Garlic Shrimp on Crostini: A Delectable Lunch or Snack Delight
Name: Garlic Shrimp on Crostini
Total Time: 40 minutes
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Category: Lunch/Snacks
Keywords: Grains, Fruit, Canadian, Spicy, < 60 Mins, Oven, Stove Top, Easy
Description: Indulge in this tantalizing Garlic Shrimp on Crostini recipe, crafted to bring a touch of gourmet sophistication to your lunch or snack repertoire. With the luscious combination of succulent shrimp bathed in a rich garlic and lime-infused sauce, nestled atop crispy baguette slices, this dish is sure to impress. Join us at LoveWithRecipes.com as we guide you through creating this culinary masterpiece, perfect for entertaining or treating yourself to a delightful mid-day meal.
Ingredients
To create this dish, you will need:
- 1 lb fresh shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 2 tablespoons dry white wine
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/8 teaspoon salt, plus extra for baguette
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper, plus extra for baguette
- 2 tablespoons fresh chives, finely chopped
- 1 baguette, sliced into rounds
- Olive oil, for brushing
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 385.5 kcal
- Fat: 9.9 g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5 g
- Cholesterol: 188.1 mg
- Sodium: 674.8 mg
- Carbohydrates: 40.3 g
- Fiber: 2.3 g
- Sugar: 0.6 g
- Protein: 29.7 g
Servings: 4
Instructions
To Prepare the Topping
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Mix the Lime Juice and White Wine: In a small bowl, combine the 2 tablespoons of fresh lime juice with 2 tablespoons of dry white wine. Set this aside; this will be your flavor-enhancing liquid.
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Sauté the Garlic: In a sauté pan over medium heat, melt the 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Once melted, add the 3 cloves of minced garlic and cook until fragrant and just beginning to turn golden. This process typically takes about 1-2 minutes. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
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Add the Juice/Wine Mixture: Pour the lime juice and wine mixture into the pan with the sautéed garlic. Allow this to simmer and reduce slightly. This will concentrate the flavors, creating a rich base for your shrimp.
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Cook the Shrimp: Toss in the 1 pound of fresh shrimp. Cook until the shrimp turns pink and opaque, which should take about 3-4 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
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Season the Shrimp: Remove the pan from heat and season the shrimp with 1/8 teaspoon each of salt and pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste. Set aside while you prepare the crostini.
Final Assembly
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Prepare the Baguette Slices: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Arrange the baguette slices on a baking sheet. Brush each slice with olive oil and sprinkle with a little salt and pepper. This will enhance the crispiness and flavor of the crostini.
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Bake the Baguette: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake until the baguette slices are crisp and golden brown, about 10 minutes. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning.
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Top with Shrimp Mixture: Once the baguette slices are crisp, remove them from the oven. Top each slice with the prepared shrimp mixture, making sure each crostini gets a generous portion of shrimp and sauce.
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Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the 2 tablespoons of finely chopped fresh chives over the top of the shrimp. Serve the Garlic Shrimp on Crostini immediately while warm.
Additional Tips for Perfect Garlic Shrimp on Crostini
- Choosing Shrimp: Opt for fresh shrimp if possible, as they offer the best flavor and texture. If using frozen shrimp, ensure they are fully thawed and patted dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture in the pan.
- Wine Selection: Use a good quality dry white wine that you enjoy drinking. The flavor of the wine will come through in the dish, so something like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio works well.
- Baguette: A day-old baguette can be easier to slice and will crisp up nicely. Fresh baguette can be used but may require a little more time in the oven to achieve the desired crunch.
- Serving Suggestions: This dish pairs beautifully with a light green salad and a chilled glass of the same white wine used in the recipe. It can also be served as an appetizer at a dinner party or as a sophisticated snack for any gathering.
Variations and Substitutions
- Spice It Up: For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic as it sautés.
- Herb Variations: Instead of chives, you could use finely chopped parsley or dill for a different herbaceous note.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the baguette with gluten-free bread or crackers to accommodate dietary restrictions.
Storing and Reheating
- Storage: If you have leftovers, store the shrimp mixture and crostini separately. The shrimp can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The crostini can be stored at room temperature in a sealed bag.
- Reheating: To reheat the shrimp, gently warm it in a pan over low heat. Avoid microwaving as it can make the shrimp tough. Reheat the crostini in a preheated oven at 350°F for a few minutes to restore crispiness.
Conclusion
Garlic Shrimp on Crostini is a delightful and versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a sophisticated snack or a light lunch. The combination of tender shrimp, zesty lime, aromatic garlic, and crunchy crostini creates a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that will impress any palate. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or looking for a quick and elegant meal, this recipe from LoveWithRecipes.com is sure to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire.
With a relatively short preparation and cooking time, this dish is perfect for those looking to create a gourmet experience without spending hours in the kitchen. Try it today and savor the delicious results!
Enjoy your culinary journey and happy cooking! 🌟🍤🍞
