Delicious Black-Pepper Shrimp and Pineapple Skewers Recipe
If you’re looking to delight your taste buds with a fusion of savory and sweet flavors, this Black-Pepper Shrimp and Pineapple Skewers recipe, adapted from the acclaimed chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten, is sure to impress. This vibrant dish, which brings together succulent shrimp and caramelized pineapple, is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a lively gathering with friends. Its combination of fresh ingredients and bold spices guarantees a mouthwatering experience that captures the essence of tropical cuisine.
Recipe Overview
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Time | 35 minutes |
| Prep Time | 20 minutes |
| Cook Time | 15 minutes |
| Recipe Category | Under 60 Minutes |
| Servings | 4 (can be adjusted as needed) |
| Calories per Serving | 214.1 |
Ingredients
To create this scrumptious dish, gather the following ingredients, ensuring you have everything on hand before you begin.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Garlic | 1 clove |
| Ginger | 2 tablespoons |
| Scallions | 2 ½ tablespoons |
| Black peppercorns | 8 whole |
| Fermented black beans | 1 ½ tablespoons |
| Soy sauce | 1 ½ tablespoons |
| Sugar | ½ tablespoon |
| Lime juice | 2 ½ tablespoons |
| Salt | 3 ¾ teaspoons |
| Shrimp (peeled and deveined) | 24 medium-sized shrimp |
| Pineapple | 1 fresh pineapple |
| Jicama | 1 medium jicama |
| Pea shoots (optional) | For garnish |
| Oil (for cooking) | 2 tablespoons |
Nutritional Information
This dish is not only delicious but also relatively healthy, offering a well-balanced meal. Below is the nutritional breakdown per serving:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 214.1 |
| Total Fat | 4.2 g |
| Saturated Fat | 0.5 g |
| Cholesterol | 64.3 mg |
| Sodium | 1583.7 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 37 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.7 g |
| Sugars | 24.5 g |
| Protein | 10.1 g |
Instructions
-
Prepare the Black-Pepper Sauce:
- Begin by heating 2 tablespoons of oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add 1 clove of minced garlic, 2 tablespoons of minced ginger, and 2 ½ tablespoons of finely chopped scallions. Sauté these ingredients until they turn golden and fragrant, which should take about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Next, introduce the 8 whole black peppercorns to the skillet. Continue to sauté until the peppercorns become aromatic, approximately 1 minute more.
- Once fragrant, stir in the 1 ½ tablespoons of fermented black beans, 1 ½ tablespoons of soy sauce, ½ tablespoon of sugar, and 2 ½ tablespoons of freshly squeezed lime juice. Bring the mixture to a boil, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Reduce the heat and let the sauce simmer for an additional 2 minutes to enhance its richness.
- Remove the skillet from heat and carefully transfer the sauce to a blender. Purée the mixture until it reaches a medium-smooth consistency, adjusting for taste as needed. Set aside while you prepare the skewers.
-
Grill the Pineapple:
- Prepare your grill by heating one side to medium. Slice the fresh pineapple into rings or wedges, depending on your preference. Place the pineapple on the cooler side of the grill, allowing it to cook until it develops a light caramelization, which will enhance its natural sweetness, roughly 5-7 minutes.
- Once caramelized, remove the pineapple from the grill and set aside to cool slightly.
-
Assemble the Skewers:
- Take 24 medium-sized shrimp, peeled and deveined, and alternate them on skewers with the grilled pineapple pieces. Aim for 2 shrimp followed by 3 pieces of pineapple on each skewer, which will create a beautiful contrast of colors and flavors.
-
Grill the Skewers:
- Place the assembled skewers over the hotter side of the grill. Grill the skewers for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque, indicating they are fully cooked.
- While grilling, use a brush to liberally coat both sides of the skewers with the prepared black-pepper sauce, ensuring every bite is bursting with flavor.
-
Prepare the Jicama Salad:
- While the skewers are grilling, toss together the jicama (cut into matchsticks or thin slices) and pea shoots in a large bowl. The jicama adds a refreshing crunch, while the pea shoots offer a delightful earthiness to the dish.
-
Serve:
- Once the skewers are cooked, remove them from the grill and serve them hot alongside the jicama and pea shoot salad. Drizzle any remaining black-pepper sauce over the skewers for an extra punch of flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Black-Pepper Shrimp and Pineapple Skewers recipe not only tantalizes the taste buds but also presents beautifully, making it an ideal choice for entertaining or simply enjoying a flavorful meal at home. The combination of sweet, savory, and spicy elements will leave you craving more, and it’s sure to become a beloved favorite in your culinary repertoire. Enjoy your creation with friends and family, and don’t forget to share your thoughts on this delightful dish!
