Gloria'S Shrimp Appetizers
Gloria's Shrimp Appetizers combine tender shrimp with a vibrant blend of tomatoes, herbs, and spicy chili sauce, perfect for entertaining or flavorful starters.
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp ⓘ
- dill
- lemon ⓘ
- peppercorns
- bay leaf ⓘ
- 6 to 8 dried Chinese mushrooms ⓘ
- 4 to 6 plum tomatoes or 3 to 4 medium tomatoes
- 1/2 cup chopped scallions ⓘ
- 1/2 cup flat or Italian parsley
- 2 to 3 cloves garlic ⓘ
- 2 thin slices fresh ginger (about 1 tablespoon minced) ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon safflower oil ⓘ
- 4 to 5 dashes Chinese chili sauce or hot red pepper sauce ⓘ
Instructions
- Boil shrimp with dill, lemon, peppercorns, and bay leaf.
- Soak the dried Chinese mushrooms for 30 minutes; cut off stems.
- In a blender, combine soaked mushrooms, tomatoes, scallions, parsley, garlic, and ginger, then blend until coarse chop.
- Put the blended mixture into a bowl and add vinegar, sesame oil, and safflower oil.
- Add Chinese chili sauce or hot red pepper sauce to taste.
- Taste and adjust with more ginger or sesame oil if desired.
- Peel and devein the cooked shrimp, then toss them with the vegetable mixture.
- Use the mixture on grilled fish, especially swordfish, at room temperature.
Tips & Substitutions
For a flavorful twist, consider substituting the shrimp with scallops or even crab meat. If you can't find dried Chinese mushrooms, fresh shiitake or button mushrooms work well too. When blending the vegetable mixture, ensure it's a coarse chop to maintain some texture. Adjust the level of heat by controlling the amount of Chinese chili sauce added.
Serving Suggestions
This shrimp appetizer pairs beautifully with grilled fish, especially swordfish, or can be served alongside a fresh salad for a light meal. Consider offering some crusty bread or crackers to scoop up the mixture. It also complements dishes like Fried Bass or Seared Ahi Tuna With Green Onion-Wasabi Sauce for a seafood feast.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When reheating, gently warm the shrimp mixture in a pan over low heat to avoid overcooking the shrimp. You can also serve it cold as a refreshing appetizer or topping for salads.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Gloria'S Shrimp Appetizers contains roughly 1436 calories, with 23g protein, 143g carbohydrates, and 95g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (112% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (101% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 902mg per serving (39% 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 for this recipe?
Yes, frozen shrimp can be used; just ensure to thaw them completely before boiling. For best results, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight or run them under cold water for a quick thaw.
What can I substitute for scallions?
If you don't have scallions, you can substitute with finely chopped red or white onions. Chives are also a great alternative for a milder onion flavor.
Is it possible to make this dish in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the vegetable mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Just toss the shrimp with the mixture right before serving to keep everything fresh.
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).