Cajun Shrimp w Garlic Aioloi

Nyssakitchen.com

For the Cajun shrimp

  • 1 pound peeled, tail on shrimp 
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  •  pinch of chili flakes (optional)
  • pinch of cayenne (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika (I used smoked)
  • 1/4 teaspoon cumin 
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt 
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons avocado oil or ghee + more as needed
  • parsley or chives to garnish

For the garlic aioli

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. In a small bowl mix together mayonnaise, grated garlic, lemon juice, salt and pepper to taste. Set aside. 
  2. Peel shrimp if necessary, and pat super dry with paper towels – the drier the shrimp, the more crisp they will get when you fry them.
  3. In a small bowl mix together the cayenne, garlic powderonion powder, chili flakes, oregano, paprika, cumin, sea salt, and black pepper. 
  4. Toss shrimp with seasoning mix until evenly coated.
  5. Heat 2 tablespoons avocado oil or ghee in a large cast iron or non stick skillet over medium high heat. 
  6. When oil is hot and glistening, add shrimp in a single layer, being careful not to crowd the pan. Cook in multiple batches if needed, add a little more oil for each batch.
  7. Cook for about 1 minute per side, until just barely opaque in the center. 
  8. Garnish with some fresh parsley / chives and serve immediately with garlic aioli for dipping!

Shrimp with Red Onions, Lemon and Mayonnaise

This is an old family recipe that only seems to get made for special occasions.  It sounds kind of gross, but it is one of the best tasting, and simple appetizers around.  Talking to my Mom, they got the recipe from a friend in California over 40 years ago.  We went to Blossom on Saturday to hear the Cleveland Orchestra and this is one of our favorite things to bring to Blossom.  We also made corn and avacado salad, and teriyaki marinated sirloin skewers with red peppers.  It was a great night.

ingredients

lot’s of onions. that’s the best part.

like most things…tastes better with wine

enjoying the shrimp at blossom

it was a beautiful evening at Blossom

our other dates for the night…Sophie and her pals

the cleveland orchestra was great as always

 

Shrimp with Red Onions, Lemon and Mayonnaise

  • Peel and boil as many shrimp as you are going to use.
  • Chill completely
  • Thinly slice LOTS of red onions.  Add to chilled shrimp
  • Squeeze a fresh lemon or more and add to shrimp and onions.
  • Add mayonnaise to get to the consistency that you want.  Creamy, but not too much.
  • Add just a bit of salt and pepper.
  • Let chill for several hours, the flavor develops as it chills.