Have you ever craved a delicious, southern-inspired spread to elevate your snack game? Look no further than our delectable Low Country Shrimp Paste recipe! This delightful appetizer combines the flavors of succulent shrimp with creamy textures to create a dish that will impress your guests and tantalize your taste buds. Perfect for a cozy gathering or a special treat for yourself, this recipe is sure to become a new go-to favorite. Let’s dive into how to make this flavorful Low Country Shrimp Paste.
**Ingredients:**
– 1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
– 1/4 cup mayonnaise
– 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup chopped green onions
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
– 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Crackers or sliced baguette, for serving
**Instructions:**
1. Begin by cooking the shrimp. In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes or until they turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook them, as they can become tough. Once done, drain the shrimp and set them aside to cool.
2. Once the shrimp have cooled, chop them into small pieces. You can do this by hand or pulse them a few times in a food processor for a finer texture, depending on your preference.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, lemon juice, minced garlic, chopped green onions, parsley, Old Bay seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until well combined and creamy.
4. Add the chopped shrimp to the cream cheese mixture and gently fold them in until evenly distributed.
5. Taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning if needed by adding more salt, pepper, or Old Bay seasoning to suit your taste preferences.
6. Transfer the shrimp paste to a serving bowl and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
7. Before serving, garnish the shrimp paste with additional chopped parsley and green onions for a fresh pop of color and flavor.
8. Serve the Low Country Shrimp Paste with your favorite crackers or sliced baguette for a delightful appetizer that is sure to impress your guests.
Enjoy this creamy, flavorful Low Country Shrimp Paste at your next gathering or as a special treat for yourself. Its rich blend of shrimp, cream cheese, and aromatic seasonings will make it a standout dish that everyone will love. This recipe is not only delicious but also easy to make, providing you with a go-to appetizer that is perfect for any occasion.
