Experience the Delight of Blackened Shrimp & Crispy Chilled Cucumbers: A Culinary Journey with Ally’s Kitchen
Today, we embark on a delightful culinary adventure, spotlighting a truly exceptional dish: Blackened Shrimp and Crispy Chilled Cucumbers. This recipe isn’t just about incredible flavors; it’s also a gateway to discovering the enchanting world of one of my dearest foodie friends, Ally, and her phenomenal new cookbook, “Ally’s Kitchen.” As a blogger who started this journey nearly four years ago, I had the pleasure of meeting Ally through our shared passion for food. From the moment we connected, her warmth and genuine spirit shone through. She possesses that sweet Southern charm that instantly makes you feel welcome, as if you could simply settle into her kitchen and listen to her captivating stories for hours.
Meet Ally: The Heart Behind Ally’s Kitchen Cookbook
Ally’s vibrant personality is beautifully infused into her cookbook. It’s more than just a collection of recipes; it’s a beautifully crafted narrative that draws you in from the very first page. Imagine being whisked away on a magic carpet ride, exploring exotic lands and experiencing diverse cultures, all through the incredible power of taste and Ally’s talented storytelling. Her stories are enchanting, setting the perfect mood before you even dive into the dishes. Each recipe feels like a carefully chosen destination, promising a unique culinary experience. Trust me, the captivating narratives will lure you in, and the mouth-watering recipes will have you completely hooked, line, and sinker!
Her cookbook, “Ally’s Kitchen,” is an absolute treasure. It’s so visually stunning and engaging that it currently holds a place of honor on my coffee table, far too beautiful to be tucked away on a shelf. It’s a book meant to be seen, admired, and shared. I truly hope to meet Ally in person someday and have her autograph my cherished copy. The thought of it makes me smile!
For those eager to get their hands on this culinary masterpiece, Ally’s Kitchen cookbook is readily available online. You can find it on Amazon and Barnes & Noble. It also hit bookstore shelves on May 12th! What an exciting time for Ally and for all of us food lovers!
Choosing the Perfect Dish: Blackened Shrimp
With so many enticing options in Ally’s cookbook, deciding which recipe to try first was quite a challenge. Each page turned revealed another mouth-watering possibility, a testament to the book’s incredible range and Ally’s culinary creativity. When you get your copy, you’ll understand the delightful dilemma! However, my eyes kept returning to one particular recipe: her incredible Blackened Shrimp. As a huge fan of spicy food and a frequent orderer of “blackened” seafood when dining out, I knew this had to be my first culinary experiment from the book.
While I’ve always loved the robust flavors of blackened dishes, I had never ventured into making my own blackening rub from scratch. I’m thrilled to report that Ally’s recipe made the process incredibly easy, and the outcome was nothing short of scrumptious! The vibrant blend of spices, featuring paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, cumin, and a kick from cayenne pepper and red chili flakes, created a deeply aromatic and visually appealing rub. Each shrimp was beautifully coated, promising an explosion of flavor.
The Art of Blackening: Simple Steps, Incredible Results
Preparing the blackened shrimp was a revelation. The spices created a perfect symphony of heat and earthiness. As the shrimp cooked in the skillet, a tantalizing aroma filled my kitchen, promising the deliciousness to come. The mixture of paprika, onion and garlic powder, cumin, sea salt, pepper, thyme, oregano, and the customizable heat of cayenne and red chili flakes was pure perfection. Just look at them glisten in the pan, radiant with spicy warmth! The quick pan-searing technique ensures the shrimp remain tender and juicy on the inside, while developing that characteristic flavorful crust on the outside.
The Perfect Counterpoint: Crispy Chilled Cucumbers
What truly elevates this dish is the brilliant pairing with crispy chilled cucumbers. These aren’t just plain cucumbers; they are infused with a delightful tang from fresh lime juice and the aromatic freshness of cilantro. This refreshing element creates an exquisite balance, perfectly complementing the fiery kick of the blackened shrimp. Just as your taste buds are experiencing the wonderful heat from the spices, the cool, crisp cucumber provides a soothing counterpoint – you might even say it’s “cool as a cucumber!” The contrast in temperatures and flavors is simply masterful, making each bite an exciting experience.
Ally’s presentation suggestion of placing a succulent shrimp atop each cucumber slice is fantastic, transforming this dish into a fun and elegant appetizer. However, these Blackened Shrimp and Crispy Chilled Cucumbers are substantial enough to serve as a satisfying main course. We enjoyed them as a primary dish alongside a side of fluffy brown rice, creating a wholesome and incredibly flavorful meal. It was such a hit that there wasn’t a single morsel left – a true testament to its irresistible appeal!
Recipe: Blackened Shrimp and Crisp Chilled Cucumbers
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Print Recipe
Blackened Shrimp and Crisp Chilled Cucumbers
Spicy blackened shrimp paired with chilled crisp cucumbers flavored with cilantro and lime.
Ingredients
- 16-20 about 1 1/4 pounds large deveined shrimp, tails on
- FOR THE SPICE
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried ground thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried ground oregano
- 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper adjust to your heat index
- 1/4 to 1/2 red chili flakes adjust to your heat index
- 2 Tablespoons butter
- Cooking spray
- FOR THE CUCUMBERS
- 1-20 1/2 inch thick slices of English cucumbers
- 2 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 Tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1/3 cup cilantro chopped
Instructions
- Combine cucumbers in a bowl with other listed ingredients. Cover and chill until ready to serve. (I made mine that morning)
- Prepare blackening spices by mixing them in a small bowl.
- In a large skillet melt butter. Spray shrimp on both sides with cooking spray. Dredge in seasonings. Place in skillet, taking care not to crowd them. Pan sear for 1 1/2 to 2 minutes on each side. Add cooking spray to the skillet if needed.
- Serve the blackened shrimp with the cucumbers.
Nutrition
Dive Deeper into Ally’s Culinary World
This Blackened Shrimp and Crispy Chilled Cucumbers recipe is just a glimpse into the diverse and delectable offerings found within Ally’s Kitchen cookbook. If you enjoyed this culinary journey, you’ll be thrilled to discover even more of Ally’s creative and accessible recipes.
Want more inspiration and delightful stories?
Explore Ally’s Kitchen Website for More Culinary Delights
Watch the captivating Cookbook Video Trailer to see what awaits you
Join Ally’s virtual Blog Tour throughout May and discover more incredible recipes and stories from her foodie friends.
Beyond Shrimp: Rustic Lemon Cheese Cupcakes
The second recipe I couldn’t resist trying from Ally’s Kitchen, found on page 35, was her “Rustic Lemon Cheese Cupcakes.” These delightful treats were the absolutely perfect dessert to follow our spicy shrimp meal. Imagine light, fluffy cupcakes with a hint of tangy lemon and a creamy, rich cheese element – a truly harmonious blend of flavors and textures that left us completely satisfied. I won’t give away the recipe here, as the joy of discovering it within the pages of Ally’s cookbook is part of the experience. You’ll have to check them out when you get your own copy!
Win Your Own Copy of Ally’s Kitchen Cookbook!
Now for the exciting news! Ally is generously giving away three copies of her incredible new cookbook. This is your chance to win a copy for yourself and embark on your own culinary adventures filled with delicious recipes and captivating stories. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to add “Ally’s Kitchen” to your collection and experience the magic firsthand.
To enter the giveaway and stand a chance to win one of these fantastic cookbooks, please follow the instructions on the host blog or visit Ally’s Kitchen website for details on how to participate.
Cooking with Ally’s Kitchen has been an absolute pleasure, bringing both delicious meals and inspiring stories into my home. From the vibrant flavors of the Blackened Shrimp and Crispy Chilled Cucumbers to the sweet delight of the Rustic Lemon Cheese Cupcakes, her cookbook is a must-have for any food enthusiast. I wholeheartedly recommend diving into her world of food and friendship.