Molded Shrimp Loaf
Molded Shrimp Loaf is a chilled seafood dish with a creamy texture and vibrant flavors of shrimp, vegetables, and tangy seasonings. Perfect for elegant appetizers or special gatherings, its bright presentation and savory taste make it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 2 packages unflavored gelatin
- 1/2 cup cold water
- 1 (10 3/4 oz.) can tomato soup ⓘ
- 8 oz. cream cheese, softened and mashed ⓘ
- 1 cup finely chopped celery ⓘ
- 1 cup finely chopped green and red peppers ⓘ
- 12 oz. chopped and chilled shrimp ⓘ
- 1 cup mayonnaise ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon grated onion ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon horseradish ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon capers, drained ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon hot pepper sauce ⓘ
- salt to taste ⓘ
- 1/2 head shredded lettuce ⓘ
- lemon slices ⓘ
Instructions
- Dissolve gelatin in cold water.
- Bring tomato soup to a boil in a saucepan.
- Add the dissolved gelatin to the hot tomato soup and allow to cool.
- When the mixture is cool, add softened and mashed cream cheese.
- Stir in chopped celery, chopped green and red peppers, chopped shrimp, mayonnaise, grated onion, horseradish, drained capers, hot pepper sauce, and salt to taste.
- Pour the mixture into an oiled 9 x 5-inch loaf pan.
- Cover and chill in the refrigerator for 2 to 4 hours or until set.
- Unmold the loaf onto a large platter.
- Garnish with shredded lettuce and decorate with lemon and lime slices.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance flavor, consider adding a squeeze of lemon juice or a dash of Old Bay seasoning to the mixture. If you're short on time, use pre-cooked shrimp from the seafood counter. For a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise. Ensure the cream cheese is thoroughly softened for easier blending.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the molded shrimp loaf on a bed of shredded lettuce for a fresh crunch. It pairs beautifully with cocktail sauce or a tangy remoulade. Consider serving it alongside a crisp green salad or some toasted bread for a delightful seafood-themed meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, slice individual portions and microwave briefly until warmed through, being careful not to overheat as it may change the texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Molded Shrimp Loaf contains roughly 230 calories, with 7g protein, 22g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (54% of the Daily Value) and vitamin A (31% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 676mg per serving (29% 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 make this shrimp loaf ahead of time?
Absolutely! This dish is perfect for making a day in advance. Prepare the loaf and let it chill overnight for the best flavor and texture. Just remember to cover it tightly to prevent any odors from the fridge affecting its taste.
What kind of shrimp should I use?
Use fresh or frozen shrimp that has been peeled, deveined, and cooked. Chilled shrimp is recommended for the best texture in this recipe. If you're using frozen shrimp, ensure it is completely thawed and drained before adding it to the mixture.
Can I substitute the gelatin?
Yes, you can use agar-agar as a vegetarian alternative to gelatin. Follow the package instructions for proper measurements and preparation, keeping in mind that the setting time may vary. This will ensure your shrimp loaf remains firm and holds its shape.
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).