Cooking Enthusiast's Passion for Grilling Shrimp on a Waffle Maker
For an unforgettable supper that's protein-packed, scrumptious, low-fat, and flat-out affordable, you can't beat shrimp - especially when it's bought frozen. I'm all about stretching this delicacy across multiple meals. So, wet your whistle for some culinary creativity! Coupe de grâce to my latest shrimp frenzy: "grill" it using a damn waffle iron.
Why Skinny Shrimp Loves a Waffle Wave
Waffle irons? They're the kitchenSwiss Army knife – versatile as hell and capable of adoring your breakfast, lunch, and dinner efforts. And when it comes to cooking shrimp, the benefits are four-flavored: speed, ease, space, and a dry cook – aaah, that's the ticket!
Reset your countertop regimen: prepare everything beforehand, because my waffle maker isn't exactly spacious. And hey, who doesn't appreciate a little elbowroom when they're sliding skewers of shrimp in and out like a virtuoso?
The dry-cooking perk is the selling point for me. I'm a shrimp enthusiast, but I don't always appreciate the sea's wetness. The waffle iron gives me a reprieve – like when my man serves up too much, um, "saucy" shrimp (amirite?). Grilled shrimp has those beautiful, smoky grill marks, but the waffle iron's grooved waffle plates do a respectable job simulating the effect. And you can even consider adding smoked paprika for a smoky kick.
Let's Get Waffling, Shrimp Style
1. Thaw and Toast
Whether you're obsessed with a quick shrimp snack or just want the ease of a quick cook, the waffle iron's got your back thanks to its dual-sided heat. If you have frozen shrimp or plan to marinate them, defrost overnight in the fridge and give them a dry rub in the AM for waffling pleasure at dinnertime.
2. Mix and Mingle
Any marinade worth its salt will add excitement – seasoning mixes, spice blends, or even your favorite salad dressing. Aim for dry, but flavorful shrimp: pat the thawed shrimp dry with some paper towels, then toss 'em in a bowl with Old Bay, cayenne pepper powder, curry powder, and salt. Drizzle some cooking oil over the lot – it'll ensure even coating and prevent sticking.
3. Spear
$79.99 at Amazon
Bamboo skewers are an ace way to serve your shrimpy sidekicks. Pierce the shrimp through the centers like a musketeer, and they'll be ready for some waffle-spinning action. You can skewer as many as the waffle maker can handle without overflowing, but remember: manners don't allow for crowding at a shrimp party.
4. Waffle Up
If it ain't got a power button, it ain't got rhythm. (Okay, not really, but you get the drift – plug it in!) Set your waffle iron to its highest heat setting, and wait for it to heat up (roughly 2-3 minutes or so). Lay down your skewered shrimp, with about half an inch between each, and let your inner chef take control. Press the lid down, and maintain pressure for the first minute. After three minutes, peek in at the color – if they're starting to look opaque, they're done! Swap in the next round and let the shrimp cook up like a rock star.
Now, if you're still without a waffle iron or hunting for an upgrade, consider the Cuisinart 2-in-1 Waffle Maker with Removable Plates. It cooks up beautiful waffles and shrimp in a jiffy while also being a tad easier on the eyes. And bonus points for removable plates – apartment dwellers, you know what I'm talking about.
- The versatility of a waffle iron, aptly named the kitchen Swiss Army knife, allows for cooking various meals, including 'food-drink' such as shrimp, for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
- When it comes to cooking shrimp indoors, the waffle iron offers benefits like speed, ease, space, and dry cooking, making it an ideal choice for those who may not enjoy the 'sea's wetness' in their food.
- For an exciting twist, consider marinating the shrimp before grilling, using a mixture of spices and seasonings like Old Bay, cayenne pepper powder, curry powder, and salt, to create a flavorful 'waffles' experience that's versatile and cool.
