicious flavor to the Bloody Mary Shrimp recipe but also provides numerous health benefits. As a low-calorie, high-protein food, shrimp is an excellent choice for those looking to maintain a healthy diet without sacrificing taste. It is packed with essential nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin B12, iodine, and selenium, all of which play a crucial role in supporting heart health, promoting brain function, and improving skin health.

Omega-3 fatty acids, in particular, are known for their anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce the risk of chronic diseases. Vitamin B12 is important for energy production and nerve health, while selenium serves as a powerful antioxidant, protecting the body from free radicals and supporting immune function. In addition to these health benefits, shrimp is also a low-fat source of protein, making it an excellent choice for individuals seeking to build muscle or maintain lean body mass.

The Role of Spices and Seasonings

A key feature of Bloody Mary Shrimp is the rich blend of spices and seasonings that are used in both the marinade and the sautéed mixture. These ingredients not only infuse the shrimp with flavor but also contribute to the overall health benefits of the dish.

Worcestershire sauce, for example, brings a savory umami taste, while horseradish adds a sharp, pungent heat that is reminiscent of the original Bloody Mary drink. Hot sauce and paprika are used to provide a fiery kick, which can be adjusted according to personal preference. Meanwhile, celery salt, lemon pepper seasoning, and lemon juice brighten up the dish with their tangy and aromatic notes, helping to balance out the intensity of the heat.

Spices like paprika and hot sauce also offer antioxidant properties, which can help reduce inflammation and fight off oxidative stress. Additionally, the use of fresh herbs like cilantro not only garnishes the dish but also adds a burst of freshness and a hint of citrusy flavor that perfectly complements the spicy shrimp.

How to Make the Recipe Your Own

While the Bloody Mary Shrimp recipe is already packed with flavor, there are plenty of ways to customize it to your taste. For those who prefer a less spicy version, the amount of hot sauce and horseradish can be reduced or omitted entirely. Alternatively, for those who enjoy a more intense heat, feel free to add extra spices, such as cayenne pepper or chili flakes, to ramp up the spiciness.

Another way to make this dish your own is by experimenting with different types of shrimp or seafood. Larger shrimp, such as jumbo shrimp, can make for a more impressive presentation when served as a main course, while smaller shrimp can be used for appetizers or tapas-style servings. If you’re not a fan of shrimp, this recipe can easily be adapted to use other seafood, such as scallops or lobster, which will also absorb the flavors of the marinade beautifully.

The vegetables in this dish, such as tomatoes, celery, and onions, can also be swapped out or added to depending on what’s in season or what you have on hand. For instance, you might want to add diced bell peppers for extra crunch and sweetness or use roasted garlic for an additional layer of flavor. The versatility of this recipe means you can adjust it to suit your preferences or experiment with new variations.

Serving Suggestions

When it comes to serving Bloody Mary Shrimp, there are numerous creative ways to present this dish. For a sophisticated look, consider serving the shrimp in individual bowls or on a platter with fresh herbs and garnishes. Pair the dish with toothpicks for easy, bite-sized servings if it’s intended as an appetizer for guests. You can also serve it in a larger communal bowl, allowing guests to help themselves, making it perfect for parties or casual gatherings.

Conclusion

The Bloody Mary Shrimp recipe is a delightful fusion of two beloved culinary elements—the classic Bloody Mary cocktail and succulent shrimp. This dish offers a perfect balance of spice, tang, and savory depth, making it a standout option for both casual meals and elegant gatherings. Its versatility allows for plenty of customization, whether you’re adjusting the level of heat, swapping out ingredients, or experimenting with different seafood options.

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