Jalapeno Shrimpers Recipe ๐ค๐ถ๏ธ
Overview:
Prepare to tantalize your taste buds with these scrumptious Jalapeno Shrimpers, a delightful Tex Mex-inspired dish bursting with flavors of shrimp, cheese, and just the right amount of spice. Ideal for parties or cozy gatherings, these savory appetizers are sure to become a crowd favorite in no time!
- Total Time: 19 minutes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 minutes
- Servings: 12 appetizers
- Cuisine: Tex Mex
Ingredients:
- 12 large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 ounces Monterey Jack cheese, cut into sticks
- 3 slices bacon, partially cooked
- 6 jalapeno peppers, halved and deseeded
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/8 teaspoon allspice
- 1 cup boiling water
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
- Ranch dressing, for dipping
Instructions:
-
Preheat Broiler: Begin by preheating your broiler, ensuring it reaches the desired temperature for optimal cooking.
-
Prepare Jalapenos: Carefully slice the jalapeno peppers in half lengthwise, removing the stems and seeds. Then, cut each jalapeno piece into 3 long strips, resulting in 12 jalapeno strips in total.
-
Prepare Shrimp: Make a shallow cut along the back of each shrimp, ensuring not to slice all the way through. This technique will allow the shrimp to open up slightly, creating a perfect pocket for stuffing.
-
Blanch Jalapenos and Shrimp: Place the jalapeno strips and shrimp in a heat-resistant bowl or casserole dish. Cover them with boiling water and let them sit for 60-90 seconds. Then, rinse them with cold water and pat dry using paper towels.
-
Prepare Bacon: Partially cook the bacon until it’s just starting to crisp up, ensuring it remains pliable enough to wrap around the shrimp.
-
Stuff Shrimp: Place a jalapeno strip inside the shallow cut of each shrimp, followed by a stick of Monterey Jack cheese on top of the jalapeno.
-
Wrap with Bacon: Carefully wrap each shrimp with a slice of partially cooked bacon, securing it in place with a toothpick.
-
Season: In a small bowl, mix together the salt, paprika, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and allspice. Sprinkle a light coating of this spice mixture over the bacon-wrapped shrimp.
-
Broil: Arrange the stuffed shrimp on a baking sheet and place them under the broiler. Cook for 4-5 minutes or until the bacon turns crispy and the cheese begins to melt and ooze.
-
Garnish and Serve: If desired, garnish the Jalapeno Shrimpers with freshly chopped cilantro and serve with ranch dressing on the side for dipping.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 86.8
- Total Fat: 7.5g
- Saturated Fat: 3.1g
- Cholesterol: 25.1mg
- Sodium: 342.1mg
- Carbohydrates: 0.4g
- Fiber: 0.1g
- Sugar: 0.1g
- Protein: 4.4g
Tips:
- For an extra kick of heat, leave some of the jalapeno seeds intact before stuffing the shrimp.
- Customize the spice level by adjusting the amount of cayenne pepper used in the seasoning mixture.
- Serve these Jalapeno Shrimpers as a standalone appetizer or alongside other Tex Mex favorites for a delicious flavor adventure.
With these Jalapeno Shrimpers, you’ll embark on a culinary journey filled with bold flavors and irresistible textures. Perfect for any occasion, these appetizers are guaranteed to be a hit with friends and family alike. Enjoy the spicy goodness of Tex Mex cuisine right in the comfort of your own home!