Alabama-Style Shrimp Bake

Alabama-Style Shrimp Bake is a delicious Southern dish known for its bold flavors and hearty ingredients. While it might not have a specific historical origin like some dishes, it’s a popular regional recipe in the American South. Let’s break down its components, preparation steps, and estimated cooking time for you:

Components:

1. Shrimp: The star ingredient, typically large shrimp, peeled and deveined.
2. Sausage: Smoked sausage or Andouille sausage is commonly used for added flavor.
3. Potatoes: Usually red or baby potatoes, cut into chunks.
4. Corn: Fresh or frozen corn on the cob, cut into smaller pieces.
5. Seasonings: Ingredients like Old Bay seasoning, paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper are used to season the dish.
6. Butter: Often melted butter is drizzled over the ingredients for richness.
7. Lemon: Slices of lemon for a citrusy kick.
8. Optional Vegetables: You can also add vegetables like bell peppers or onions for extra flavor and color.

Preparation Steps:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. Prepare Ingredients:

   • Cut the potatoes into chunks.
   • Cut the corn into smaller pieces.
   • Slice the sausage into rounds.
   • Season the shrimp with your chosen seasonings.

3. Assemble Ingredients:

   • In a large baking dish or sheet pan, arrange the potatoes, corn, sausage, and seasoned shrimp. Spread them out evenly.

4. Season:

   • Sprinkle the seasoning mixture over the ingredients. You can adjust the seasoning to your taste, but a combination of Old Bay, paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, salt, and pepper works well.

5. Drizzle with Butter:

   • Drizzle melted butter over the entire dish for added richness.

6. Add Lemon:

   • Place lemon slices on top of the ingredients for a zesty flavor.

7. Bake:

   • Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes.

8. Check Doneness:

   • After the initial baking time, remove the foil and check if the shrimp are pink and cooked through, and the potatoes are tender. If not, return to the oven for a few more minutes.

9. Serve:

   • Once everything is cooked to perfection, remove from the oven and serve hot. You can garnish with fresh herbs like parsley for a pop of color.

Estimated Time:
The total time needed to prepare Alabama-Style Shrimp Bake is approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour, including preparation and baking. This can vary slightly depending on your oven and the size of the shrimp and potatoes. It’s a relatively quick and easy dish to make, perfect for a hearty meal with a Southern flair. Enjoy your delicious meal!

Alabama-Style Shrimp Bake is a flavorful dish, but it’s important to be aware of its nutritional content and health information. Here are some key points:

Nutrition Facts (Approximate values per serving):

• Calories: 350-400 kcal
• Protein: 25-30g
• Carbohydrates: 30-35g
• Dietary Fiber: 3-4g
• Fat: 15-20g
• Saturated Fat: 5-7g
• Cholesterol: 150-200mg
• Sodium: 800-1000mg

Please note that these values can vary depending on portion size and specific ingredients used. Here are some health considerations:

Health Information:

1. Protein: The shrimp and sausage in this dish provide a good amount of protein, which is essential for muscle health and overall body function.

2. Carbohydrates: Potatoes and corn are sources of carbohydrates, providing energy. The dietary fiber from these ingredients aids in digestion.

3. Fat: While this dish contains fats from the butter and sausage, it’s important to consume them in moderation. The fats can add flavor but also contribute to calorie content.

4. Sodium: Be cautious with the amount of added salt or seasoning mix containing salt, as it can raise the sodium content. High sodium intake may lead to increased blood pressure, so use salt sparingly.

5. Nutrient Balance: To make this dish healthier, consider using leaner protein options, reducing the amount of butter, and increasing the portion of vegetables. This can improve the nutrient balance.

6. Vegetables: Including a variety of vegetables in this dish not only adds flavor and texture but also boosts its nutritional value with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

7. Portion Control: Pay attention to portion sizes to avoid overeating, as this dish can be calorie-dense.

8. Personalization: You can adapt this recipe to fit dietary preferences or restrictions, such as using olive oil instead of butter or opting for a lower-sodium seasoning mix.

Remember that the nutritional content can vary based on specific ingredients and how the dish is prepared. It’s always a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional or a registered dietitian if you have specific dietary concerns or health goals.