Shrimp Bayou

Prep: 30 min Cook: 8 min Serves: 15 Cuisine: American

Shrimp Bayou offers tender boiled shrimp coated in a tangy, spicy sauce with chives and horseradish, perfect as a flavorful appetizer for gatherings and seafood lovers.

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Ingredients

  • 3 qt. water
  • 4 lb. unpeeled large fresh shrimp
  • 1 c. vegetable oil
  • 2/3 c. finely chopped celery
  • 1/2 c. chili sauce
  • 3 Tbsp. lemon juice
  • 2 Tbsp. finely chopped chives
  • 2 Tbsp. prepared horseradish
  • 1 Tbsp. prepared mustard
  • 1/2 tsp. paprika
  • 1/2 tsp. salt
  • dash of hot sauce

Instructions

  1. Bring water to a boil; add shrimp and cook for 3 to 5 minutes.
  2. Drain well and rinse shrimp with cold water.
  3. Peel and devein the shrimp.
  4. Combine vegetable oil with chili sauce, lemon juice, chopped chives, horseradish, mustard, paprika, salt, and hot sauce.
  5. Stir well to mix.
  6. Add the cooked shrimp to the sauce mixture and toss gently to coat.
  7. Cover and chill the mixture for 8 hours, tossing occasionally before serving.

Tips & Substitutions

For added depth, consider substituting the vegetable oil with olive oil for a richer flavor. If fresh shrimp isn't available, frozen shrimp can work as well; just ensure they are fully thawed before cooking. Adjust the amount of hot sauce to your taste preference, and feel free to add a pinch of cayenne for extra heat. This dish is great served chilled, making it perfect for summer gatherings.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Shrimp Bayou as a zesty appetizer or main dish with a side of crusty bread or over a bed of greens for a light meal. It pairs beautifully with Rainbow Shrimp Salad for a colorful seafood spread. Consider offering a selection of dipping sauces and a refreshing cocktail to elevate the dining experience.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When reheating, it's best to do so gently in a skillet over low heat to prevent the shrimp from becoming rubbery. Alternatively, serve the chilled shrimp straight from the fridge for a refreshing snack or appetizer.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Shrimp Bayou contains roughly 73 calories, with 2g protein, 16g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (115% of the Daily Value) and potassium (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and vitamin A. It also contributes 4g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.

73 kcal 4% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 2.4g 5% DV
Total Fat 0.7g 1% DV
Carbs 16.3g 6% DV
Fiber 3.9g 14% DV
Sugar 6.3g 13% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 372.9mg 16% DV
Potassium 1005.8mg 21% DV
Cholesterol 2.6mg 1% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 126.5mcg 14% DV
Vitamin C 103.2mg 100% DV
Calcium 38.8mg 3% DV
Iron 1.3mg 7% DV
Diet fit Low-carb Under 400 cal Low-fat
Contains Shellfish

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 cooked shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, you can use pre-cooked shrimp to save time. Just skip the boiling step and directly combine the shrimp with the sauce mixture. However, ensure that the shrimp are well-seasoned since they won't absorb flavors during cooking.

How spicy is this dish?

The spice level can be adjusted based on your preference. The recipe includes a dash of hot sauce, but you can increase this amount or add cayenne pepper for extra heat. Taste the sauce mixture before adding the shrimp to find your ideal balance.

What can I serve with Shrimp Bayou?

Shrimp Bayou is versatile and pairs well with various sides. Consider serving it alongside Island Potato Salad or a fresh green salad. It also complements seafood recipes very well, making it a great addition to a larger seafood feast.

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).

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