Let me tell you about my absolute favorite quick dish: *Salt and Pepper Shrimp*! Seriously, this recipe is a lifesaver for busy weeknights when you want something delicious but don’t have all evening to cook. It’s so simple yet bursting with flavor, thanks to just a few ingredients that pack a punch. The best part? You can whip it up in about 20 minutes, making it perfect for those nights when you want something special without the fuss. Trust me, once you try this dish, you’ll be adding it to your regular rotation. It’s not just a meal; it’s a celebration of shrimp and seasoning that will make your taste buds dance!
Ingredients List
For my *Salt and Pepper Shrimp*, you’ll need just a handful of simple ingredients that come together beautifully. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 2 green onions, chopped
These ingredients are easy to find and make for a dish that’s both quick and satisfying. Don’t hesitate to adjust the salt and pepper to match your taste! If you’re feeling adventurous, a sprinkle of chili flakes can add a nice kick too!
How to Prepare *Salt and Pepper Shrimp*
Let’s dive into the quick and easy steps for making the most delicious *Salt and Pepper Shrimp*! I promise you’ll have this meal on the table in no time. Just follow along, and you’ll be a shrimp-cooking pro in no time!
Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp
Start by rinsing the shrimp under cold water. This step is super important because it helps remove any extra grit and gives you that fresh seafood taste. Once rinsed, pat them dry with paper towels—this is key for achieving that lovely sear later on!
Step 2: Season the Shrimp
In a mixing bowl, toss the shrimp with salt and black pepper. Make sure every shrimp is coated evenly—this simple seasoning is what brings out the natural sweetness of the shrimp, so don’t skip this part!
Step 3: Heat the Oil
Next, heat your vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. You want the oil to shimmer but not smoke, which means it’s ready for cooking. This is the moment when the flavors start to come alive!
Step 4: Sauté Garlic and Ginger
Add the minced garlic and ginger to the hot oil, and sauté for about 1 minute. You’ll know it’s ready when your kitchen starts to smell amazing and the garlic turns a lovely golden color—don’t let it burn!
Step 5: Cook the Shrimp
Now, it’s time to add the seasoned shrimp to the pan. Cook them for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they turn pink and opaque. This is the moment to watch closely—overcooking can make them tough, so keep an eye on those beauties!
Step 6: Add Green Onions
Once the shrimp are fully cooked, stir in the chopped green onions and cook for another minute. This adds a fresh, vibrant flavor to your dish. And just like that, you’re ready to serve your fantastic *Salt and Pepper Shrimp* hot and fresh!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s incredibly quick to prepare—ready in just 20 minutes!
- Packed with flavor from the perfect balance of salt and pepper.
- Health-conscious? This dish is low-calorie and high in protein.
- Perfect for busy weeknight dinners when you want something satisfying.
- Simple ingredients that come together to create a gourmet meal.
- It’s versatile and can be served with rice or noodles for a complete feast!
Honestly, once you try this recipe, you’ll be hooked! It’s a wonderful way to enjoy shrimp without a lot of hassle.
Tips for Success
To ensure your *Salt and Pepper Shrimp* turns out perfectly every time, here are a few pro tips! First, make sure your shrimp are as dry as possible before seasoning; this helps them sear nicely in the pan. Don’t be shy with the salt and pepper—these simple seasonings elevate the dish, but feel free to adjust them according to your taste. If you’re craving a bit more heat, toss in some chili flakes or fresh sliced chilies while cooking. And remember, cooking shrimp is quick, so stay attentive to avoid overcooking and keep that juicy texture!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to *Salt and Pepper Shrimp*, you can enjoy a delicious meal without the guilt! Each serving is approximately 200 calories, making it a fantastic choice for a low-calorie dinner. You’ll get about 10 grams of fat, with 25 grams of protein packed in there to keep you full. Plus, it has just 5 grams of carbs! Keep in mind, these are estimates, but it gives you a good idea of what you’re savoring on your plate!
FAQ Section
Got questions about *Salt and Pepper Shrimp*? No worries, I’ve got you covered! One common question I get is about ingredient substitutions. If you don’t have shrimp, feel free to swap in chicken or tofu for a different twist. You can also use garlic powder and ground ginger in a pinch if you’re out of the fresh stuff.
As for serving suggestions, this dish pairs beautifully with steamed rice or stir-fried noodles, and you can add a side of veggies for a well-rounded meal. Now, if you happen to have leftovers (which is rare, but it happens!), you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just reheat gently in a pan to keep the shrimp from getting rubbery. Enjoy your cooking adventure!
For more delicious recipes, check out our all recipes page!
For tips on cooking shrimp perfectly, you can refer to this guide on cooking shrimp.
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Caramel Pear Ginger Cake with Vanilla Sauce
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A moist cake bursting with juicy pears and a hint of ginger, topped with a rich caramel vanilla sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 ¾ cups (220g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup (150g) brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup (120ml) plain yogurt
- 2 ripe pears, peeled, cored, and diced
- ¼ cup (50g) crystallized ginger, chopped
- ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
- ¼ cup (60g) unsalted butter
- ½ cup (120ml) heavy cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prepare the pears by peeling, coring, and dicing them.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground ginger, and cinnamon.
- In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract and yogurt.
- Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, then gently fold in the diced pears and chopped crystallized ginger.
- Pour the batter into a prepared 8-inch round cake pan and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 40 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- While the cake cools, prepare the caramel vanilla sauce by melting sugar in a saucepan, then adding butter, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and salt.
- Drizzle the warm caramel sauce over the cooled cake before serving.
Notes
- Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for best results.
- Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- For gluten-free options, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend.
- Alternative sauces include chocolate sauce, maple syrup, cream cheese frosting, or berry compote.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Caramel Pear Ginger Cake, Vanilla Sauce, Dessert, Baking, Pears, Ginger