Mouthwatering Seafood Delight: Shrimp and Grits Recipe
Are you looking to spice up your party or impress your guests with an easy yet impressive dish? Look no further than my Shrimp con Queso recipe. This dish is perfect for any occasion- from game night with friends to a family dinner.
With a creamy, cheesy sauce loaded with tender, juicy shrimp and bold Tex-Mex flavors, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re serving it as a dip with tortilla chips or as a main dish over rice, the combination of shrimp and homemade queso will leave your guests asking for the recipe.
The best part? This recipe is easy to customize and make your own. Add some cajun seasoning for a spicy kick or top with some sliced peppers for an extra crunch.
So gather up your ingredients and get ready to make a dish that will have everyone coming back for more- my Shrimp con Queso.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you in search of a recipe that is easy to make, utterly cheesy and deliciously indulgent? Look no further, because this Shrimp con Queso Recipe is exactly what you need. Trust me; your taste buds will go wild.
First and foremost, let’s talk about the cheese. This recipe includes not one, but two types of cheese – extra-sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack. The blend of these cheeses creates a rich, creamy base for the dish that will melt in your mouth. Every bite will leave you craving for more.
What’s more is that it has shrimp – juicy, tender shrimp at that. I don’t know about you, but having seafood in my meal always makes me feel like I’m eating healthy food. It’s light and packed with protein to keep me feeling full and satisfied.
The secret ingredient to this Shrimp con Queso Recipe has got to be the cornstarch – which thickens the sauce without turning it gooey or sticky. Making it perfect for serving over tortilla chips as an appetizer or as a main dish along with rice or pasta.
Whether you’re hosting a party or just want to whip up a quick dinner on a weeknight, this recipe is always a hit! Easy to prepare and fully customizable in terms of spice level (use spicy jalapenos if you want to add some heat) and ingredients (try swapping out the shrimp for crab or cajun-style shrimp).
In conclusion, this Shrimp con Queso Recipe is cheesy, packed with shrimps and positively scrumptious! You won’t regret trying this recipe out; trust me, everyone will keep coming back for more.
Ingredient List
Here are the ingredients you will need for this exquisite Shrimp con Queso Recipe that will ensure your party is a hit!
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
For the Queso:
- 16 ounces extra-sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 8 ounces Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 can Ro-tel tomatoes with juice
- 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- ¼ cup chopped white onion
For the Shrimp:
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Cocktail sauce (optional, for serving)
- Tortilla chips (for serving)
Optional Ingredients
You can use any of these to customize your Shrimp con Queso Recipe according to your preferences.
- Cream cheese
- Cajun shrimp
- Spicy jalapeno
- Crab
- Layered with cold spinach
The Recipe How-To
Now that we have gone through the ingredients, let’s dive into the recipe! In this section, I will guide you step-by-step on how to make a delicious shrimp con queso.
Step 1: Preparing the Shrimp
The first thing to do is to peel and devein the shrimp. Once done, toss them with some cornstarch and set aside.
Step 2: Sautéing the Vegetables
Heat up a large skillet over medium heat and add in some olive oil. Toss in some finely chopped white onion, garlic, and diced tomatoes with juice. Stir everything together for a few minutes until the vegetables are soft and aromatic.
Step 3: Adding the Shrimp
After the onions are translucent, move them aside in the pan and add more oil if necessary. When heated, add in the shrimp and cook them for about 2-3 minutes until they turn pink. Take care not to overcook them as they will become rubbery.
Step 4: Making Homemade Queso
Now it’s time to make homemade queso! Lower the heat to low and pour in about 1 cup of milk into the skillet with the shrimp mixture. Then, stir in some shredded extra-sharp cheddar cheese and monterey jack cheese, alternating between both cheeses until they are completely melted. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking at the bottom of the pan.
Step 5: Final Touches
Stir in a can of diced tomatoes with green chiles (such as Rotel) and sprinkle some chopped fresh cilantro on top. Serve hot with some tortilla chips or use as a topping for nachos or tacos.
That’s it! This recipe is perfect as an appetizer for your next party or something fun to whip up for dinner. The combination of spicy jalapeno shrimp and melted cheesy goodness is sure to delight your taste buds.
Substitutions and Variations
Making substitutions and variations to a recipe can often be an exciting challenge for home cooks looking to add their flair to a recipe. While the Shrimp con Queso Recipe is already incredibly delicious as it is, there are several simple modifications that you can make to switch things up and take it to the next level.
Firstly, if you prefer spicier dishes, you could swap out regular diced tomatoes with Rotel (tomatoes with green chiles), or add some diced jalapeños or spicy cajun shrimp when cooking the dish. For those who aren’t fans of spice, consider omitting these ingredients altogether or using mild versions instead.
Additionally, if you have dietary restrictions, a few changes can make this recipe more suitable for you. For gluten-free options, use gluten-free tortilla chips and check the labels of all other ingredients. To make it vegetarian-friendly, you could swap out the shrimp for crab or even use spinach as a base instead.
If you’re feeling adventurous, try swapping the cheddar cheese for something stronger like gouda or smoked cheddar to give your shrimp con queso a nuanced flavor profile. Another option would be to use different types of cheese entirely, like Monterey Jack or queso blanco.
Lastly, if you’re looking for a creative plating option, try layering your Shrimp con Queso in a trifle dish with cream cheese and cocktail sauce for a unique and visually stunning appetizer.
In summary, don’t be afraid to experiment with this recipe and make it your own using different ingredients and techniques to craft dishes that suit your taste preferences. With just a little creativity and imagination, Shrimp con Queso will become one of your go-to dishes!
Serving and Pairing
Once you’ve whipped up this delicious shrimp con queso recipe, it’s time to think about how best to enjoy it. You can serve it as an appetizer with tortilla chips on the side, or as a main dish over a bed of rice or with a side of crisp vegetables.
If you want to take things up a notch, try pairing your shrimp con queso with a cocktail sauce made from fresh tomatoes and spices, or serve it alongside some creamy avocado dip. The spicy and cheesy flavors of the dish match well with refreshing margaritas or chilled Chardonnays.
For those looking for something more substantial, the shrimp con queso can be served with some boiled potatoes or sweet potatoes on the side for a complete meal. Add some sauteed spinach or grilled bell peppers to round out the flavor and nutrient profile of your meal.
If you’re throwing a party, set up a DIY nacho bar with various toppings like chopped cilantro, diced jalapenos, and slices of fresh lime. Your guests can use their creativity to personalize their own plates, making this cheesy masterpiece even more enjoyable.
No matter how you choose to serve it, this shrimp con queso recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser that will leave everyone satisfied and asking for more!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Now that you’ve wowed your guests with your delicious shrimp con queso, don’t let any leftovers go to waste! You can easily make this dish ahead of time for your next party or gathering.
To make this dish ahead of time, prepare the shrimp con queso according to the recipe instructions and transfer it to a heat-safe container. Cover the container with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for up to three days. When you’re ready to serve the dish, transfer it back to a large skillet and reheat over low heat until it’s hot and bubbly.
If you have any leftover shrimp con queso, it’s important to store it properly so that it stays fresh for as long as possible. Wait for the dish to cool down completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days or in the freezer for up to two months.
To reheat the dish, place it in a saucepan over low heat and stir occasionally until it reaches your desired temperature. If you find that the cheese has become thick or clumpy after being refrigerated or frozen, add a splash of milk to help loosen it up.
One tip I recommend is to avoid reheating this dish in the microwave as it can cause the cheese to become rubbery or unevenly heated.
So there you have it – an easy way to make this tasty appetizer ahead of time and store or reheat it without sacrificing its flavor and texture. Enjoy!
Tips for Perfect Results
To ensure that your Shrimp con Queso turns out as cheesy and scrumptious as possible, follow these tips:
Firstly, make sure to pat dry the shrimp completely before cooking it in a skillet. Any excess moisture could lead to a mushy texture and prevent the shrimp from browning properly.
Secondly, if you’re using store-bought queso rather than homemade, go for a high-quality one. The better quality queso you use, the more delicious your Shrimp con Queso will be.
Thirdly, don’t overcook the shrimp. Overcooking can cause it to become tough and rubbery. Cook it just until it turns pink and is no longer opaque.
Fourthly, for added flavor and texture, consider adding diced bell peppers or a can of Ro-Tel tomatoes with chilies to your Shrimp con Queso. They can give your dish some extra heat and depth.
Fifthly, serve the Shrimp con Queso straight away whilst still hot. Waiting too long can cause the cheese to lose its creaminess and become stiff.
Lastly, for presentation purposes and an extra crunch, serve some tortilla chips on top of the dish or on the side as a dipper. This adds to the overall flavorful experience of eating this cheesy appetizer.
By following these tips, you are guaranteed to create a stunning bowl of Shrimp con Queso that your guests will rave about!
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this shrimp con queso recipe is an easy and delicious way to impress your guests at a party. With a few simple ingredients, you can make a dish that will have everyone asking for the recipe. By using fresh shrimp, extra-sharp cheddar cheese, and Monterey Jack cheese, you’ll get a rich and cheesy flavor that pairs perfectly with tortilla chips.
Whether you’re serving it as an appetizer or as a main dish, this shrimp con queso recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. And if you want to mix things up, try adding cajun shrimp or crab for a little extra spice and flavor.
So what are you waiting for? Try out this recipe today and see for yourself why it’s one of the best queso recipes on Yummly. You won’t be disappointed!
Shrimp con Queso Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 jalapeno, seeded and minced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (16 ounce) can peeled tomatoes with juice, drained and finely chopped
- 3/4 cup milk
- 2 cups shredded monterey jack cheese
- 2 cups shredded extra-sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 lb medium shrimp, cooked,peeled,deveined and finely chopped
- hot mexican hot pepper sauce, to taste
- tortilla chips, for dipping
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, heat the oil over medium heat.
- Add the onion and jalapeno and cook, stirring often, until the onion is translucent, about 4 minutes.
- Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add the tomatoes and cook, stirring often, until they give off their juices and they evaporate, about 5 minutes.
- (The mixture should look somewhat dry.) Add the milk and bring to a simmer.
- In a medium bowl, toss the Monterey Jack and Cheddar with the cornstarch.
- Stir the cheese into the milk mixture, a handful at a time, stirring with the hot sauce.
- Transfer to a mini crockpot or fondue pot.
- Serve warm, with the tortilla chips for dipping.
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Anna is a culinary expert who specializes in grilling delicious BBQ dishes. She also enjoys sharing her recipes and experiences with her foodie community on her blog. She’s the total package for any backyard barbecue!