Shrimp A La Nino
Shrimp A La Nino features tender shrimp in a creamy Pernod sauce infused with fennel, served over orzo—an elegant dish perfect for seafood lovers and entertaining.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Melt the butter in a saucepan over moderate heat, without letting it brown.
- Add the flour and stir with a wire whisk until well blended.
- Bring the milk almost to a boil.
- While stirring the butter and flour mixture, add the warm milk.
- Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Add Pernod liquor.
- Peel and devein the shrimp. Add to the hot Pernod sauce.
- Before serving, stir in the chopped fresh fennel tops.
- Serve the shrimp and sauce over a bed of cooked orzo.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier sauce, whisk in a little more milk if necessary. If you don't have Pernod, a splash of white wine can be a suitable substitute. Fresh shrimp is ideal, but frozen shrimp works well too; just ensure they are fully thawed before cooking. Adding a squeeze of lemon juice can brighten the flavors.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Shrimp A La Nino over a generous bed of orzo for a hearty meal. Pair it with a light salad or garlic bread to balance the richness of the dish. This recipe also pairs beautifully with Mediterranean recipes like Alsatina Potato Salad for an expanded meal.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Shrimp A La Nino can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk to maintain creaminess. Avoid microwaving, as it can overcook the shrimp.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Shrimp A La Nino contains roughly 1972 calories, with 15g protein, 97g carbohydrates, and 180g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (121% of the Daily Value), iron (72% of the Daily Value), and calcium (44% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 523mg per serving (23% 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 dish in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the bechamel sauce and cook the shrimp ahead of time. Just store them separately in the refrigerator and combine them when you're ready to serve. This way, you can easily reheat the dish without compromising on flavor.
What can I substitute for orzo?
If you don't have orzo, consider using small pasta shapes like ditalini or even rice as a base. Quinoa is another great alternative that adds a nutty flavor and complements the shrimp well.
Is this recipe suitable for a crowd?
Absolutely! This recipe can be scaled up easily by increasing the ingredients. Just ensure you have a large enough pot to manage the sauce and shrimp. It makes a fantastic dish for entertaining or family gatherings.
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).