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Imagine enjoying a plate of pasta. The pasta is coated in a creamy sauce. The dish also includes tender shrimp and crispy bacon. You can create this special meal at home. This post will help you learn how to make Shrimp Carbonara.
A Quick History of Carbonara
Carbonara is a classic Italian dish. The dish includes pasta, eggs, cheese, cured pork, and black pepper. Food historians have a few ideas about how this dish started in the mid-1900s. Please note, this historical information comes from outside the provided sources.
Mastering the Carbonara Sauce
The sauce is important in Carbonara. You must understand the steps to make a creamy sauce.
Here are steps to help you make the sauce:
- Prepare the Eggs and Cheese: Use eggs that are at room temperature. Whisk the eggs with Pecorino Romano cheese. Pecorino Romano is the traditional cheese for Carbonara.
- Temper the Eggs: Add a small amount of hot water from the cooked pasta to the egg mixture. Whisk the mixture while you add the water. This stops the eggs from cooking too quickly.
- Cook the Sauce: Cook the sauce over low heat. Stir the sauce while it cooks. Continue to stir until the sauce thickens. The eggs should not scramble.
- Adjusting Consistency: Use the reserved pasta water to make the sauce thinner.
Shrimp Carbonara: Ingredients and Recipe
Here is a list of ingredients to make Shrimp Carbonara:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined (about 31/35 count per pound)
- 6 slices bacon, diced
- 12 ounces linguine (or your preferred pasta shape)
- 1 large egg, at room temperature
- 6 tablespoons butter, at room temperature
- ⅓ cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese, plus more for serving
- 6 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ cup reserved starchy pasta cooking water
- ⅓ cup Italian parsley, finely chopped
- Garnish: additional parsley, Parmesan cheese, and cracked black pepper
Ingredient Notes:
- Cheese: Pecorino Romano has a sharp, salty flavor. You can use Parmesan, Gruyere, or Grana Padano as other options.
- Pancetta/Bacon: You can use bacon or pancetta. Pancetta is the traditional ingredient. Bacon adds a smoky flavor.
- Shrimp: Use fresh shrimp or high-quality frozen shrimp. Do not use pre-cooked shrimp.
Instructions:
- Get Ready: Prepare all the ingredients before cooking.
- Cook the Pasta: Cook the pasta according to the directions on the package. Keep ½ cup of the water you used to cook the pasta.
- Cook the Bacon and Shrimp: Cook the bacon in a pan. Cook the bacon until it is crispy. Remove the bacon from the pan. Cook the shrimp in the leftover bacon fat. Cook until the shrimp are pink.
- Make the Sauce: Follow the steps described in the sauce section.
- Combine Ingredients: Mix the pasta, shrimp, bacon, sauce, and parsley in a pan.
- Serve: Serve the dish immediately. Add cheese and pepper on top.
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Shrimp Carbonara: Variations and Tips
You can change this recipe. Here are some ideas:
- Pasta Shapes: You can use many shapes of pasta. Some options include spaghetti, linguine, fettuccine, and bucatini. You can also use zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.
- Add Cream: You can add cream to the sauce to make it thicker.
- Add More Protein: You can add cooked chicken to this dish.
- Add Vegetables: You can add sliced tomatoes or mushrooms.
Here are some tips to help you make Shrimp Carbonara:
- Problem: The sauce has small lumps.
- Solution: The eggs may have cooked too quickly. Make sure you temper the eggs before adding them to the pasta.
- Problem: The shrimp are overcooked.
- Solution: The shrimp only need a few minutes to cook. Watch the shrimp carefully while they are cooking.
- Problem: The dish has little flavor.
- Solution: Make sure to use good quality ingredients. You can add more salt and pepper if needed.
Wine and Shrimp Carbonara
Certain wines taste good with Shrimp Carbonara. Some good options include:
- Pinot Grigio
- Sauvignon Blanc
- Barbera
- Dolcetto
These wines are good choices because they have acidity and fruitiness. These wines also are not too strong.
Shrimp Carbonara for Different Diets
You can change this recipe to fit different diets. Here are some ideas:
- Gluten-Free: You can use gluten-free pasta. You can also use zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash as the base.
- Dairy-Free: You can use dairy-free cheese. You can also research recipes that do not use dairy.
- Vegetarian/Vegan: You can use plant-based protein instead of shrimp. You can also use dairy-free alternatives.
Plating and Presentation
You should make your Shrimp Carbonara look good on the plate. This makes the food more enjoyable to eat.
Here are some tips:
- Use a plate that is a different color than the food.
- Use fresh herbs, cheese, and pepper on top of the dish.
You can find pictures of Shrimp Carbonara online to give you ideas.
Conclusion
Shrimp Carbonara is a great meal to cook at home. You can learn the steps to create a smooth sauce. You can also change the recipe to add your favorite flavors. Try this recipe and see how delicious it is!