Spring is here, and what better way to celebrate the season than with some coastal-inspired recipes that will transport you to the seaside? From grilled seafood to fresh salads, these dishes are perfect for warm weather and will leave your taste buds craving more. So, let's get cooking with these five delicious recipes.
Grilled Shrimp Tacos with Avocado Crema:
Grilled Shrimp Tacos with Avocado Crema is a mouth-watering recipe that is sure to delight your taste buds. Juicy shrimp is grilled to perfection and served in warm tortillas along with fresh vegetables and a drizzle of creamy avocado crema. The avocado crema adds a delightful twist to the classic taco, making it rich and tangy with a smooth texture. Every bite is bursting with flavor, and the combination of grilled shrimp and creamy avocado is simply irresistible. These tacos are perfect for a quick and easy dinner or a casual weekend get-together with friends and family.
Ingredients:
1 lb. large shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 limes, juiced
1 tsp. chili powder
1 tsp. cumin
1 tsp. paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
8-10 small corn tortillas
1 avocado, peeled and pitted
1/4 cup sour cream
1/4 cup chopped cilantro
1/2 cup diced tomatoes
Instructions:
In a bowl, whisk together lime juice, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the shrimp and toss to coat.
Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Skewer the shrimp and grill for 2-3 minutes on each side until cooked through.
In a blender, combine avocado, sour cream, and a pinch of salt. Blend until smooth and creamy.
Warm the tortillas on the grill or in a skillet for a minute on each side.
Assemble the tacos by placing grilled shrimp on each tortilla, then topping with avocado crema, cilantro, and diced tomatoes.
Crab Cakes with Remoulade Sauce:
Crab Cakes with Remoulade Sauce is a delicious and indulgent recipe that is perfect for any seafood lover. The crab cakes are made with succulent crab meat that is perfectly seasoned with spices and herbs, then formed into patties and fried to a golden-brown perfection. The Remoulade Sauce adds an extra layer of flavor to the dish, with its creamy and tangy blend of mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, capers, and herbs. Every bite of these crab cakes is a burst of flavor, with the crispy exterior and the tender and flavorful interior of the cake. This dish is perfect for a fancy dinner party or a special occasion and is sure to impress your guests with its exquisite taste and presentation.
Ingredients:
1 lb. lump crab meat, picked over for shells
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1 egg
1 tbsp. Dijon mustard
1 tbsp. Old Bay seasoning
2 tbsp. chopped fresh parsley
Salt and pepper to taste
1/4 cup vegetable oil
Lemon wedges for serving
For the remoulade sauce:
1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 tbsp. Dijon mustard
2 tbsp. chopped pickles
1 tbsp. chopped capers
1 tbsp. chopped fresh parsley
1 tbsp. lemon juice
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
In a bowl, combine crab meat, breadcrumbs, mayonnaise, egg, Dijon mustard, Old Bay seasoning, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
Form the mixture into 8-10 patties and place on a baking sheet.
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the crab cakes for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
To make the remoulade sauce, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, pickles, capers, parsley, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
Serve the crab cakes hot with the remoulade sauce and lemon wedges on the side.
Seafood Paella:
Seafood paella is a delicious and colorful Spanish dish that is perfect for any springtime gathering. This one-pot meal features a fragrant blend of sautéed onions, garlic, and spicy chorizo, combined with tender rice and a medley of seafood, including shrimp, mussels, and clams. The result is a rich and flavorful dish that will transport you straight to the coast of Spain.
Ingredients:
1 lb. of seafood mix (shrimp, mussels, clams, etc.)
1 cup of short-grain rice
2 cups of chicken broth
1/2 cup of dry white wine
1/2 cup of diced chorizo
1 onion, diced
4 cloves of garlic, minced
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 teaspoon of smoked paprika
Salt and pepper
Olive oil
Instructions:
In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chorizo and sauté for 2-3 minutes, until crispy and browned.
Add the onion, garlic, and red bell pepper to the skillet and sauté for 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables are softened.
Stir in the smoked paprika and rice, coating the grains evenly with the oil and spices.
Pour in the chicken broth and white wine, then stir in the seafood mix. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet. Simmer for 15-20 minutes, until the rice is tender and the seafood is cooked through.
Remove the skillet from the heat and let it sit, covered, for 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve the paella hot, garnished with fresh parsley and lemon wedges.
Lobster Roll with Lemon Herb Butter:
Lobster Roll with Lemon Herb Butter is a luxurious and indulgent recipe that is sure to impress any seafood lover. The succulent and juicy lobster meat is cooked and tossed with a tangy and flavorful lemon herb butter sauce, made with fresh herbs like parsley, chives, and thyme, and a squeeze of lemon juice. The lobster meat is then piled high into a warm and toasty bun, creating a mouth-watering and satisfying sandwich. The combination of the tender lobster meat and the buttery, herb-infused sauce is simply irresistible. This recipe is perfect for a fancy brunch, a special occasion, or a romantic dinner for two. So go ahead and treat yourself to this Lobster Roll with Lemon Herb Butter, and let your taste buds indulge in its decadent flavors!
Ingredients:
1 lb. cooked lobster meat, chopped
1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 tbsp. chopped fresh chives
2 tbsp. chopped fresh parsley
1/2 tbsp. fresh thyme
1 tbsp. lemon juice
1/4 cup melted butter
Salt and pepper to taste
4-6 hot dog buns
Instructions:
In a bowl, combine lobster meat, mayonnaise, chives, parsley, thyme, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Brush the hot dog buns with melted butter and toast them in the skillet until golden brown.
Fill the toasted buns with the lobster mixture and serve.
Strawberry and Arugula Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette:
This Strawberry and Arugula Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette is a refreshing and flavorful combination of sweet and tangy tastes. The fresh strawberries add a burst of juicy sweetness that complements the peppery and slightly bitter arugula. Tossed in a tangy balsamic vinaigrette, this salad is not only healthy but also satisfying to the palate. The colorful and vibrant appearance of the dish makes it a beautiful addition to any table setting. It's perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish to any meal, especially during the spring or warm summer months.
Ingredients:
4 cups baby arugula
1 cup sliced strawberries
1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
2 tbsp. chopped walnuts
For the balsamic vinaigrette:
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
1/4 cup olive oil
1 tsp. honey
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
In a large bowl, combine arugula, strawberries, feta cheese, and walnuts.
In a separate bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, salt, and pepper to make the vinaigrette.
Drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad and toss to coat. Serve immediately.
These five coastal-inspired recipes are perfect for spring and will impress your friends and family with their delicious flavors. So, head to the kitchen and start cooking up some fresh and tasty dishes to enjoy this season.