Party Shrimp: A Quick and Flavorful Appetizer

If you’re looking for a quick, easy, and crowd-pleasing appetizer, Party Shrimp is the perfect dish to serve! With a savory, sweet, and tangy marinade that combines olive oil, brown sugar, lemon juice, and a variety of spices, this shrimp recipe is bursting with flavor. The shrimp are tender, juicy, and coated in a deliciously zesty sauce that’s sure to impress your guests. Whether it’s for a casual gathering or a special occasion, Party Shrimp will definitely be a hit!

Let’s dive into the recipe and bring this fantastic dish to your table!

For more shrimp recipes, check out this easy shrimp cocktail recipe and discover other shrimp appetizers here.

Basic Recipe: Ingredients and Instructions

This simple recipe for Party Shrimp combines fresh shrimp with a flavorful marinade. Here’s how to make it:

Party Shrimp Recipe

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• Author: Jennifer Mitchell
• Total Time: 16 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Party Shrimp is a simple, flavorful appetizer that’s perfect for entertaining. The shrimp are marinated in a zesty, slightly sweet mixture of olive oil, brown sugar, lemon juice, garlic, and a blend of savory spices, then cooked to perfection. This dish is quick to prepare, and the combination of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors will leave your guests asking for more!

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Ingredients

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• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1–1/2 teaspoons brown sugar
• 1–1/2 teaspoons lemon juice
• 1 garlic clove, thinly sliced
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1 pound uncooked shrimp (26–30 per pound), peeled and deveined

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Marinade:
   In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together olive oil, brown sugar, lemon juice, sliced garlic, paprika, Italian seasoning, dried basil, and pepper until well combined.

2. Marinate the Shrimp:
   Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the bowl with the marinade. Toss the shrimp in the mixture until they are evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes (or up to 30 minutes) to allow the flavors to meld.

3. Cook the Shrimp:
   Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and are cooked through.

4. Serve:
   Transfer the cooked shrimp to a serving platter. Serve hot as an appetizer or snack, garnished with fresh lemon wedges if desired.

Notes

• Make-Ahead: The marinade can be prepared ahead of time, and the shrimp can be marinated in the refrigerator for up to 30 minutes before cooking.
• Grilling Option: For a smoky flavor, you can also grill the shrimp on skewers. Just be sure to brush the shrimp with the marinade as you cook them.
• Storage: Leftover shrimp can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. They can be enjoyed cold in salads or wraps.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snack
• Method: Pan-Frying
• Cuisine: American, Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1/4 pound shrimp (about 6-7 shrimp)
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 200mg
• Fat: 5g
• Saturated Fat: 0.5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 4g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 23g
• Cholesterol: 170mg

Keywords: Party Shrimp Recipe

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil, brown sugar, lemon juice, garlic, paprika, Italian seasoning, dried basil, and pepper. Stir well to combine all the ingredients into a smooth marinade.
2. Marinate the Shrimp: Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the marinade and gently toss them to ensure that each shrimp is evenly coated with the sauce. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 15-30 minutes to allow the shrimp to absorb the flavors.
3. Cook the Shrimp: Heat a large skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the shrimp (with the marinade) to the pan in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the shrimp are pink, opaque, and cooked through.
4. Serve: Transfer the cooked shrimp to a serving platter and garnish with extra lemon wedges or fresh herbs, if desired. Serve immediately while they’re hot and juicy!

Advanced Techniques for Party Shrimp

While the basic recipe is delicious on its own, here are a few tips and techniques to elevate your Party Shrimp:

1. Grilled Party Shrimp

For a smoky flavor, you can grill the shrimp instead of pan-frying them. Thread the shrimp onto skewers, and grill them over medium heat for 2-3 minutes on each side. This will add an extra layer of flavor to the shrimp and make them even more irresistible.

2. Add a Spice Kick

If you like heat, consider adding a bit of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the marinade. This will give the shrimp a nice spicy kick that complements the sweetness of the brown sugar.

3. Use Fresh Herbs

Instead of dried basil, fresh basil or parsley can give the shrimp a brighter and fresher flavor. You can also experiment with other fresh herbs like cilantro or thyme for a unique twist.

4. Make a Dipping Sauce

Serve your Party Shrimp with a tangy dipping sauce. Try mixing sour cream with a little hot sauce and lemon juice for a creamy, spicy contrast, or serve with a sweet chili sauce for an Asian-inspired dip.

See more advanced recipes, at Mobolux.

Storage, Shelf Life, and Maintenance Tips

If you have any leftovers, you can store them properly to enjoy later.

1. Storage Tips

Store any leftover Party Shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Make sure to let the shrimp cool down to room temperature before refrigerating.

2. Freezing

You can freeze cooked shrimp for up to 1-2 months. Place the shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze them individually, and then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag once frozen solid.

3. Reheating

To reheat Party Shrimp, you can either microwave them in short intervals or reheat them in a skillet over medium heat for 1-2 minutes until warmed through. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp during reheating, as they can become rubbery.

Dietary Adaptations and Substitutions

Whether you have dietary preferences or restrictions, there are plenty of ways to make Party Shrimp fit your needs.

1. Gluten-Free

This recipe is naturally gluten-free, as it does not contain any gluten-based ingredients. Just be sure to check any sauces or seasonings you use to ensure they’re gluten-free.

2. Low-Carb

Party Shrimp is also low-carb, making it a great option for those following a ketogenic or low-carb diet. You can serve them on their own or with a side of roasted vegetables for a complete, low-carb meal.

3. Dairy-Free

This dish is already dairy-free, making it suitable for those avoiding dairy. There’s no need to make any substitutions unless you want to add cheese, in which case, you can use a dairy-free alternative.

4. Paleo

The recipe is also paleo-friendly. Just ensure that the ingredients (such as the seasoning) are free of any additives or sugars that don’t fit the paleo guidelines.

FAQs About Party Shrimp

1. Can I use cooked shrimp for this recipe?

While uncooked shrimp is recommended for the best flavor and texture, you can use cooked shrimp if you’re in a pinch. Just be sure to skip the marinating step, as you’re only reheating the shrimp.

2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

While Party Shrimp is best enjoyed fresh, you can marinate the shrimp ahead of time and refrigerate them until you’re ready to cook. Just be sure not to marinate them for more than 30 minutes to prevent the shrimp from becoming too soft.

3. Can I cook this shrimp in the oven?

Yes, you can bake the shrimp in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 8-10 minutes, or until they are fully cooked and opaque. This is a great hands-off method, and you can cook the shrimp on a sheet pan lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

4. What can I serve with Party Shrimp?

Party Shrimp pairs well with a variety of side dishes such as a light salad, steamed veggies, or even garlic bread. It can also be served over pasta or rice for a heartier meal.

Conclusion & Final Thoughts

Party Shrimp is an easy, flavorful, and versatile appetizer that is sure to impress your guests at any gathering. With just a handful of ingredients, you can make a dish that’s bursting with flavor and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party, having a casual dinner, or just craving a tasty seafood dish, Party Shrimp is the way to go.

Give this simple yet delicious recipe a try, and you’ll have everyone asking for the secret to your fantastic shrimp!