Delicious Shrimp Mosca Recipe that Will Leave You Satisfied
As a home chef who loves throwing parties, I’m always looking for delicious and crowd-pleasing dishes to add to my repertoire. And let me tell you, this shrimp mosca recipe is a game-changer.
Originating from the legendary Mosca restaurant in Avondale, Louisiana, this dish has been a staple in many households and is guaranteed to leave your guests wanting more.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity – it only requires a handful of basic ingredients that you likely already have at home. By cooking the shrimp in extra virgin olive oil and pairing it with aromatic herbs like rosemary, oregano, and bay leaves, you can create a dish packed with flavor that your guests won’t soon forget.
Whether you’re hosting a fancy dinner party or just want to impress your family at Sunday dinner, this shrimp mosca recipe is sure to be a hit. So let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
When it comes to seafood, there are few dishes as mouth-watering and satisfying as the Shrimp Mosca. Trust me, this dish will take your taste buds on a journey and leave you wanting more.
The recipe is infused with rich and savory flavors such as extra virgin olive oil, garlic cloves, oregano, rosemary, salt, and black pepper. The addition of bay leaves adds aromatic depth that transports you straight to New Orleans. This dish has been perfected by the world-renowned Mosca Restaurant in Avondale, Louisiana, so you know it’s going to be good.
One of the best things about this recipe is that it’s not only delicious but also easy to prepare. With just a handful of ingredients – including 2 pounds of fresh shrimp – you can whip up this dish in no time. The preparation process is straightforward: fry the shrimp lightly coated in breadcrumbs until golden brown and serve them with a garlic-infused sauce made with butter and lemon juice.
Aside from being absolutely delicious, this dish is also versatile. You can easily make substitutions or variations based on your preferences or what’s available in your pantry. The recipe can be adapted to fit dietary restrictions or allergies without sacrificing its unique taste.
Overall, the Shrimp Mosca recipe is an absolute must-try for seafood lovers everywhere. Its combination of flavors is both comforting and exciting at the same time, making it the perfect addition to your dinner table. So why not give it a try? Your taste buds will thank you!
Ingredient List
Here’s everything you’ll need to make Shrimp Mosca. This recipe makes six servings.
Main Ingredients:
- 2 lbs fresh shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 3 bay leaves
- 6 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Other Ingredients:
- 1 stick of unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
- 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
Note that the quality of your ingredients plays a big role in the taste and final result of this recipe. So, make sure to use the freshest shrimp possible and high-quality olive oil for maximum flavor.
The Recipe How-To
Now that we know why Shrimp Mosca is a New Orleans classic and how it can be varied and paired, let’s jump into the recipe. For this Shrimp Mosca Recipe, we will need the following:
Ingredient List
- 2 lbs of fresh, large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 bay leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup of extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon of dried oregano leaves
- 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh rosemary leaves (optional)
- 8 cloves of garlic, chopped or minced
- 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- In a large frying pan, heat ¾ cup olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the shrimp shells, bay leaves, salt, black pepper, oregano, and garlic. Cook for about 5 minutes until the shrimp shells are pink and fragrant.
- Add the fresh shrimp and stir well to coat with the mixture. Cook for another 10-15 minutes until the shrimp are fully cooked and have turned pink in color.
- Once done, remove from heat and add butter to the pan. Stir well to melt the butter.
- Transfer the shrimp mixture to a baking dish, making sure all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Pour remaining olive oil over the shrimp mixture. Toss carefully to coat each piece with oil.
- Bake in the oven for about 15 minutes or until it turns a nice golden brown color.
- Sprinkle fresh parsley over the top.
Before serving, allow Shrimp Mosca to rest for a few moments since it will be hot from right out of the oven!
Substitutions and Variations
As with any recipe, there are always opportunities for substitutions and variations to suit individual tastes or dietary restrictions. The shrimp mosca recipe is no exception. Here are a few possibilities for those looking to switch up the traditional dish:
– Swap shrimp for another protein: While shrimp is the star of this dish, other seafood options like scallops or crab make for delicious alternatives.
– Experiment with spices: Don’t be afraid to play around with different herbs and spices. Try adding in cumin or paprika for a smokier flavor, or red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
– Adjust the heat level: If you find the recipe too spicy, reduce the amount of black pepper or omit the cayenne pepper altogether. For more heat, add extra hot sauce or red pepper flakes to taste.
– Substitute in butter alternatives: For those who are looking to make a healthier version of the recipe, try using ghee or avocado oil instead of butter.
– Serve over pasta: For a heartier meal, try serving the shrimp and sauce over your favorite pasta.
– Go vegan: Make this recipe vegan-friendly by swapping out shrimp for mushrooms or tofu and replacing butter with vegan butter substitutes.
No matter how you choose to modify the dish, be sure to keep the foundational ingredients such as olive oil, garlic, and bay leaves as they are what give this dish its signature flavor.
Serving and Pairing
When it comes to serving and pairing this shrimp mosca recipe, let me share with you some insider tips that will take your dining experience to the next level.
First of all, it’s important to understand that this dish is a fantastic main course for dinner parties or special occasions. Shrimp mosca is a perfect entree for those moments when you want to impress your guests with a restaurant-quality meal but without the hassle of complicated cooking techniques or long preparation times. It’s just what the chef ordered: simple yet delectable.
So, what goes best with shrimp mosca? Since this dish is full of bold flavors like garlic, oregano, and rosemary, it deserves a little something special to complement its intensity. One option is to pair it with a refreshing green salad or boiled vegetables like asparagus or baby carrots, which will help balance out the richness of the sauce and add some extra texture to the plate.
Another excellent pairing option is crusty bread that can soak up all that goodness left in the sauce after the shrimp are gone. This easy-to-make side dish adds a comforting and hearty touch that your guests will appreciate.
Finally, how about adding some jazz tunes in the background and an ice-cold glass of beer or white wine? This will give your dining experience an extra touch of New Orleans vibe reminiscent of Mosca Restaurant in Avondale Louisiana where this recipe originated.
Remember, no matter what you serve with this shrimp mosca recipe, making sure that everyone has enough crusty bread to mop up all those savory juices after they’ve devoured their succulent shrimp should be your number one priority!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
While this Shrimp Mosca recipe is best enjoyed fresh and hot out of the oven, there are ways to prepare ahead of time and store it for later.
To make the Shrimp Mosca ahead of time, you can cook the shrimp in the garlic butter sauce as directed, but remove them from heat about five minutes early. Allow the shrimp to cool to room temperature, then carefully transfer them into an airtight container, along with the remaining sauce. You can then cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Reheating your Shrimp Mosca is simple, yet requires caution not to overcook the delicate shrimp. To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Pour the shrimp and garlic butter sauce into a baking dish and place it in the oven for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
When storing leftover Shrimp Mosca in the refrigerator, it’s best to consume within two days after cooking. While you can freeze leftovers, it may alter the texture of the shrimp when thawing and reheating.
Overall, this recipe is perfect for serving at large gatherings or potlucks as it can be easily made ahead of time and stored until ready to serve.
Tips for Perfect Results
When it comes to cooking the perfect shrimp mosca, small changes in technique or ingredient can make a big difference. As an experienced home chef and party-thrower, I’ve learned a few tips and tricks along the way to ensure the best results from this classic New Orleans dish.
First up, let’s talk about the shrimp. Fresh is always best, and if you can get your hands on Gulf shrimp, go for it! Make sure they are peeled and deveined, with the tails left on for presentation. If fresh shrimp is not available in your area, frozen shrimp will also work well. Just be sure to thaw them properly before cooking to avoid any rubbery texture.
To impart maximum flavor into the dish, don’t skimp on the garlic! I like to use whole cloves of garlic that are smashed and peeled rather than minced. This ensures a more subtle garlicky flavor that won’t overpower the other ingredients. And if you’re feeling adventurous, try roasting the garlic beforehand to add another depth of flavor.
In addition, using high-quality olive oil is key. Opt for extra-virgin olive oil in this recipe to bring out its robust taste. When heating up the oil in the frying pan, make sure it’s hot enough before adding the shrimp to avoid soggy or overcooked shrimp.
When it comes to seasoning, keep it simple with just a few choice herbs and spices. Oregano, rosemary, salt, black pepper, and bay leaves are all you need for a perfect flavor combination. And remember that a little goes a long way.
Finally, don’t forget about presentation. Serving this dish family-style on a large platter with fresh lemon wedges adds color and zest. You can also sprinkle some extra herbs on top for garnish.
Follow these tips and you will surely impress your guests with perfectly cooked shrimp mosca every time!
Bottom Line
In conclusion, the Shrimp Mosca recipe is an easy-to-make yet flavorful and mouthwatering dish that will win over any seafood lover. A complete meal that you can whip up in no time, this recipe combines the richness of the shrimp with the pungent aromas of oregano, rosemary, and garlic to create an unforgettable dish that everyone will love.
This recipe offers plenty of room for experimentation and customization, making it a versatile meal option that can be adapted to suit any taste preferences or dietary requirements. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply looking to enjoy a delicious meal at home, this Shrimp Mosca recipe is the perfect choice.
With its simple ingredients and straightforward cooking instructions, you don’t need to be a seasoned chef to prepare this dish. So why not give it a try? Once you take your first bite of this sumptuous dish, you’ll never look back.
So what are you waiting for? Grab your apron and head to the kitchen – it’s time to create a culinary masterpiece with the Shrimp Mosca recipe!
Shrimp Mosca Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 lbs shrimp, fresh, unpeeled (15-20 count)
- 6 -8 garlic cloves
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon black pepper, ground fresh
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon rosemary, dried and crushed in your hand
- 1 teaspoon oregano, dried and crushed in your hand
- 2 ounces extra virgin olive oil
- 1 ounce sauterne white wine
Instructions
- Heat oil in frying pan and add shrimp and spices, saute for 15 minutes, or until the shrimp turn pink.
- Add wine and simmer for 10 minutes more.
- Shrimp are to be peeled at tableside and served with hot, crisp bread for dunking into the sauce.
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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!