- 1 pound precooked shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4-6 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp
- Thaw the precooked shrimp if they are frozen. If using fresh precooked shrimp, ensure they are fully cooled.
- If the shrimp still have tails, consider removing them for easier marinating and eating.
Step 2: Make the Garlic Marinade
- In a small bowl, combine the minced garlic, olive oil, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Mix well to create a flavorful marinade.
- Season the marinade with salt and black pepper to taste. Keep in mind that the shrimp may already have some saltiness, so adjust accordingly.
Step 3: Marinate the Shrimp
- Place the precooked shrimp in a large bowl or resealable plastic bag.
- Pour the garlic marinade over the shrimp, ensuring they are well coated. Seal the bag or cover the bowl and refrigerate.
- Allow the shrimp to marinate for at least 30 minutes to an hour in the refrigerator. The longer you marinate, the more pronounced the garlic flavor will be. However, don’t marinate for too long, as the shrimp can become overly infused with garlic.
Step 4: Serve and Garnish
- Once marinated to your liking, remove the shrimp from the refrigerator and let them come to room temperature for a few minutes.
- Serve the marinated precooked shrimp as a delightful appetizer, a protein-rich salad topping, or as an addition to pasta dishes.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired, for a pop of color and freshness.
Tips and Variations:
- Experiment with different herbs and seasonings to customize the marinade. Fresh basil, cilantro, or red pepper flakes can add unique flavor profiles.
- For extra zing, consider adding a dash of hot sauce or a pinch of smoked paprika to the marinade.
- While lemon complements the garlic beautifully, you can also use lime or orange juice for a citrus twist.
- Marinated precooked shrimp can be grilled for a smoky flavor or quickly sautéed in a pan for a warm appetizer.
- Use this marinated shrimp in a variety of dishes, such as garlic shrimp pasta, shrimp tacos, or as a topping for a vibrant Mediterranean salad.
Conclusion:
Marinating precooked shrimp in garlic is a delightful way to elevate the flavor of this seafood staple. With just a handful of ingredients, you can transform ordinary precooked shrimp into a zesty and aromatic delight. Whether you enjoy them as a simple appetizer or incorporate them into your favorite dishes, these marinated shrimp are sure to satisfy your cravings for garlicky goodness.
Here’s a rough breakdown of the nutrition information for Marinating Precooked Shrimp in Garlic, per serving (assuming one-fourth of the total recipe):
Calories: Approximately 100-150 calories per serving, depending on factors like the size of the shrimp and the amount of olive oil used.
Protein: About 20-25 grams of protein per serving, making it a high-protein option.
Carbohydrates: Very low in carbohydrates, with around 1-2 grams per serving.
Dietary Fiber: Minimal to no dietary fiber.
Sugars: Negligible sugars, primarily from the natural sugars in the garlic and lemon.
Fats: Approximately 5-7 grams of total fat per serving, mainly from the olive oil.
Saturated Fat: Around 1-2 grams of saturated fat per serving, primarily from the olive oil.
Cholesterol: Approximately 150-200 milligrams of cholesterol per serving, primarily from the shrimp.
Sodium: Depending on the amount of added salt, there may be around 100-300 milligrams of sodium per serving.
Vitamins and Minerals: This dish provides essential nutrients like protein, vitamin C from the lemon, and various vitamins and minerals from the shrimp. It’s a lean and protein-rich option.
Note: These nutritional values are approximate and can vary based on factors like the specific brands of ingredients used and portion size. Marinating precooked shrimp in garlic is a low-carb and high-protein dish that’s both delicious and nutritious. It makes an excellent choice for those looking for a light and flavorful seafood option.
The history of marinating precooked shrimp in garlic is not as well-documented as some other culinary traditions, but it can be understood within the broader context of cooking techniques and flavor profiles.
1. Garlic in Cooking: Garlic, one of the key ingredients in this dish, has a rich history in the culinary world. It has been used for thousands of years in various cuisines around the world. Its pungent and aromatic flavor has made it a staple in many recipes. The practice of marinating garlic with other ingredients likely emerged as cooks sought to infuse their dishes with the bold taste of garlic.
2. Precooked Shrimp: The use of precooked shrimp can be seen as a convenience factor in modern cooking. Precooked shrimp are readily available and can save significant time in meal preparation. This practice became more common as frozen and precooked seafood products became widely accessible to home cooks.
3. Flavor Enhancement: The idea of marinating precooked shrimp in garlic can be seen as a method to enhance the flavor of the shrimp. Garlic, when minced and mixed with other ingredients like olive oil and citrus juice (as in this recipe), can infuse a delightful aroma and taste into the shrimp, making it a more enticing and flavorful dish.
4. Culinary Creativity: Like many recipes, the idea of marinating precooked shrimp in garlic is a result of culinary creativity. Home cooks and chefs are always experimenting with different ingredients and techniques to create new and exciting dishes. This particular combination likely evolved as a way to transform a simple ingredient (precooked shrimp) into a more sophisticated and flavorful dish.
5. Adaptations and Variations: Over time, variations of this concept have emerged. Some recipes incorporate additional ingredients like fresh herbs, spices, or different citrus fruits to create unique flavors. Others may use this marinated shrimp as an ingredient in various dishes, such as salads, pastas, or tacos.
While there may not be a specific historical account or a single origin story for marinating precooked shrimp in garlic, it represents the creativity and adaptability of home cooks and chefs in the kitchen. It showcases how a few simple ingredients can be combined to create a flavorful and versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various culinary contexts. Whether prepared as a quick appetizer or as part of a larger meal, marinating precooked shrimp in garlic continues to be a delicious and accessible option in modern cooking.