want to listen to the recipe ?
Pesto shrimp is a popular dish. People love it for a quick weeknight dinner. This dish is easy to make. It also has many flavors. This post will help you create a delicious pesto shrimp meal.
What Makes Pesto Shrimp So Special?
Pesto shrimp is quick and easy to prepare. You can have it on the table in under 20 minutes! It is a very flavorful dish, with a bright and herby taste. You can use store-bought or homemade pesto. You can cook it on the stovetop, in the oven, or on the grill. You can serve it with many different side dishes. Pesto shrimp offers a lot of flexibility. It is perfect for busy people who want a tasty and healthy meal.
Gather Your Ingredients
These are the basic ingredients you will need for pesto shrimp:
- Shrimp: One pound of peeled and deveined shrimp. Choose medium or large size. You can use fresh or frozen shrimp. If you use frozen shrimp, thaw it completely. Pat the shrimp dry with a paper towel.
- Pesto: Use ½ cup of pesto. You can buy it at the store or make your own. If you buy pesto, choose a type made with olive oil.
- Tomatoes: Use 2 ½ cups of halved cherry tomatoes. You can use other types of tomatoes too.
- Vinegar: Use two teaspoons of red wine vinegar. You can also use white balsamic vinegar.
- Avocado: You can add one to two chopped avocados. This is optional. If you add avocado, do so right before serving to prevent browning.
- Salt: Add ¼ teaspoon of salt, or adjust to your preference.
You can add other ingredients to your pesto shrimp based on your preferences. Some popular additions include olive oil, walnuts, Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, heavy cream, or coconut milk. You can also add kalamata olives for a briny flavor or red pepper flakes for spice.
[woo_product_slider id=”3030″]
Choose Your Cooking Method
There are three main ways to cook pesto shrimp:
- Oven: Heat oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with foil or a silicone baking mat. Do not use parchment paper; it can burn. Place the shrimp on skewers. Bake for five minutes. Then, broil for three minutes. This will create a crispy texture.
- Grill: Heat your grill. Grill the shrimp for five to six minutes. Flip the shrimp halfway through. This method will add a smoky flavor.
- Stovetop: Heat one tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and tomatoes. Cook and stir for about four minutes. Reduce heat to medium-low. Stir in pesto and cook for one more minute.
Try Different Variations
There are many ways to personalize your pesto shrimp:
- Shrimp: You can use different sizes of shrimp. Adjust the cooking time based on the size. You can also use other types of seafood, such as scallops or firm white fish. This information is not from the provided sources.
- Pesto: Use different types of pesto. Try spinach pesto or pesto made with different nuts. You can also make your own pesto.
- Tomatoes: Use different varieties of tomatoes. Cherry tomatoes, heirloom tomatoes, and larger tomatoes all work well. You can roast the tomatoes for a deeper flavor.
- Additional Flavors: Add other ingredients to enhance the flavor. Try kalamata olives, red pepper flakes, garlic, lemon zest, or parsley. The suggestions for garlic, lemon zest, and parsley are not from the provided sources.
Serve With Delicious Side Dishes
Pesto shrimp pairs well with many side dishes:
- Classic Sides: Serve pesto shrimp with roasted asparagus, oven-roasted potatoes, or crusty bread. For a more filling meal, serve with spaghetti or quinoa.
- Low-Carb Options: For a low-carb meal, serve pesto shrimp with spaghetti squash noodles, zucchini noodles, shirataki noodles, hearts of palm pasta, mashed cauliflower, or mashed butternut squash.
- Fresh Salads: Serve pesto shrimp on a bed of arugula or spinach. Add cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, or a light vinaigrette.
Make Your Own Pesto
Homemade pesto tastes fresh and vibrant. Here is a simple recipe:
- Ingredients:
- 2 cups packed fresh basil leaves
- ¼ cup almonds or walnuts
- 1 large garlic clove
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Instructions:
- Combine all ingredients in a blender or food processor.
- Blend until smooth.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
You can use pine nuts, macadamia nuts, or other nuts in your pesto. You can also add spinach or other herbs like parsley or cilantro. The suggestion to add cilantro is not from the provided sources.
Choose Sustainable Shrimp
When you buy shrimp, choose sustainable options. Look for certifications like MSC (Marine Stewardship Council) and ASC (Aquaculture Stewardship Council). This information is not from the provided sources. These certifications ensure the shrimp is sourced responsibly.
Enjoy a Healthy and Flavorful Meal
Pesto shrimp is a healthy and tasty meal. Shrimp is a good source of protein. Pesto contains healthy fats and vitamins. You can customize your pesto shrimp to fit your dietary needs.
Make Your Meal Visually Appealing
You can make your pesto shrimp look as good as it tastes. Use skewers to serve the shrimp. Arrange the shrimp over a bed of pasta or salad. Garnish with fresh herbs. Serve in attractive bowls or platters.
Pair Your Meal With Wine
A glass of wine can enhance your pesto shrimp meal. This information, and the specific wine recommendations, are not from the provided sources. Light-bodied white wines like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio pair well with seafood and pesto. You could also try a dry rosé or a light-bodied red wine like Pinot Noir.
A Delicious and Easy Dinner
Pesto shrimp is a delicious and easy meal. It is perfect for busy weeknights. You can customize it to your liking. You can choose your cooking method, add different ingredients, and serve it with various side dishes. Make mindful choices when selecting shrimp. Enjoy a flavorful and satisfying meal.