Venture into the realm of gourmet seafood with the delightful Sweet Speared Shrimp recipe. This dish, characterized by succulent shrimp glazed in rich hoisin sauce and speared on skewers interspersed with piquant red onions, is sure to impress both onlooks and palates with its vibrant colours and tantalizing flavors.
This recipe calls for hoisin sauce, which is a flavorful, fragrant sauce commonly used in Chinese cuisine. Made from soybeans, fennel seeds, red chillies, and garlic, it is a sweet yet savory sauce that complements the taste of the shrimp perfectly. Hoisin sauce is readily available in most supermarkets in the Asian food aisle. If not, it can be easily found in any Asian grocery store.
Ingredients for Sweet Speared Shrimp
Vegetable oil: Acts as a cooking medium and helps in evenly cooking the shrimp.
Freshly ground black pepper: Adds a spicy kick to the shrimp.
Kosher salt: Enhances the natural flavor of the shrimp.
Large shrimp: The main ingredient of this recipe, provides a succulent, juicy texture.
Red onion: Adds color and a mild spicy flavor to the dish.
Hoisin sauce: Provides a sweet and tangy flavor to the shrimp.
Limes: Used for garnishing and adding a tangy flavor to the dish.
One reader, Griselda Palumbo says:
This sweet speared shrimp recipe is a game-changer! The combination of hoisin sauce and lime gives the shrimp a burst of flavor. The grilling method adds a smoky touch, making it a perfect dish for summer gatherings. The red onion adds a delightful crunch. It's a must-try for seafood lovers!
Key Techniques for Sweet Speared Shrimp Recipe
How to soak wooden skewers: Soak the wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes to prevent them from burning during grilling or broiling.
How to preheat the broiler or grill: Preheat the broiler or light a medium-hot fire in a charcoal or gas grill before cooking the shrimp.
How to whisk together the oil, pepper, and salt: In a large bowl, combine the oil, freshly ground black pepper, and kosher salt, then whisk them together.
How to coat the shrimp with oil mixture: Add the shrimp to the bowl with the oil mixture and toss to coat the shrimp evenly.
How to thread the shrimp onto skewers: Thread 3 shrimp onto a skewer, separating the shrimp with 2 or 3 pieces of red onion, leaving about 3 inches on the bottom of each for a handhold.
How to brush the shrimp with hoisin sauce: Brush the shrimp with hoisin sauce, using about 1/2 cup, before grilling or broiling.
How to broil or grill the shrimp: If broiling, place the skewers on a broiling pan about 4 inches from the heat. If grilling, place them directly on the grill. Cook for 3 minutes, then turn the shrimp over and brush with another 1/2 cup of hoisin sauce, and cook for an additional 3 minutes.
How to serve the sweet speared shrimp: Place the skewers on a serving platter, swirl some of the remaining 1/2 cup of hoisin sauce over the shrimp, place the rest of the sauce in a small bowl on the platter, decorate the platter with lime wedges, and serve.
How To Make Sweet Speared Shrimp
Impress your friends with this speared shrimp recipe. It’s simply seasoned with oil, onion, hoisin sauce, and fresh limes.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 2tbspvegetable oil
- ¾tspfreshly ground black pepper
- ¾tspkosher salt
- 36largeshrimp
- ½largered onion
- 2½cuphoisin sauce
- 3limes
Instructions
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Soak your wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes.
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Meanwhile, preheat the broiler or light a medium-hot fire in a charcoal or gas grill.
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Whisk together the oil, pepper, and salt in a large bowl.
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Add the shrimp and toss to coat.
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Thread 3 shrimps onto a skewer, separating the shrimp with 2 or 3 pieces of red onion.
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Repeat until all the shrimp are skewered.
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Leave about 3 inches on the bottom of each for a handhold
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Brush the shrimp with hoisin sauce.
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If broiling, place the skewers on a broiling pan and place the pan about 4 inches from the heat.
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If grilling, place them on the grill.
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Broil or grill for 3 minutes.
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Turn the shrimp over, brush with more hoisin sauce, and broil or grill for 3 minutes more.
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Place the skewers on a serving platter.
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Swirl some of the remaining hoisin sauce over the shrimp.
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Place the rest of the sauce in a small bowl on the platter.
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Decorate the platter with the lime wedges and serve.
Nutrition
- Calories: 160.76kcal
- Fat: 4.40g
- Saturated Fat: 0.52g
- Trans Fat: 0.02g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 2.24g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.38g
- Carbohydrates: 26.14g
- Fiber: 2.10g
- Sugar: 15.09g
- Protein: 4.82g
- Cholesterol: 28.06mg
- Sodium: 980.81mg
- Calcium: 36.01mg
- Potassium: 115.32mg
- Iron: 0.71mg
- Vitamin A: 11.71µg
- Vitamin C: 5.55mg
Crucial Technique Tip for Perfecting Shrimp Skewers
To ensure your shrimp skewers cook evenly, make sure to cut your red onion pieces to a similar size as the shrimp. This not only helps with the cooking process but also makes for a more aesthetically pleasing presentation. Additionally, when brushing the hoisin sauce onto the shrimp, be sure to cover all sides for a full flavor experience. Remember, the sauce can caramelize quickly under high heat, so keep a close eye on your skewers to prevent them from burning.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Sweet Speared Shrimp
Prep ahead: Marinate the shrimp in the oil, pepper, and salt mixture the night before to save time on the day of cooking.
Organized workspace: Set up a workstation with all the ingredients and tools needed for skewering the shrimp to streamline the process.
Efficient assembly: Thread all the shrimp onto the skewers first, then brush with hoisin sauce in one go to speed up the preparation.
Quick broiling: Preheat the broiler while assembling the skewers to minimize waiting time before cooking.
Multi-task: While the shrimp is cooking, prepare the serving platter and lime wedges to serve the dish promptly after cooking.
Easy cleanup: Line the broiling pan with aluminum foil for easy cleanup after cooking.
Substitute Ingredients For Sweet Speared Shrimp Recipe
vegetable oil - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil can add a rich flavor to the dish and is a healthier alternative to vegetable oil.
kosher salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can provide a similar level of salinity and adds a subtle briny flavor to the shrimp.
large shrimp - Substitute with prawns: Prawns are similar in taste and texture to shrimp, and can be used interchangeably in this recipe.
red onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots have a milder flavor compared to red onions and can add a subtle sweetness to the dish.
hoisin sauce - Substitute with teriyaki sauce: Teriyaki sauce offers a sweet and savory flavor profile similar to hoisin sauce and can be used as a substitute in this recipe.
limes - Substitute with lemons: Lemons can provide a similar level of acidity and citrusy flavor to the dish.
Presentation Ideas for Sweet Speared Shrimp
Elevate the skewers: Arrange the skewers on a long, elegant platter, ensuring they are evenly spaced and presented in a visually appealing manner.
Garnish with lime wedges: Place the lime wedges strategically around the platter, adding a pop of color and a refreshing citrus aroma to the presentation.
Drizzle with hoisin sauce: Artfully drizzle a small amount of hoisin sauce in a decorative pattern around the skewers, creating an enticing visual element.
Incorporate fresh herbs: Sprinkle finely chopped cilantro or Thai basil over the skewers to add a touch of vibrant green and enhance the overall presentation with a hint of freshness.
Use a sleek serving dish: Opt for a sleek, modern serving dish that complements the colors of the dish and adds a touch of sophistication to the overall presentation.
Add a touch of heat: For a dramatic effect, sprinkle a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes over the skewers, adding a subtle hint of heat and visual interest.
Create a symmetrical arrangement: Arrange the skewers in a symmetrical pattern on the platter, creating a visually striking and balanced presentation that showcases attention to detail.
Incorporate edible flowers: Introduce edible flowers, such as orchids or nasturtiums, to the platter for an elegant and visually stunning touch that adds a delicate, gourmet flair.
Essential Tools for Making Speared Shrimp
Wooden skewers: These are used to thread the shrimp and red onion for grilling or broiling. Soak them in water before using to prevent them from burning.
Broiling pan: This is used for broiling the shrimp in the oven. It allows the heat to evenly cook the shrimp from above.
Grill: This is used for grilling the shrimp. It imparts a smoky flavor and beautiful grill marks to the shrimp.
Whisk: This is used to mix the oil, pepper, and salt together to coat the shrimp before grilling or broiling.
Brush: A brush is used to apply the hoisin sauce onto the shrimp while grilling or broiling.
Serving platter: This is used to present and serve the cooked shrimp skewers. It adds an attractive touch to the presentation.
Small bowl: This is used to hold the remaining hoisin sauce for serving alongside the shrimp skewers.
Knife: A knife is used for cutting the lime into wedges for garnishing the serving platter.
How To Reheat Leftover Shrimp Skewers
To reheat leftover sweet speared shrimp, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the skewers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Brush the shrimp with a fresh coat of hoisin sauce to prevent them from drying out during reheating. Bake for 5-7 minutes, or until the shrimp are heated through and the sauce is bubbling.
For a quicker reheating method, you can use a microwave. Place the skewers on a microwave-safe plate and cover them with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until the shrimp are heated through. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as they can become rubbery and tough.
If you have a grill or broiler available, you can also reheat the shrimp skewers using these methods. Preheat your grill or broiler to medium-high heat. Brush the shrimp with additional hoisin sauce and place the skewers on the grill or under the broiler for 1-2 minutes per side, or until the shrimp are heated through and the sauce is caramelized.
For a more flavorful reheating experience, you can also sauté the leftover shrimp in a pan. Remove the shrimp from the skewers and heat a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shrimp and any remaining onions to the pan, and sauté for 2-3 minutes, or until the shrimp are heated through and the onions are slightly softened. You can also add a splash of lime juice or a sprinkle of fresh herbs to brighten up the flavors.
Interesting Trivia About Speared Shrimp
Hoisin sauce is a sweet and savory sauce commonly used in Chinese cuisine. It is made from soybeans, garlic, vinegar, and various spices, and it adds a rich and flavorful taste to dishes.
Is Making Sweet Speared Shrimp at Home Cost-Effective?
The cost-effectiveness of this sweet speared shrimp recipe is quite favorable. Shrimp is a relatively affordable protein, and the use of red onion and lime adds a refreshing touch without breaking the bank. The hoisin sauce, while not the cheapest ingredient, is used sparingly, keeping the overall cost reasonable. The approximate cost for a household of four people would be around $25-$30. Rating: 8/10
Is This Shrimp Recipe Healthy?
The sweet speared shrimp recipe, while delicious, may not be the healthiest option due to a few factors:
- The recipe calls for a significant amount of hoisin sauce, which is high in sugar and sodium. Consuming excessive amounts of added sugars and salt can contribute to various health issues, such as obesity, diabetes, and hypertension.
- The shrimp are brushed with oil before cooking, adding extra fat to the dish. Although some fat is essential for a balanced diet, it's important to be mindful of the type and quantity of fat consumed.
- The recipe lacks vegetables or other nutrient-dense ingredients that could provide additional vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Reduce the amount of hoisin sauce used, or opt for a low-sugar, low-sodium alternative. You can also create a homemade version of the sauce using healthier ingredients like reduced-sodium soy sauce, rice vinegar, and a small amount of honey or molasses for sweetness.
- Instead of brushing the shrimp with oil, try marinating them in a mixture of citrus juice, garlic, and herbs. This will add flavor without the need for extra fat.
- Incorporate more vegetables into the dish, such as bell peppers, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes. These can be skewered alongside the shrimp and onions, providing additional nutrients and fiber.
- Serve the shrimp skewers with a side of brown rice or quinoa and a fresh green salad. This will create a more balanced meal, ensuring you get a variety of nutrients.
- Grill or broil the shrimp skewers instead of frying them to reduce the overall fat content of the dish.
Editor's Opinion on This Shrimp Skewer Recipe
This sweet speared shrimp recipe is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The use of hoisin sauce adds a rich and savory element to the succulent shrimp, while the red onion provides a subtle sweetness. The grilling process enhances the natural sweetness of the shrimp and caramelizes the hoisin sauce, creating a beautiful glaze. The addition of lime wedges adds a refreshing citrusy note that balances the dish perfectly. Overall, this recipe offers a harmonious blend of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors that is sure to impress any seafood lover.
Why trust this Sweet Speared Shrimp Recipe:
This recipe guarantees succulent shrimp infused with the perfect balance of flavors. The hoisin sauce adds a rich, savory sweetness, while the lime brings a zesty brightness. The use of red onion not only enhances the visual appeal but also contributes a subtle, sweet crunch. The method of skewering and grilling ensures even cooking and a delightful char. With the careful seasoning and meticulous preparation, this recipe promises to deliver a delightful seafood dish that will surely impress your guests.
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