Gulf Shrimp Dip

Posted on December 1, 2013 by bob in A Gracious Plenty

Nothing pairs better with cool, crisp weather than warm, home-cooked comfort food. Whether you’re searching for a dish for tailgating, a dinner party, holiday gathering, or just a relaxing night at home, look no further than the decadence of perfectly-prepared shrimp.

Due to its versatility, shrimp is a top protein choice among many chefs. Shrimp can be served at any time of the day, from shrimp and grits at breakfast to shrimp salads at lunch, or simple boiled shrimp as a delectably light hors d’oeuvre. It can also be an elegant addition to Italian dishes, Mexican recipes and delicatessen favorites.

Wild-caught Gulf of Mexico shrimp, in particular, has an exceptionally rich flavor profile due to the warm, nutrient-dense water in which it was caught. Nothing packs a mouthful of savory flavor like fresh, Gulf shrimp.

An important part of a healthful diet, shrimp contains high-quality protein and a variety of essential nutrients, such as vitamins B-6 and B-12. Additionally, it’s among the few natural sources of vitamin D. While low in saturated fat, shrimp offers healthy omega-3 fatty acids, shown to help reduce the risk of heart disease.

For many home chefs, the idea of preparing seafood can be an intimidating process. Because they cook very quickly, the biggest mistake many people make while preparing shrimp is overcooking. But, with a little know-how, preparing a delightful shrimp dish is quite simple. Here’s a fool-proof plan for preparing shrimp to please the palate of everyone at the table:

1. Bring a large saucepan filled with lightly-salted water to a boil.
2. Add the shrimp to the boiling water.
3. Cook for one to three minutes or until the shrimp are pink and opaque.
4. Drain and rinse shrimp in a colander under cold running water to stop the cooking process.

Spice up those chilly days ahead with a steaming platter of Hot Gulf Shrimp Dip. Served with warm pita bread or crispy tortilla chips, this easy, cheesy, delightful appetizer presents perfectly, making it wonderful for tailgating and holiday parties.

Hot Gulf Shrimp Dip (Gulf Seafood Marketing Coalition)
1 pound Gulf of Mexico shrimp, cooked, peeled, deveined, chopped
1/2 cup chopped yellow onion
1/2 chopped green onion
1clove minced garlic
3 tablespoons mayonnaise
1 teaspoon vegetable oil
1 teaspoon Creole seasoning
1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, Monterey Jack)
Toasted pitas or sliced fresh bread

Combine ingredients in an 8- by 8-inch baking dish, reserving 1/4 of cheese and mix well.
Sprinkle remaining cheese on top of mixture.
Bake at 350∞F for 25 to 30 minutes.

Dip with toasted pitas or sliced fresh bread.

For more great Gulf shrimp recipe ideas, visit www.eatgulfseafood.com.

(Provided by Family Features)

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