Fire & Ice Tomatoes and Shrimp Recipe
Introduction
Fire & Ice Tomatoes and Shrimp is a delightful Canadian-inspired appetizer that combines the fresh flavors of tomatoes and shrimp with a tangy, slightly spicy vinegar dressing. This dish, while a bit time-consuming, is well worth the effort, especially since it can be prepared ahead of time and chilled until ready to serve. Originally inspired by a recipe from Better Homes & Gardens, it has evolved to include a touch of spiciness and the convenience of preparation tips for busy cooks.
Recipe Details
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Chill Time: 2 hours to 24 hours
- Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3/4 pound frozen shrimp, thawed, peeled and deveined
- 1/4 cup white vinegar
- 4 cups water
- 1 1/2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon mustard seeds
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 6 large tomatoes, cut into wedges
- 1 green sweet pepper, cut into rings
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
Nutrition Information (per serving)
- Calories: 110.8
- Total Fat: 1.5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.3g
- Cholesterol: 86.4mg
- Sodium: 166mg
- Carbohydrates: 10.8g
- Fiber: 2.3g
- Sugar: 6.9g
- Protein: 13.2g
Instructions
-
Prepare Shrimp:
- If using frozen shrimp, thaw them first. Peel and devein all the shrimp.
- Thread the shrimp onto skewers. This helps in grilling and handling later.
-
Grill Shrimp:
- Heat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Place the shrimp skewers on the lightly oiled grill rack.
- Grill for 8 to 10 minutes, turning several times, until the shrimp are opaque and cooked through.
- Remove from heat and let them cool completely. Once cooled, carefully remove shrimp from skewers.
-
Prepare Vinegar Dressing:
- In a small saucepan, combine white vinegar, water, sugar, mustard seeds, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 1 minute.
- Remove from heat and let the dressing cool completely.
-
Prepare Vegetable Mixture:
- In an extra-large bowl, combine the tomato wedges, green pepper rings, and sliced onion.
-
Combine and Chill:
- Pour the cooled vinegar dressing over the vegetable mixture.
- Toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Add the grilled shrimp into the bowl with the vegetables and dressing.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or up to 24 hours, stirring occasionally to marinate evenly.
-
Serve:
- When ready to serve, use a slotted spoon to transfer the Fire & Ice Tomatoes and Shrimp to a serving dish.
- Enjoy this flavorful appetizer with friends and family!
Recipe Notes
- Make-Ahead Tip: This dish is perfect for making ahead of time. The flavors meld together beautifully when allowed to marinate in the refrigerator.
- Spicy Variation: Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to suit your taste preference. You can increase or decrease the spiciness as desired.
- Presentation: Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro before serving for an added burst of color and flavor.
Conclusion
Fire & Ice Tomatoes and Shrimp is not only a visually appealing dish but also packs a punch of flavors that will impress your guests. Whether served as an appetizer at a dinner party or as a refreshing dish on a hot summer day, this recipe is sure to be a hit. Prepare it ahead of time to make your entertaining stress-free and your culinary experience memorable. Enjoy the combination of cool, tangy vegetables with succulent grilled shrimp in every bite!