Shrimp Pili Pili with Avocado-Ginger Salad

Shrimp Pili Pili is a delectable dish with a spicy kick, featuring jumbo shrimp marinated in a flavorful blend of chili, garlic, lemon juice, and hot sauce. The marinade infuses the shrimp with vibrant flavors, and grilling them adds a delightful smoky char. Served alongside a refreshing Avocado-Ginger Salad, this dish offers a delightful combination of heat and freshness. Soak the skewers in water beforehand to prevent them from catching fire on the grill. With its bold flavors and easy preparation, Shrimp Pili Pili with Avocado-Ginger Salad is an impressive choice for seafood lovers and spice enthusiasts alike.

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 teaspoon minced fresh Thai or serrano chile
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1/3 cup peanut oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 1 pound jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined
• Avocado-Ginger Salad (recipe follows)

PREPARATIONS:

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the minced chile, hot sauce, minced garlic, lemon juice, and peanut oil. Continue whisking while slowly drizzling in the oil to emulsify the mixture. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
2. Place the jumbo shrimp in a large ziplock bag or a bowl. Pour the marinade over the shrimp, ensuring they are well coated. Seal the bag or cover the bowl and refrigerate for 2 to 3 hours, allowing the flavors to infuse into the shrimp.
3. Preheat a charcoal or gas grill to a hot fire.
4. Thread the marinated shrimp onto skewers, then place them on the preheated grill. Grill the shrimp for about 2 minutes per side until they turn pink and develop a slight char. Avoid overcooking to keep the shrimp tender and juicy.
5. Serve the grilled shrimp pili pili skewers with the refreshing Avocado-Ginger Salad.

SERVES 4

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 ripe avocados, diced
• 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh ginger
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

PREPARATIONS:

1. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the diced avocados, lemon juice, lime juice, chopped ginger, and fresh cilantro.
2. Gently toss the ingredients together until well mixed. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
3. Cover the bowl and refrigerate until ready to serve.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:

• Adjust the amount of minced chili and hot sauce according to your preferred level of spiciness. Feel free to add more or less to suit your taste.
• Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before using them to prevent them from burning on the grill.
• Take care not to overcook the shrimp to maintain their tenderness and juiciness.

TIPS:

• Serve the Shrimp Pili Pili skewers with steamed rice or crusty bread to balance the heat of the dish.
• Garnish the dish with additional fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lemon juice for added brightness.
• Prepare extra marinade to use as a dipping sauce for the grilled shrimp.

Shrimp Pili Pili with Avocado-Ginger Salad is a mouthwatering dish that combines bold flavors and contrasting textures. The marinade, featuring minced chile, hot sauce, garlic, lemon juice, and peanut oil, infuses the jumbo shrimp with a delightful heat and tang. Grilling the shrimp adds a smoky char, further enhancing their flavor. Served alongside the refreshing Avocado-Ginger Salad, which offers a cooling contrast with its diced avocados, ginger, and citrus juices, this dish creates a perfect harmony of flavors.

The Shrimp Pili Pili marinade can be customized to suit your spice preferences. Adjust the amount of minced chili and hot sauce to achieve the desired level of heat. Soak the wooden skewers in water before grilling to prevent them from catching fire. The shrimp cook quickly on a hot grill, requiring just a few minutes per side to turn pink and develop a slight char.

The Avocado-Ginger Salad provides a refreshing and creamy accompaniment to the spicy shrimp. The combination of diced avocados, ginger, citrus juices, and fresh cilantro creates a vibrant and tangy salad that complements the heat of the shrimp.

Whether you’re hosting a barbecue or looking for a flavorful weeknight meal, Shrimp Pili Pili with Avocado-Ginger Salad is a fantastic choice. The bold flavors, easy preparation, and enticing combination of heat and freshness make this dish a standout. Enjoy the tantalizing taste of grilled shrimp with a spicy kick, balanced by a cool and zesty salad.