Introduction
Experience a burst of flavors with this delightful combination of spicy shrimp and refreshing peach salad. The shrimp, seasoned with a blend of spices and finished with a buttery honey glaze, perfectly complements the vibrant hues and sweetness of the peach salad. This dish is an enticing way to celebrate the warmth of summer while enjoying the rich tastes of spices.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
Spicy Shrimp:
– 1 lb. shrimp
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1 teaspoon curry powder
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon coarse sea salt (adjust to taste)
– 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for spice level)
– 1 tablespoon butter
– Drizzle of honey (1 teaspoon to 1 tablespoon, to taste)
Peach Salad:
– 2 peaches, pitted and sliced (about 2 cups)
– Half an English cucumber, thinly sliced (about 1 cup)
– Half a shallot, thinly sliced (about 1/4 cup)
– 2–3 teaspoons olive oil
– 1 lime, juiced and zested (about 1 tablespoon juice, 1 teaspoon zest)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Mint leaves (about 2 packed tablespoons)
– 2–3 teaspoons honey to finish (hot honey recommended)
– 1 avocado, cubed (optional)
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: Serves 2-4 people
Enjoy creating this flavorful dish that beautifully blends spicy and sweet elements, perfect for a summer evening or a delightful lunch.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Prepare the Peach Salad
In a large bowl, combine the sliced peaches, cucumber, and shallot. Drizzle with olive oil and add the lime juice and zest. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add the mint leaves and gently toss everything together. Finish with a drizzle of honey and, if using, gently fold in the cubed avocado.
Season the Shrimp
In a separate bowl, toss the shrimp with smoked paprika, curry powder, garlic powder, sea salt, and cayenne pepper until evenly coated.
Cook the Shrimp
Heat a drizzle of avocado oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet and cook until they are no longer translucent, approximately 2 minutes per side. Towards the end of cooking, add the butter and a drizzle of honey to the skillet. Toss the shrimp to coat them in the buttery honey glaze and to deglaze the pan, incorporating any browned bits for added flavor.
Assemble the Dish
Serve the cooked shrimp over a bed of rice, if desired. Top with a generous scoop of the prepared peach salad. Enjoy your meal!
Notes
Spice Level Adjustment
Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper according to your preferred spice level.
Fresh Ingredients
Use fresh peaches and mint for the best flavor in the salad.
Butter and Honey Glaze
The butter and honey glaze can enhance the shrimp’s flavor; adjust the amount of honey based on your sweetness preference.
Optional Ingredients
Cubed avocado can be added to the salad for extra creaminess, but it is optional.
Cook techniques
Preparing Vegetables
Combine the sliced peaches, cucumber, and shallot in a bowl, ensuring an even distribution. Drizzling with olive oil and adding lime juice will enhance flavors.
Seasoning Shrimp
Toss shrimp with spices evenly in a separate bowl. Ensure each piece is coated for maximum flavor.
Cooking Shrimp
Heat oil over medium heat and add seasoned shrimp. Cook until they lose translucency, about 2 minutes per side. Adding butter and honey later creates a rich glaze.
Assembling the Dish
Serve shrimp over rice and top with peach salad for a colorful and flavorful presentation.
FAQ
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just ensure they are fully thawed and drained before seasoning and cooking.
What if I don’t have smoked paprika?
If you don’t have smoked paprika, you can use regular paprika or a combination of paprika and a pinch of cumin for a different flavor profile.
Is it necessary to use honey in this dish?
Honey adds a nice sweetness and balances the spice, but you can omit it or substitute it with agave syrup or another sweetener if desired.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
You can prepare the salad ingredients ahead of time, but it’s best to dress it just before serving to maintain freshness.
What can I substitute for the avocado in the salad?
If you prefer not to use avocado, you can increase the amount of peach or add nuts, like walnuts or pecans, for added texture.
Conclusion
This spicy shrimp and peach salad combination provides a delightful balance of flavors, with the heat of the shrimp complemented by the sweetness of the peaches and the freshness of the salad. It’s a perfect dish for a summer meal or any time you want to enjoy a vibrant and healthy option.
Spicy Shrimp Tacos
Use the spicy shrimp in soft tortillas, topped with the peach salad for a refreshing taco experience.
Quinoa Bowl with Shrimp and Salad
Serve the shrimp and peach salad over a bed of cooked quinoa for a nutritious bowl meal.
Grilled Vegetable Platter
Pair the shrimp with grilled seasonal vegetables, drizzled with honey, and served alongside the peach salad.
Shrimp and Peach Skewers
Thread seasoned shrimp and peach slices onto skewers, grill, and serve with the salad on the side.
Rice Salad with Spicy Shrimp
Mix the cooked shrimp with rice, diced peaches, and a light dressing for a hearty rice salad.
Avocado Toast with Spicy Shrimp
Top toasted bread with smashed avocado, spicy shrimp, and a sprinkle of lime juice for a tasty brunch option.
