Spicy Shrimp (middle eastern style)
Shrimp can be prepared in so many ways, and this spicy shrimp recipe is one of my favorite ways of fixing them.
Fresh shrimp is the name of the game with this recipe, as it is with most seafood dishes.
The day Iโd be making this spicy shrimp recipe is the day I would go and get my shrimp fresh.
It is also possible to make from frozen shrimp as well, just defrost before you mix your marinade.
Needless to say I love to shop for food, so going for certain ingredients is not an inconvenience for me at all.
Itโs always a good excuse to see what is on the shelves, and to think of all the possibilities that can be created.
The fish counter is a particular favorite destination to look at all fresh fish waiting to be turned into a wonderful meal.
It’s important to always remember that fresh fish and seafood are the best to pick up for your recipes.
Fresh fish does not smell ‘fishy’ so let your nose be the first judge of what you are purchasing.
The ‘fishy’ smell that goes along with fish is actually the bacteria and enzymes that are beginning to break the fish down.
Fresh seafood should be bright in color, smelling fresh, sweet and briny.
a word or two on this spicy shrimp recipe
First, you want to have the best ingredients, which means the freshest shrimp of course.
As mentioned above, the main thing is that there is no fishy smell.
You also want to be sure that the shrimp are not limp, that the shells are not soft and there is no sliminess present in any way.
Spices that are freshly ground will add a lot to help this recipe reach its highest impact on your taste buds.
Marinating the shrimp overnight will also provide a stronger punch of flavor keeping taste buds happy.
Serving this dish with a fresh garden salad and fried potatoes or rice makes it ideal.
Eating super fresh produce when possible, is always best of course.
If you have the space and can find the time I strongly suggest you start your own vegetable garden, and if not, plant your own herb garden in a window box or in pots in your kitchen.
It’s not difficult to make an effort to include some parts of your meal to be made of something that you’ve grown yourself; it is very rewarding.
Seafood is something I try to eat at least a couple times a week, always with fresh vegetables or salad.
Nutrition experts say that the more fresh food you eat the better, so I try.
Shrimp is usually quick and easy, and this recipe is no exception.
Throw the shrimp in a bowl with all the spices, mix using your hands making sure that every piece of shrimp gets the full treatment of flavoring.
easy and quick
One of the things I really enjoy about making food is touching it.
One of the benefits of cooking is the opportunity to feel the food.
Itโs important to be hands on, not only because it feels good, but because you can tell so much about food by feeling it.
I know to some it might sound strange to some, but itโs important to be intimately involved with your food.
I never understand people who cook a whole recipe without ever tasting what they are making.
Itโs so important to connect with the food throughout the cooking process.
Once the shrimp is well seasoned, just throw it in a pan for a quick fry and you are done.
This dish could easily be called hot and spicy shrimp, because it is just that. Hot and spicy!
And very tasty!
To complete this dish I usually like to add turmeric rice, and a fresh salad, dressed with lemon juice and olive oil with a bit of salt.
Spicy Shrimp
Ingredients
- 1ยฝ lbs Shrimp peeled
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil
- ยฝ tsp Red Pepper Flakes
- ยฝ tsp Oregano
- ยผ tsp Cinnamon
- ยผ tsp Cardamom
- ยฝ tsp Coriander
- ยฝ tbsp Mustard
- ยฝ tbsp Pepper
- ยฝ tsp Fennel
- ยฝ tsp Ginger fresh
- Lemon Zest one lemon
- ยผ cup Water
- ยผ cup Mint fresh
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Place all ingredients in a bowl except for the shrimp, water, and mint.
- Stir thoroughly.
- Add shrimp and mix well using your hands to be sure shrimp is well coated with the spice mixture. Let sit for a couple of minutes to allow the shrimp to soak up the spices.
- Heat the oil in a pan. Stir in the shrimp and sautรฉ for a minute or two.
- Pour in the water, cover and cook for another 3 minutes. Or until cooked. Just remember that shrimp cooks fast.
- Remove from pan and serve immediately.
I made this last night with Turmeric Rice, it was amazing! So fast, simple and delicious, perfect weeknight recipe.
5 star
Loved this. I reduced the red pepper flakes so it wouldnโt be too hot for us. Delicious and an interesting alternative to more run-of-the-mill shrimp recipes.