Everything Bagel Greek Yogurt Dip

By Maria

Sep 1, 2024

Daily Culinary Pleasures

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Welcome, food lovers! Today, we’re diving into a recipe that’s sure to elevate your appetizer game—the Bloody Mary Poached Shrimp. This dish marries the bold flavors of a classic Bloody Mary cocktail with tender, juicy shrimp, creating a show-stopping starter that’s perfect for any gathering. Whether you’re hosting a casual brunch or a sophisticated dinner party, this recipe will not only impress your guests but also become a new favorite in your repertoire. Let’s get started!

Introduction

The Bloody Mary Poached Shrimp is a delightful fusion of seafood and one of the most iconic brunch cocktails—the Bloody Mary. Originating in the early 20th century, the Bloody Mary has been a staple of brunch culture, known for its spicy, tangy flavors and endless garnish possibilities. By poaching shrimp in a rich Bloody Mary mix and then marinating them in a zesty cocktail sauce, this dish captures all the classic flavors in a new, exciting form.

Not only is this recipe bursting with flavor, but it’s also incredibly easy to prepare ahead of time, making it an ideal choice for entertaining. Whether you’re familiar with making seafood dishes or this is your first foray into poaching shrimp, you’ll find this recipe approachable and rewarding. The combination of vodka, lemon juice, hot sauce, and Worcestershire sauce ensures a vibrant and unforgettable flavor profile.

Ingredients

To prepare this comforting Bloody Mary Poached Shrimp recipe, you’ll need:

1 (32-oz.) bottle Bloody Mary mix, divided
2 1/2 lbs. medium peeled, deveined raw shrimp, tails optional
4 cups ice

1/2 cup cocktail sauce
1/3 cup vodka
1/3 cup olive oil

1/3 cup fresh lemon juice (from 2 lemons)
1 Tbsp. hot sauce (such as Tabasco)
1 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce

1 tsp. celery seeds
1 tsp. black pepper
1 cup thinly sliced celery (from about 2 celery stalks)

1 cup thinly vertically sliced sweet onion (from 1 small onion)
Garnishes: celery leaves, lemon slices, lime slices, pickled okra, dilly beans, and/or pitted green olives

Optional Substitutions:

For a non-alcoholic version: Omit the vodka and replace it with an additional 1/3 cup of Bloody Mary mix or vegetable juice.
For a spicier kick: Increase the amount of hot sauce or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the marinade.
For dietary restrictions: Use a low-sodium Bloody Mary mix and cocktail sauce to reduce the sodium content.

How to Make Bloody Mary Poached Shrimp

Follow these steps to create your own delicious Bloody Mary Poached Shrimp:

Cook Shrimp:

Place 1 cup of water and 3 cups of the Bloody Mary mix in a large saucepan. Bring to a boil over high heat.
Remove from heat. Add shrimp; cover and let stand until shrimp are barely opaque in centers, about 8 minutes.
Immediately stir ice into the shrimp mixture to stop cooking; let stand until shrimp are cool, about 5 minutes. Drain shrimp and pat dry.

Make Marinade:

Stir together cocktail sauce, vodka, olive oil, lemon juice, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, celery seeds, black pepper, and the remaining 1 cup Bloody Mary mix in a large bowl or a large heavy-duty ziplock plastic freezer bag.

Chill Shrimp:

Stir shrimp, sliced celery, and onion into the cocktail sauce mixture. Cover (or seal bag), and place in the refrigerator to marinate at least 8 hours or, preferably, up to 24 hours.

Serve:

Transfer shrimp mixture to a large serving bowl. Top with desired garnishes, and serve immediately. (The dish can be made in advance. Store, covered, in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.)

Helpful Tips

Choose the Right Shrimp: For the best results, use medium-sized shrimp that are peeled and deveined. The shrimp should be fresh or properly thawed if using frozen.
Chill Properly: Allow the shrimp to marinate for at least 8 hours to ensure they absorb all the flavors of the marinade. For the best taste, prepare this dish a day ahead.

Control the Heat: Adjust the amount of hot sauce according to your spice tolerance. You can always serve extra hot sauce on the side for those who like it extra spicy.

Cooking Tips

For an enhanced flavor experience:

Use a Food Processor: If you prefer a smoother marinade, blend the cocktail sauce ingredients in a food processor before adding the shrimp.
Try Different Garnishes: Experiment with various garnishes such as pickled asparagus, pepperoncini, or even a sprinkle of Old Bay seasoning for a unique twist.
Make it a Meal: Serve the shrimp over a bed of mixed greens or alongside crusty bread for a more substantial dish.

Serving Suggestions

The Bloody Mary Poached Shrimp pairs wonderfully with:

Classic Caesar Salad: The crispness of the salad complements the bold flavors of the shrimp.

Brunch Cocktails: Serve with a traditional Bloody Mary or a Mimosa to keep the brunch vibe going.
Appetizer Spread: Include this dish as part of a seafood platter with smoked salmon, oysters, and crab claws.

To make your presentation stand out, serve the shrimp in a chilled glass bowl or arrange them on a platter with the garnishes beautifully scattered around.

Nutritional Information

The Bloody Mary Poached Shrimp is not only delicious but also offers a balanced nutritional profile. Each serving is packed with protein and essential nutrients, making it a smart choice for health-conscious eaters.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

Calories: 230 kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 24g

Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g

Monounsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 210mg

Sodium: 950mg
Potassium: 180mg
Fiber: 2g

Sugar: 4g
Vitamin A: 15% DV
Vitamin C: 30% DV

Calcium: 8% DV
Iron: 10% DV

This dish is high in protein and vitamins, particularly Vitamin C, which is essential for a strong immune system. The healthy fats from the olive oil contribute to heart health, while the shrimp provide lean protein and essential minerals.

Storage and Leftovers

Refrigerate: Store any leftover shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Ensure the shrimp are fully covered in the marinade to maintain their flavor and texture.

Reheat: While this dish is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature, you can gently reheat the shrimp in a skillet over low heat if desired. However, reheating may slightly alter the texture.

Creative Leftover Ideas:

Shrimp Salad: Chop the leftover shrimp and mix them with mayonnaise, diced celery, and herbs for a quick shrimp salad.
Shrimp Tacos: Toss the shrimp into soft tortillas, add some avocado slices and a squeeze of lime for a tasty taco filling.

Pasta Add-In: Add the shrimp to a light pasta dish with olive oil, garlic, and cherry tomatoes for a quick dinner.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use pre-cooked shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, you can use pre-cooked shrimp, but the flavor might not be as deep. If using pre-cooked shrimp, skip the poaching step and go straight to marinating them in the cocktail sauce mixture.

How can I make this dish less spicy?

To reduce the heat, decrease the amount of hot sauce or omit it entirely. You can also use a mild Bloody Mary mix to keep the flavors more subtle.

What can I substitute for the Bloody Mary mix?

If you don’t have Bloody Mary mix, you can substitute it with tomato juice and season it with lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, celery salt, and a dash of hot sauce to mimic the flavor profile.

Related Recipes

Looking for more tasty seafood recipes? Check out these other dishes that you’re sure to love:

Mediterranean Layered Delight With Crispy Pita Chips

Everything Bagel Greek Yogurt Dip

These recipes are easy to prepare and will bring delicious variety to your meal planning.

Conclusion

I hope you’re inspired to try this Bloody Mary Poached Shrimp recipe! It’s a unique dish that combines the bold flavors of a classic cocktail with the succulent taste of perfectly poached shrimp. Whether you’re serving it at a brunch or as an appetizer for a special dinner, it’s sure to be a hit.

I’d love to hear how your Bloody Mary Poached Shrimp turns out! Feel free to share your variations, tips, or experiences in the comments below. Happy cooking!