Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spicy Chipotle Shrimp Alfredo?
Spicy Chipotle Shrimp Alfredo is a flavorful seafood dish featuring sautéed shrimp in a creamy sauce made with heavy cream, white wine, and smoky chipotle chiles in adobo.
What kind of shrimp is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 lbs of large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined, with the tails left intact for presentation.
Is this dish very spicy?
Yes, it has a bold kick due to the canned chipotle chiles in adobo. You should be cautious about adding extra heat as the recipe already has plenty of personality.
How do I coat the shrimp?
Toss the shrimp in a mixture of all-purpose flour, finely chopped cilantro, salt, and pepper until each piece is adequately coated.
What type of wine should I use?
A dry white wine is recommended. It is used to deglaze the pan and add acidity to the cream sauce.
What can I serve with Spicy Chipotle Shrimp Alfredo?
This dish is perfectly served over rice, which helps soak up the magnificent creamy chipotle sauce.
How many calories are in one serving?
There are approximately 350 calories per serving.
How much protein is in this recipe?
This recipe provides 23g of protein per serving.
What is the fat content of this dish?
This dish contains 25g of fat per serving, primarily from the heavy cream and butter.
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
You can, but you may want to reduce the additional salt added to the flour mixture to avoid the dish becoming too salty.
How long does it take to cook the shrimp?
The shrimp should be sautéed for about 5 minutes or until they turn golden brown and are just cooked through.
What are chipotle chiles in adobo?
They are smoked and dried jalapeños rehydrated and canned in a sweet and tangy purée of tomato, vinegar, and spices.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
The recipe requires 2 minced garlic cloves to deepen the flavor of the sauce.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, you would need to substitute the 1 cup of all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensure your Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free.
What is the purpose of the Worcestershire sauce?
Worcestershire sauce is added to the shrimp and chipotle mixture to deepen the overall taste and complexity of the sauce.
How much heavy cream is used?
The recipe uses 1 cup of heavy cream to create the luxurious sauce.
Is the cilantro mandatory?
No, the cilantro is listed as optional, though it is used both in the flour coating and as a garnish.
How many carbohydrates are in this dish?
There are 8g of carbohydrates per serving.
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, but ensure they are completely thawed and patted dry before coating them in the flour mixture.
How do I thicken the sauce?
Allowing the mixture to simmer for 2 minutes after adding the heavy cream will help the sauce thicken slightly.
What category does this recipe fall into?
It is a seafood dinner dish with Mexican inspiration, categorized as comfort food.
Can I use a different type of alcohol?
While white wine is traditional for Alfredo-style sauces, you could use chicken broth with a squeeze of lime as a non-alcoholic substitute.
How do I prevent the shrimp from becoming rubbery?
Remove the shrimp from the pan once they turn golden and are just cooked through, and only return them briefly to finish the sauce.
What size pan should I use?
A large, heavy sauté pan is recommended to ensure even heat distribution.
Is this a quick meal?
Yes, it is tagged as a '30 minutes or less' meal, making it ideal for weeknights.
Can I use pre-minced garlic?
Yes, you can use 2 teaspoons of jarred minced garlic if you do not have fresh cloves.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days; however, cream-based sauces are best enjoyed immediately.
How do I reheat this dish?
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk if the sauce has thickened too much in the fridge.
Can I substitute the heavy cream with milk?
Using milk will result in a much thinner sauce. If you must substitute, use half-and-half, but the richness will be reduced.
What makes the sauce 'Alfredo' style?
While this is a fusion dish, the use of butter and heavy cream as the base for the sauce mimics the texture of a traditional Alfredo.