Grilled Ecuadorian Shrimp Delight
Experience the vibrant flavors of the Ecuadorian coast with this delectable grilled shrimp dish. Known for its sweet and spicy profile, this recipe showcases large shrimp marinated in a luscious blend of rum, honey, and freshly grated ginger. It's perfect for summer barbecues and outdoor gatherings, served alongside fluffy rice, zesty lime wedges, silky pureed avocado, and the iconic 'aji' sauce, a staple on Ecuadorian dining tables. Elevate your taste buds with this easy-to-make dish that's sure to impress family and friends.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
4
Ingredients
Ingredients
Rum
1/2 cup (None)
Large shrimp
1 lb (Shelled and deveined)
Honey
1/4 cup (None)
Fresh ginger
1 tablespoon (Grated)
Instructions
1
In a mixing bowl, combine the rum, honey, and freshly grated ginger, mixing well until fully incorporated.
2
Add the shelled and deveined shrimp to the marinade, ensuring they are completely covered. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate to marinate for two hours.
3
After marinating, preheat your grill to high heat, or prepare a sauté pan over medium-high heat.
4
Thread the marinated shrimp onto skewers, making sure to keep them flat for even cooking.
5
Grilling: Place the skewers on the hot grill and cook for about three minutes, turning occasionally and brushing with any remaining marinade.
6
Sautéing: If using a sauté pan, add the shrimp to the pan and pour some of the marinade over them. Cook for approximately three minutes, stirring occasionally until the shrimp turn pink and opaque.
7
Serve the grilled shrimp hot with fluffy rice, lime wedges, pureed avocado, and a side of 'aji' sauce for an authentic Ecuadorian experience.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Grilled Ecuadorian Shrimp Delight?
It is a vibrant coastal Ecuadorian dish featuring large shrimp marinated in a sweet and spicy blend of rum, honey, and fresh ginger.
What are the main ingredients in the marinade?
The marinade consists of 1/2 cup of rum, 1/4 cup of honey, and 1 tablespoon of freshly grated ginger.
How long should the shrimp marinate?
The shrimp should be refrigerated and allowed to marinate for two hours to fully absorb the flavors.
What is the total cooking time for the shrimp?
The shrimp take approximately three minutes to cook, whether you are grilling them or sautéing them in a pan.
How do I prepare the shrimp before marinating?
The shrimp should be shelled and deveined before being added to the rum and honey mixture.
Can I cook this dish without a grill?
Yes, you can sauté the shrimp in a pan over medium-high heat for about three minutes until they turn pink and opaque.
What traditional Ecuadorian sides are recommended?
It is best served with fluffy rice, lime wedges, pureed avocado, and the traditional Ecuadorian 'aji' sauce.
What is 'aji' sauce?
Aji is a staple Ecuadorian hot sauce or condiment typically served at the dining table to add spice to various dishes.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
What heat setting should I use for the grill?
Preheat your grill to high heat before placing the shrimp skewers on it.
How should I thread the shrimp on skewers?
Thread the shrimp so they remain flat, which helps ensure even cooking across the entire skewer.
What does the shrimp look like when it is finished cooking?
The shrimp are fully cooked when they become pink and opaque.
Can I use the leftover marinade during cooking?
Yes, you can brush the remaining marinade onto the skewers while grilling or pour it into the pan while sautéing.
Is fresh ginger necessary for this recipe?
Freshly grated ginger is recommended to achieve the authentic sweet and spicy flavor profile of the dish.
What type of rum is used?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of rum, which contributes to the sweet and luscious profile of the marinade.
Is this recipe considered spicy?
The shrimp themselves have a sweet and spicy profile from the ginger, but the heat can be increased by adding the optional 'aji' sauce.
Is this a good recipe for summer?
Yes, it is specifically noted as being perfect for summer barbecues and outdoor gatherings.
How much honey is required?
You will need 1/4 cup of honey for the marinade.
How much shrimp do I need?
The recipe requires 1 lb of large shrimp.
What is the flavor profile of this dish?
The flavor profile is a sweet and spicy blend characteristic of the Ecuadorian coastal region.
Do I need to cover the shrimp while they marinate?
Yes, cover the mixing bowl with plastic wrap before placing it in the refrigerator.
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, as long as they are thawed, shelled, and deveined before you begin the marinating process.
What is the first step of the instructions?
The first step is to combine the rum, honey, and freshly grated ginger in a mixing bowl until fully incorporated.
How do I serve the avocado?
The avocado should be prepared as a silky puree to serve alongside the grilled shrimp.
Is this a main dish or an appetizer?
While it can be served as a main dish with rice, it is also suitable as an appetizer for gatherings.
Should the grill be preheated?
Yes, the instructions specify to preheat the grill to high heat after the two-hour marinating period.
What is the primary protein in this recipe?
The primary protein is large shrimp.
How do I handle the shrimp if sautéing?
Add the shrimp to a pan over medium-high heat, pour over some marinade, and stir occasionally for three minutes.
Are there any specific tags for this recipe?
Common tags include Ecuadorian cuisine, grilled shrimp, seafood recipe, easy recipe, and summer grilling.
Can I substitute the honey?
While honey provides the specific Ecuadorian profile, other liquid sweeteners could be used, though the flavor will change.