Dragon Shrimp: A Fiery Cajun Delight
This Dragon Shrimp recipe is perfect for those who crave a taste sensation that will set their taste buds ablaze! With its bold and spicy flavors, it’s designed to be enjoyed in a fun, casual setting where everyone can get their hands dirty. Imagine sitting around a table with newspaper spread out, shells piling up in the center, and laughter echoing through the room as you dig into this sensational shrimp dish. Be sure to have plenty of cold beer, iced tea, and hot French bread on hand to complete this fiery feast. And don’t forget the napkins – you’ll need them! 🌶️🍤🍞
Ingredients
- 2 pounds large shrimp (fresh or thawed)
- 1 cup butter (unsalted)
- 1 tablespoon dried basil
- 2 tablespoons black pepper
- 1 cup chili sauce
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
Instructions
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Prep the Shrimp: If you’re using frozen shrimp, place them under cold, running water to thaw. Once thawed, drain the shrimp and pat them dry with paper towels. If you’re using fresh shrimp, rinse them under cold water and then dry thoroughly.
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Marinate the Shrimp: Place the shrimp in a shallow roasting pan. Ensure they are arranged in a single layer, avoiding overlap.
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Prepare the Sauce: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the dried basil, black pepper, chili sauce, red wine vinegar, olive oil, sugar, salt, and minced garlic. Stir until all ingredients are well combined and the sugar has dissolved into the sauce.
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Apply the Sauce: Pour the prepared sauce evenly over the shrimp, making sure each shrimp is coated with the flavorful mixture.
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Marinate: Cover the roasting pan with aluminum foil and place it in the refrigerator to marinate for at least 1 hour. This allows the shrimp to absorb the robust flavors of the sauce.
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Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and let it preheat while the shrimp marinates.
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Bake the Shrimp: Once marinated, remove the foil and bake the shrimp in the preheated oven for approximately 30 minutes.
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Check for Doneness: After 30 minutes, check the shrimp to ensure they are cooked through. They should be opaque and firm. If they need a bit more time, return them to the oven for an additional 3 minutes.
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Serve and Enjoy: Serve the Dragon Shrimp hot, with bowls of the delicious sauce on the side for dipping. Pair it with plenty of French bread to soak up the flavorful sauce. Gather around the table, enjoy the spicy goodness, and don’t forget to have plenty of napkins handy!
Tip: This dish is best enjoyed with friends and family in a relaxed, casual setting. The combination of spicy shrimp and flavorful dipping sauce will make for a memorable meal! 🌟🍻
Cooking Time Summary
| Stage | Time |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 5 minutes |
| Marinating Time | 1 hour |
| Baking Time | 30 minutes |
| Total Time | 35 minutes |
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 923.5
- Fat: 70.5g
- Saturated Fat: 32.8g
- Cholesterol: 467.6mg
- Sodium: 2171.7mg
- Carbohydrates: 25.6g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 15.9g
- Protein: 48.1g
With these detailed instructions, you’ll be ready to serve up a plate of Dragon Shrimp that will undoubtedly be the highlight of any gathering. Enjoy the spicy kick and the satisfaction of a meal well-made! 🌶️🦐🍽️
