Spicy Shrimp

Spicy shrimp is a vibrant dish that combines the fresh, briny sweetness of shrimp with bold, spicy flavours, creating an irresistible blend that delights the senses. One of the most visually appealing ways to present this dish is by serving the shrimp in their shells, stacked in a circular formation. This unique presentation not only enhances the dining experience but also allows the flavours to mingle, adding to the dish’s depth and complexity.

Keeping the shrimp in their shells brings added flavour and texture to each bite. The shells help to seal in the juices, preserving the shrimp’s natural moisture and enhancing the richness of the spices. The shells also encourage diners to engage with their food, pulling apart each shrimp to enjoy it at its fullest. This tactile experience allows the spicy flavours to linger on the hands and in the air, filling the senses with a tantalising warmth that’s both invigorating and comforting.

The circular stack presentation is an elegant choice for showcasing the shrimp. As each layer is stacked, the shrimp curve slightly inward, creating a striking, almost floral display. This arrangement transforms a casual dish into a centrepiece worthy of any gathering. Diners are immediately drawn to the artfully presented stack, which serves as a conversation starter and a symbol of the care that’s gone into the meal. A garnish of fresh herbs or thinly sliced chillies can be placed atop the stack, adding a burst of colour and reinforcing the spicy theme.

In addition to visual appeal, serving shrimp in this circular stack allows for practical benefits. The stack keeps the shrimp warm for longer, as each layer helps insulate the next. Moreover, the circular arrangement ensures each shrimp has absorbed the spices evenly, intensifying the bold, spicy flavours. Whether marinated in smoky paprika, fiery cayenne, or a mix of exotic chilli blends, the shrimp release bursts of flavour with each bite, creating an experience that’s as much about savouring the spices as it is about enjoying the shrimp’s delicate taste.

The circular presentation of spicy shrimp also invites a communal dining experience. In many cultures, seafood dishes are designed to be shared, and the stacked shrimp naturally encourage diners to gather around, reaching in to pluck a perfectly seasoned shrimp from the ring. This communal style of eating fosters a warm, convivial atmosphere, making each bite part of a shared memory.

Ultimately, serving spicy shrimp in their shells and in a circular stack is about more than presentation. It’s a celebration of flavour, texture, and togetherness, inviting diners to immerse themselves fully in each delectable bite. This dish transcends the usual seafood fare, offering an experience that’s as pleasing to the eye as it is to the taste buds, and bringing a touch of artistry to the table.

Spicy Shrimp

This spicy stacked shrimp dish features succulent, shell-on shrimp coated in a vibrant, spicy marinade and served in an impressive circular arrangement. Each shrimp bursts with smoky heat and a hint of sweetness, creating a dish that’s as visually striking as it is delicious. Perfect for a gathering, this recipe serves 4 and encourages communal dining, inviting guests to dig in and enjoy each bite.

4.92 from 37 votes

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Course: Main Dish

Cuisine: Mexican, Middle East, Moroccan

Keyword: Chillies, Herbs, Marinade, Shrimp, Spice

Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes minutes

Marinating: 30 minutes minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes minutes

Servings: 4 People

Calories: 207kcal

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Ingredients

 

MetricImperial

• 450 g large shrimp shell-on
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 4 cloves garlic minced
• 1 tbsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp cayenne pepper adjust to taste
• 1 tsp ground black pepper
• 1 tsp sea salt
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1/4 bunch fresh coriander roughly chopped for garnish
• 1 small red chilli thinly sliced, for garnish

Instructions

• In a large bowl, mix the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, black pepper and sea salt.
  3 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 4 cloves garlic, 1 tbsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp cayenne pepper, 1 tsp ground black pepper, 1 tsp sea salt
• Add the honey to balance the heat with a touch of sweetness and whisk until well combined.
  1 tbsp honey
• Add the shell-on shrimp to the marinade, tossing them until they’re evenly coated. Cover the bowl and let the shrimp marinate for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator. This will allow the spices to permeate the shells, enhancing the flavour.
  450 g large shrimp
• Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer, cooking them in batches if necessary. Sear the shrimp for 2–3 minutes per side, or until the shells turn pink and the shrimp are cooked through. Avoid overcooking, as shrimp can become tough when overdone.
• Arrange the cooked shrimp in a circular stack on a large serving plate, slightly overlapping them to form a ring. Add layers of shrimp until all are stacked neatly. This not only makes a beautiful presentation but also keeps the shrimp warm.
• Sprinkle the chopped coriander and sliced red chilli over the shrimp stack for a pop of colour and added heat. Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side.
  1/4 bunch fresh coriander, 1 small red chilli

Notes

Serving Suggestion:

This dish is ideal for sharing. Place the stacked shrimp in the centre of the table and let guests pull apart the layers, savouring the rich, spicy flavour in each shell-on bite. Serve with a cooling yoghurt dip or crusty bread to complement the heat.

Nutrition

Calories: 207kcal | Carbohydrates: 9g | Protein: 16g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 142mg | Sodium: 1222mg | Potassium: 245mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 1417IU | Vitamin C: 21mg | Calcium: 76mg | Iron: 1mg