Irresistible Zesty Shrimp Spread for Parties

Lou’s Shrimp Spread

Description

Guests just wolf this down. It keeps them busy while I finish the soup course. This would also be good stuffed into cherry tomatoes. 🍤🍅

Recipe Category

Spreads

Keywords

Healthy

Ingredients

• 1 lb shrimp 🦐
• 1/3 cup shallot, finely chopped 🧅
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard 🥄
• 1 tbsp horseradish 🥄
• 3 tbsp fresh lime juice 🍋
• 4 tbsp Worcestershire sauce 🍶
• 4 dashes of Tabasco sauce 🌶️
• 1/2 tsp salt 🧂
• 1/4 tsp black pepper 🌶️
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise 🥪
• 1 baguette, sliced into rounds 🥖

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

Servings

6

Instructions

Prep Time: 20 minutes ⏲️

Cook Time: 4 hours ⏲️

Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes ⏲️

1. Prepare the Shrimp:

   • Start by peeling and deveining 1 lb of shrimp. 🌊 This process ensures that your shrimp is clean and ready to be enjoyed in the spread.
   • Next, steam the shrimp until they are tender and cooked through, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Once done, set them aside to cool completely. You can place them in the refrigerator to speed up this process if you’re in a hurry.

2. Combine Ingredients:

   • While the shrimp is cooling, gather your remaining ingredients. In a food processor, add 1/3 cup finely chopped shallot, 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard, 1 tablespoon of horseradish, 3 tablespoons of fresh lime juice, 4 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce, and 4 dashes of Tabasco sauce.
   • Add 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper to the mix for seasoning. Blend everything until you achieve a smooth mixture.

3. Process the Shrimp:

   • Once the shrimp have cooled, add them to the food processor with the blended ingredients. Pulse the mixture just a few times until the shrimp are chopped into small pieces, and the mixture forms a coarse paste. Be careful not to over-process, as you want to keep some texture in the spread.

4. Adjust the Consistency:

   • Transfer the shrimp mixture to a mixing bowl. If you find the mixture is too thick, you can stir in additional mayonnaise, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired spreading consistency. This will make the spread creamy and easy to apply to your baguette slices. 🍤🥄

5. Chill:

   • Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator to chill for at least 4 hours. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully and gives the spread a perfect, refreshing taste.

6. Serve:

   • When you’re ready to serve, slice a baguette into thin rounds and arrange them on a serving platter. 🍞🧺
   • Spread a generous amount of the chilled shrimp mixture onto each baguette slice. You can garnish with a sprig of fresh dill or a squeeze of lime juice if desired. 🥖🍤

Serving Suggestions

• Cherry Tomatoes: For an extra delightful presentation, you can stuff the shrimp spread into halved cherry tomatoes. This adds a burst of color and flavor that your guests will love. 🍅
• Crackers: Serve alongside a variety of crackers for a fun and crunchy alternative to baguette slices. 🍘

Tips and Tricks

• Make Ahead: This spread can be prepared a day in advance, allowing the flavors to develop even further. Simply keep it refrigerated until you’re ready to serve.
• Extra Zest: For an added kick, you can increase the amount of horseradish or Tabasco sauce based on your preference. Adjust gradually to avoid overpowering the other flavors.
• Texture Variation: If you prefer a chunkier spread, pulse the shrimp fewer times in the food processor to maintain larger shrimp pieces. This will give your spread a more rustic feel.

This delightful shrimp spread is not only a crowd-pleaser but also a versatile appetizer that can be adapted to various occasions. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, a casual get-together, or looking for a unique way to enjoy shrimp, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your repertoire. Enjoy! 🎉🍤