Savory Shrimp and Bacon Toss with Pea Shoots
This vibrant and flavorful dish highlights tender pea shoots, the young greens of snow peas, which are a delightful addition to springtime meals. Combined with succulent shrimp and crispy bacon, this one-dish meal is not only satisfying but also bursting with fresh herbs. The addition of shallots, a tangy malt vinegar dressing, and a hint of Dijon mustard elevates this dish, making it perfect for a hearty lunch or a light dinner. Whether you find pea shoots at your local farmer's market or grow them yourself, this recipe brings out their natural sweetness while complementing it with savory notes from the shrimp and bacon.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
kosher salt
to taste (used for boiling water and seasoning)
large shrimp
1/2 lb (shell on, deveined)
bacon
6 slices (roughly chopped)
shallots
2 (finely chopped)
malt vinegar
1/3 cup (for dressing)
Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon (for dressing)
sugar
2 teaspoons (for dressing)
fresh ground black pepper
to taste (for seasoning)
pea shoots
8 ounces (fresh)
fresh chives
1/2 cup (chopped)
fresh tarragon
2 tablespoons (chopped)
Instructions
1
Start by bringing 2 quarts of kosher salted water to a boil. While the water heats, prepare an ice water bath in a large bowl.
2
Once the water is boiling, add the shrimp and cook until they are opaque, about 2 minutes. Immediately transfer the cooked shrimp into the ice water bath and leave them for 5 minutes. After chilling, peel the shrimp and set them aside in a bowl.
3
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the chopped bacon. Cook, stirring often, until the bacon is golden brown and crispy, about 8 to 10 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, remove the bacon from the skillet and let it drain on paper towels.
4
In the same skillet with the rendered bacon fat, add the finely chopped shallots. Sauté for 1 to 2 minutes, or until the shallots are soft and fragrant. Whisk in the malt vinegar, Dijon mustard, sugar, a pinch of kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper to create a tangy dressing.
5
Add the pea shoots to the skillet and season lightly with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Toss gently to combine, allowing the pea shoots to wilt slightly from the heat.
6
To serve, transfer the warm pea shoots to a large serving bowl. Arrange the chilled shrimp on top, then sprinkle with the crispy bacon, fresh chives, and tarragon. Enjoy this dish warm or at room temperature.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main protein in Savory Shrimp and Bacon Toss?
The main proteins used in this recipe are 1/2 lb of large shrimp and 6 slices of bacon.
How long should the shrimp be boiled?
The shrimp should be boiled for about 2 minutes until they are opaque.
What is the first step in preparing the shrimp?
The first step is bringing 2 quarts of kosher salted water to a boil and preparing an ice water bath in a large bowl.
How long do the shrimp need to chill in the ice bath?
The shrimp should remain in the ice water bath for 5 minutes before peeling.
How is the bacon prepared for this recipe?
The bacon should be roughly chopped and cooked in a large skillet over medium-high heat until golden brown and crispy.
How long does it take to cook the bacon?
It typically takes about 8 to 10 minutes for the bacon to become golden brown and crispy.
What should I do with the bacon after it is cooked?
Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and let it drain on paper towels.
Is the bacon fat used in this recipe?
Yes, the shallots are sautéed in the rendered bacon fat remaining in the skillet.
How many shallots are needed for this dish?
The recipe calls for 2 finely chopped shallots.
How long do you sauté the shallots?
The shallots should be sautéed for 1 to 2 minutes until they are soft and fragrant.
What ingredients make up the tangy dressing?
The dressing consists of malt vinegar, Dijon mustard, sugar, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
How much malt vinegar is required?
The recipe uses 1/3 cup of malt vinegar for the dressing.
What kind of mustard is used in the dressing?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard.
How much sugar is added to the dressing?
The recipe includes 2 teaspoons of sugar for the dressing.
What are pea shoots?
Pea shoots are the vibrant and tender young greens of snow peas.
How many ounces of pea shoots are used?
The recipe requires 8 ounces of fresh pea shoots.
How are the pea shoots cooked?
The pea shoots are added to the skillet with the dressing and tossed gently until they wilt slightly from the heat.
Which fresh herbs are used for garnishing?
The dish is garnished with 1/2 cup of chopped fresh chives and 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh tarragon.
What is the recommended serving temperature for this dish?
This dish can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature.
How is the dish assembled for serving?
Transfer warm pea shoots to a bowl, arrange chilled shrimp on top, and sprinkle with crispy bacon and herbs.
What type of salt is recommended for this recipe?
Kosher salt is used for both boiling the shrimp and seasoning the final dish.
What kind of shrimp should be purchased for this recipe?
Large shrimp that are shell-on and deveined are recommended.
Is this a good recipe for springtime?
Yes, it is specifically described as a spring recipe that highlights fresh pea shoots.
What is the total ingredient count?
There are 11 ingredients in total for this Savory Shrimp and Bacon Toss.
Can this dish be served as a meal?
Yes, it is described as a satisfying one-dish meal perfect for a hearty lunch or light dinner.
Does this recipe include any sugar?
Yes, 2 teaspoons of sugar are added to the dressing to balance the tangy malt vinegar.
How should the herbs be prepared?
Both the fresh chives and fresh tarragon should be chopped before being sprinkled over the dish.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include shrimp, bacon, pea shoots, one dish meal, spring recipe, seafood, and herb salad.
What tool is used to remove bacon from the skillet?
A slotted spoon is used to remove the bacon while leaving the rendered fat in the pan.
How are the shrimp treated after the ice bath?
Once chilled for 5 minutes, the shrimp are peeled and set aside until assembly.