Spicy Marinated Shrimp(Snack On This Refreshing Starter Or Serve As A Meal!)

Prep: 240 min Cook: 5 min Serves: 8 Cuisine: Mediterranean

A vibrant, spicy shrimp dish marinated in a zesty cilantro and jalapeño mixture, perfect as a refreshing appetizer or a flavorful main for seafood lovers.

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Ingredients

  • 3 lb. uncooked large shrimp, peeled, deveined, tail left on
  • 3/4 c. olive oil
  • 1/2 c. finely chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1/4 c. white wine vinegar
  • 3 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice
  • 1 to 3 jalapeno, seeded and minced
  • 3 large cloves garlic
  • 1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper
  • salt
  • pepper
  • 3 large lemons, sliced

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
  2. Add the shrimp, turn off the heat, and let them steep for 2 to 3 minutes until pink.
  3. Do not boil the shrimp to avoid toughness.
  4. Transfer the shrimp to a bowl of ice water to prevent overcooking.
  5. In a separate bowl, whisk together olive oil, white wine vinegar, lemon juice, minced jalapeño, minced garlic, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper.
  6. Drain the shrimp and pour the marinade over them, tossing to coat thoroughly.
  7. Layer the marinated shrimp with lemon slices and red onion slices in a large glass bowl.
  8. Pour any remaining marinade over the shrimp.
  9. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or up to 1 day before serving.

Tips & Substitutions

To enhance the flavor, consider adding a splash of lime juice to the marinade for a zesty twist. If you prefer less heat, use just one jalapeño, or substitute with a milder pepper. Fresh herbs like parsley can also complement the dish well. When cooking shrimp, ensure they are pink and opaque to avoid toughness, as they can overcook quickly.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the marinated shrimp chilled as an appetizer or over a bed of mixed greens for a refreshing salad. They pair beautifully with crusty bread or serve alongside a refreshing Sicilian Seafood Chowder. For a complete meal, consider serving with rice or quinoa to soak up the flavorful marinade.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover marinated shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The flavors will continue to develop, making them even tastier. When ready to serve, you can enjoy them cold or gently reheat them in a skillet over low heat to warm them without cooking further.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Spicy Marinated Shrimp(Snack On This Refreshing Starter Or Serve As A Meal!) contains roughly 239 calories, with 18g protein, 41g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (514% of the Daily Value), iron (105% of the Daily Value), and potassium (53% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1187mg per serving (52% of the Daily Value).

239 kcal 12% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 17.6g 35% DV
Total Fat 4.9g 6% DV
Carbs 41.5g 15% DV
Fiber 8.5g 30% DV
Sugar 12.8g 26% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1186.6mg 52% DV
Potassium 2474.6mg 53% DV
Cholesterol 47.3mg 16% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 367.9mcg 41% DV
Vitamin C 462.9mg 100% DV
Vitamin D 0mcg
Calcium 528mg 41% DV
Iron 18.8mg 100% DV
Diet fit High-fiber 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 frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp, but make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. To thaw, place them in the refrigerator overnight or run them under cold water for a quicker option. Ensure they're peeled and deveined for the best results.

How can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can prepare the marinated shrimp up to a day in advance. Follow all the steps up to refrigeration, allowing the flavors to meld overnight. This makes it a great option for entertaining, as you can focus on other dishes, like Baked Jumbo Shrimp, on the day of serving.

What can I substitute for white wine vinegar?

If you don't have white wine vinegar, apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar can serve as great substitutes. Each will impart a slightly different flavor but will still work well in the marinade and complement the shrimp.

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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