Imagine a dish that combines the delicate sweetness of perfectly seared shrimp with the subtle, buttery flavor of tender leeks - a match made in culinary heaven that will elevate your meal from ordinary to extraordinary! This Leek and Shrimp Salad is not just a recipe; it's a quick, elegant solution for those seeking a restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of their own kitchen. Whether you're looking to impress dinner guests or treat yourself to a gourmet lunch, this recipe promises to be your new go-to favorite that's both nutritious and incredibly delicious.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: International
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 leeks, sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the leeks by thoroughly washing them to remove any sand or dirt trapped between the layers. Slice the leeks into thin, half-moon shapes, using only the white and light green parts.
- Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels to ensure they will sear properly and not release excess moisture during cooking.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. The oil should be hot but not smoking.
- Add the sliced leeks to the skillet and sauté for 3-4 minutes until they become soft and slightly translucent, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
- Push the leeks to one side of the skillet and add the shrimp to the other side. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and are just cooked through.
- Remove the skillet from heat and immediately drizzle lemon juice over the shrimp and leeks.
- Season the mixture with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, gently tossing to distribute the seasoning evenly.
- Let the shrimp and leek mixture cool for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Transfer the salad to a serving platter or individual plates, ensuring an even distribution of shrimp and leeks.
- Optionally, garnish with fresh herbs like chopped parsley or chives for added flavor and visual appeal.
Tips
- Cleaning Leeks: Always wash leeks thoroughly to remove hidden sand. Cut them lengthwise and rinse under running water, separating the layers to ensure no grit remains.
- Shrimp Cooking Technique: Pat shrimp completely dry before cooking to achieve a beautiful golden sear. Moisture is the enemy of a perfect shrimp!
- Heat Management: Use medium-high heat to quickly cook shrimp without making them rubbery. They're done when they turn pink and curl slightly.
- Seasoning Secret: Add lemon juice at the end of cooking to brighten the flavors and prevent the shrimp from becoming tough.
- Serving Suggestion: For an extra touch of elegance, serve the salad slightly warm or at room temperature, which allows the flavors to fully develop.
- Make-Ahead Tip: This salad can be prepared in advance and served chilled, making it perfect for meal prep or summer gatherings.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 5g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 170mg
