Craving a taste of the San Francisco coast without leaving your kitchen? Then look no further! This San Francisco Shrimp Louie recipe is a vibrant, refreshing, and surprisingly easy dish to make. It's a classic for a reason – the perfect blend of sweet shrimp, creamy dressing, and crisp vegetables makes it a delicious and satisfying meal, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion. This recipe provides a healthy and flavorful option, bringing the best of homemade cooking to your table.
Ingredients:
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For the Shrimp:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
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For the Louie Dressing:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon celery salt
- Salt and pepper to taste
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For the Salad:
- 1 head of iceberg lettuce, chopped
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup chopped celery
- 1/4 cup chopped red onion
- 1 hard-boiled egg, sliced
Instructions:
Cooking the Shrimp:
- In a medium bowl, toss the shrimp with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until pink and cooked through. Don't overcook! Overcooked shrimp becomes tough.
Making the Louie Dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, ketchup, lemon juice, dill, Worcestershire sauce, celery salt, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. This is where you can customize the flavor to your liking!
Assembling the Salad:
- In a large bowl, combine the chopped lettuce, cherry tomatoes, celery, and red onion.
- Add the cooked shrimp to the salad.
- Gently toss the salad with the Louie dressing. Don't over-toss, as you want to keep the lettuce crisp.
- Arrange the sliced hard-boiled egg on top of the salad.
Tips and Variations:
- For a spicier kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the Louie dressing.
- Add some crunch: Toasted slivered almonds or chopped walnuts would be a delicious addition.
- Make it a complete meal: Serve with a side of crusty bread for dipping in the delicious Louie dressing.
- Seafood Swap: Feel free to substitute the shrimp with cooked crab meat, lobster, or even canned tuna for a different flavor profile.
- Customize your veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables you enjoy, such as avocado, bell peppers, or cucumbers.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 400-500 (depending on ingredients and portion size)
This San Francisco Shrimp Louie recipe is a fantastic example of delicious and healthy food. It’s a perfect blend of quick dinner ideas and satisfying, homemade cooking. Enjoy this coastal classic!