Savory Prosciutto-Stuffed Shrimp with Smoked Gouda

This delectable Marinated Stuffed Shrimp recipe is a delightful Southern Living classic that I prepared for my husband’s birthday dinner last year, and it was an absolute hit. Served alongside broiled lobster tails, twice-baked potatoes, and warm yeast rolls, this dish brings a touch of sophistication and flavor to any special occasion. Although the preparation requires some time and effort, the results are truly worth it. The recipe includes peeling and deveining the shrimp, which adds to the overall prep time, but the final product is a savory treat that will impress your guests.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound jumbo shrimp (peeled, leaving tails intact)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup olive oil (plus additional for wrapping)
• 3 1/2 ounces smoked Gouda cheese (cut into small cubes)
• 4 slices prosciutto (cut into strips)
• 1/2 cup olive oil (for the marinade)
• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar (or your choice of vinegar)
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary (chopped)
• 1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Shrimp:

   • Begin by peeling the jumbo shrimp, making sure to leave the tails intact for presentation.
   • Carefully devein the shrimp using a sharp knife and then butterfly each shrimp. This will create a pocket for the stuffing.

2. Sauté the Shrimp:

   • In a skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat.
   • Add the shrimp to the hot oil, followed by the minced garlic, salt, and black pepper.
   • Sauté the shrimp for approximately 3 minutes, or until they turn a lovely pink color.
   • Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the skillet and allow them to cool.

3. Prepare the Cheese and Prosciutto:

   • While the shrimp are cooling, take the smoked Gouda cheese cubes and wrap each one with a strip of prosciutto. This combination will add a delicious flavor to the stuffed shrimp.

4. Stuff the Shrimp:

   • Once the shrimp have cooled, insert a prosciutto-wrapped cheese cube into each shrimp.
   • Secure the stuffing inside each shrimp using a toothpick to ensure that it stays in place.

5. Marinate the Shrimp:

   • In a small bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, chopped rosemary, and red pepper flakes.
   • Add the stuffed shrimp to the marinade and toss gently to coat them evenly.
   • Cover the bowl and chill the shrimp in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

6. Serve:

   • After marinating, remove the shrimp from the marinade.
   • Discard the leftover marinade and serve the shrimp as an elegant appetizer or main dish.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

• Calories: 511.7
• Fat: 42.6 grams
• Saturated Fat: 9.4 grams
• Cholesterol: 200.8 milligrams
• Sodium: 953.9 milligrams
• Carbohydrates: 2.6 grams
• Fiber: 0.3 grams
• Sugar: 0.6 grams
• Protein: 29.4 grams

This Marinated Stuffed Shrimp is perfect for a festive occasion or a special dinner with loved ones. The combination of smoked Gouda and prosciutto wrapped around tender shrimp, marinated in a flavorful blend of olive oil, vinegar, rosemary, and a touch of red pepper flakes, makes for an unforgettable dish. Enjoy the burst of flavors and the elegant presentation as you serve these shrimp alongside your favorite sides.