The air is filled with the scent of pine and cinnamon. Carols are playing softly in the background. Christmas Eve has a special kind of feeling, doesn’t it? It’s a time for family, warmth, and of course, wonderful food. But let’s be honest, it can also be a little bit hectic. That’s why having a few simple, yet impressive, recipes up your sleeve is so important. You want something that tastes incredible without keeping you in the kitchen for hours. That’s where these amazing baked shrimp come in. They are one of my favorite Christmas Eve appetizers for this very reason.
This dish is all about big flavor with little fuss. Imagine tender shrimp swimming in a savory, smoky, and slightly sweet sauce. It’s the kind of appetizer that gets everyone gathered around the table, eagerly dipping crusty bread into the skillet. It sets the perfect tone for the rest of your festive meal. So let’s get into making these delicious Christmas Eve appetizers.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
First off, this recipe is incredibly easy to make. You are essentially just mixing a sauce, letting the shrimp marinate, and then baking it. It’s almost foolproof. This makes it a great choice for beginners or for when you have a dozen other things to do. It’s a wonderful addition to your list of christmas appetizers.
The flavor is truly something else. The combination of sweet chili sauce, liquid smoke, garlic, and spices creates a sauce that is complex and so satisfying. It hits all the right notes. It is sweet, smoky, savory, and has just a little bit of heat to keep things interesting.
You can also prepare most of it ahead of time. You can get the shrimp marinating in the morning. Then, when your guests arrive, you just have to pop the skillet in the oven. This is a huge time saver on a busy holiday. It makes hosting so much less stressful. This is a key feature for great Christmas Dinner Appetizers.
It’s also a very versatile dish. While it’s presented here as one of the best Christmas Eve appetizers, you can serve it in many ways. You could toss it with pasta, serve it over rice, or even pile it onto a fresh salad for a lighter meal later in the week. It’s a recipe that keeps on giving.
Ingredients
- 1 pound white tiger shrimp
- 2 tablespoons butter (unsalted)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon liquid smoke
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon sriracha hot sauce
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- juice from ½ lemon
- salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons parsley (chopped)
Step-By-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare The Shrimp
Your first task is to get the shrimp ready. You’ll want to peel and devein them. If you bought shrimp that are already peeled and deveined, you get to skip this part. Lucky you. Otherwise, it’s a simple process. Just pull off the shell, and then make a shallow slice down the back of the shrimp to remove the dark vein. Give them a quick rinse and pat them dry.
Step 2: Create The Sauce
Now for the fun part, making that incredible sauce. Grab an oven safe skillet. A cast iron pan works beautifully here. Add the butter, olive oil, sweet chili sauce, and Worcestershire sauce. Then add the chili powder, liquid smoke, smoked paprika, dried oregano, and sriracha. Finally, add the minced garlic.
Stir everything together over medium heat. Let it simmer gently for about 5 to 10 minutes. This gives all those amazing flavors a chance to meet and mingle. Your kitchen will start to smell so good. This sauce is what makes these Christmas Eve appetizers so memorable.
Step 3: Marinate The Shrimp
Once the sauce has simmered, remove the skillet from the heat. Let it cool down for just a couple of minutes. You don’t want to cook the shrimp just yet. Now, add your prepared shrimp to the skillet. Toss them around gently so that every single one is completely coated in that delicious sauce.
Cover the skillet with foil and place it in the refrigerator. Let the shrimp marinate for at least 30 minutes. If you have more time, letting them marinate for up to 4 hours is even better. This step is what infuses the shrimp with so much flavor. It’s a simple step that makes a huge difference.
Step 4: Bake And Serve Your Christmas Eve Appetizers
When you’re ready to eat, preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Take the skillet out of the fridge and remove the foil. Place the skillet directly into the preheated oven. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes. The shrimp will turn pink and opaque when they are cooked through. Be careful not to overcook them.
As soon as they are done, carefully remove the hot skillet from the oven. Squeeze the fresh lemon juice over the top and sprinkle with chopped parsley. This brightens everything up. Serve immediately with lots of crusty French bread for dipping. Trust me, you will want that bread to soak up every last drop of the sauce. This is what makes for perfect Christmas Party Appetizers Finger Foods.
How To Store Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers, which is not very likely, storing them is easy. Allow the shrimp and sauce to cool completely to room temperature. Then, transfer them to an airtight container. They will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 2 or 3 days.
When you want to reheat them, it’s best to do it gently to avoid making the shrimp tough. You can warm them in a skillet over low heat until they are just heated through. A few seconds in the microwave also works, but be careful not to overdo it.
Tips
For the best texture, try to use large or jumbo shrimp. They hold up well to the baking process and stay nice and juicy. Both fresh and frozen shrimp work well for this recipe. If you use frozen shrimp, make sure they are completely thawed before you start.
Don’t skip the marinating time. It might seem like an extra step, but it is truly what makes this dish so flavorful. Even just 30 minutes makes a noticeable difference. It allows the shrimp to absorb all the smoky and savory notes from the sauce. This is a crucial step for amazing Christmas Dinner Appetizers.
Feel free to adjust the heat level to your liking. The recipe calls for sriracha, but you can use any hot sauce you prefer. If you like things spicier, add a little extra. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can reduce the amount or leave it out completely. The dish will still be delicious.
The number one rule for cooking shrimp is to not overcook them. They cook very quickly. As soon as they turn pink and curl up, they are done. Overcooked shrimp can become rubbery, and we definitely don’t want that for our special Christmas Eve appetizers.
When it comes to serving, crusty bread is a must have. Sliced baguette, a rustic Italian loaf, or even some warm naan bread would be fantastic. The whole point is to have something to soak up that incredible sauce. You could also serve this with toothpicks to make it an easy option for Christmas Party Appetizers Finger Foods.
Conclusion
There you have it. A simple, flavorful, and impressive shrimp dish that is sure to be a hit at your holiday gathering. It’s one of those recipes that looks and tastes like you spent hours on it, but it’s actually so simple to put together. It’s truly one of the best Christmas Eve appetizers you can make.
This dish brings a little bit of warmth and a lot of flavor to your celebration. It’s the perfect way to kick off a memorable meal with the people you love. I hope you and your family enjoy these wonderful christmas appetizers as much as mine does. Happy holidays and happy cooking.
FAQ
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp For This Recipe?
Absolutely. Frozen shrimp work great. Just make sure they are fully thawed before you begin. The best way to thaw them is to place them in the refrigerator overnight. For a quicker method, you can put them in a colander and run cold water over them until they are thawed.
What Kind Of Skillet Is Best?
Any oven safe skillet will work. A 10 inch or 12 inch cast iron skillet is a fantastic option because it holds heat so well. However, any skillet that can safely go from the stovetop to the oven is suitable for making these delicious Christmas Eve appetizers.
What Can I Serve With These Shrimp?
Crusty bread for dipping is the top choice. You could also serve them with crackers or crostini. For a more substantial meal, these shrimp are wonderful served over pasta, rice, or even creamy polenta. They are a great base for many different meals.
Can I Make This On The Stovetop Instead Of Baking?
Yes, you can. After marinating the shrimp, you can cook them directly in the skillet on the stovetop over medium high heat. Sauté them for just a few minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are pink and cooked through. The sauce may not thicken quite as much, but it will still be very tasty. This makes it an even quicker option for Christmas appetizers.
Savory Baked Shrimp Appetizer
This savory baked shrimp recipe is a simple yet impressive appetizer, perfect for Christmas Eve or any gathering. Tender shrimp are baked in a flavorful, smoky, and slightly sweet sauce, ideal for dipping crusty bread.
Requirements
Ingredients
Instructions
- In an oven-safe skillet over medium heat, combine butter, olive oil, sweet chili sauce, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, liquid smoke, smoked paprika, oregano, sriracha, and minced garlic. Simmer gently for 5-10 minutes.
- Remove skillet from heat, let cool slightly, then add shrimp and toss to coat completely in the sauce.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours) to marinate.
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Uncover the skillet and place it in the oven.
- Bake for 10-15 minutes, just until shrimp are pink and cooked through. Avoid overcooking.
- Remove from oven, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top, and sprinkle with chopped parsley. Serve immediately with crusty bread.
Notes
For the best texture, use large or jumbo shrimp. Ensure frozen shrimp are fully thawed before use.
Do not skip the marinating time; even 30 minutes makes a big difference in flavor.
Be careful not to overcook the shrimp. They are done as soon as they turn pink and opaque.
Serve with crusty bread like a baguette or rustic loaf to soak up all of the delicious sauce.
Nutrition
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