Fresh Shrimp Mold
A creamy, savory shrimp mold with tomato flavor, perfect for elegant appetizers or gatherings, combining seafood, cream cheese, and mayonnaise for a delightful taste.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Dissolve gelatin in cold water.
- Heat tomato soup to boiling point and add softened cream cheese and mayonnaise.
- Mix well; stir in chopped shrimp, chopped celery, and chopped onion.
- Pour mixture into a 4-cup mold, preferably fish-shaped.
- Chill for at least 2 hours before serving with crackers.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoother texture, make sure the cream cheese is fully softened before mixing. If you don't have unflavored gelatin, you can substitute with agar-agar for a vegetarian option. To add more flavor, consider mixing in some fresh herbs like dill or parsley. This dish can also be enhanced with a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this shrimp mold with an assortment of crackers for a delightful appetizer. It pairs beautifully with a light salad or vegetable platter for a refreshing contrast. For a themed meal, consider serving it alongside other seafood recipes like Hearty Vegetable Seafood Chowder for a cohesive menu.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a microwave without overheating, as this dish is best served chilled. If the texture changes slightly, remixing it with a bit of mayonnaise can help restore creaminess.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Fresh Shrimp Mold contains roughly 495 calories, with 11g protein, 45g carbohydrates, and 31g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 877mg per serving (38% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen shrimp instead of cooked shrimp?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp, but be sure to fully thaw and cook them before chopping. This ensures food safety and helps maintain the dish's texture. Just remember to drain any excess water after thawing.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, substitute the shrimp with an equal amount of finely chopped artichoke hearts or mushrooms. Additionally, ensure that the gelatin used is plant-based, such as agar-agar, to keep it vegetarian-friendly.
What can I serve this dish with?
This shrimp mold is fantastic with various crackers, but you can also serve it with toasted baguette slices or vegetable sticks for dipping. Pair it with a light, crisp white wine or sparkling water for a refreshing beverage option.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).