Are You Ready to Master the Art of Delicious Smoked Shrimp on a Masterbuilt Smoker? — Are you ready to take your grilling game to the next level? Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with the most mouthwatering, finger-licking delicious smoked shrimp you’ve ever tasted. In this ultimate guide, we will show you how to master the art of smoking shrimp using the renowned Masterbuilt Electric Smoker. From the perfect preparation to two delectable recipes – Smoked Cajun Spiced Shrimp and Smoked Greek Style Shrimp – we’ve got your shrimp cravings covered. And don’t worry, we haven’t forgotten about the perfect accompaniment – smoked cherry tomatoes and Greek olives. So, grab your apron, fire up your smoker, and prepare to indulge in the joy of smoking shrimp like a true master. Let’s dive in!
Mastering the Art of Smoked Shrimp in a Masterbuilt Electric Smoker
For seafood aficionados and barbecue enthusiasts alike, the allure of perfectly smoked shrimp is hard to resist. The Masterbuilt Electric Smoker offers a foolproof way to achieve evenly cooked, flavorful shrimp every time, sparing you from the inconsistencies of charcoal smoking. Let’s dive into the world of smoked shrimp and discover how to create two mouthwatering recipes that will tantalize your taste buds and impress your guests.
The Perfect Preparation for Smoked Shrimp
Before you can savor the smoky goodness of shrimp, a bit of prep work is required. Whether you’ve got frozen shrimp on hand or fresh from the market, ensuring they are properly defrosted, peeled, and deveined is crucial. Patting the shrimp dry lays the foundation for a succulent smoke, allowing the flavors of your chosen spices to adhere better.
Choosing the Right Shrimp
When selecting shrimp for smoking, size does matter. Larger shrimp not only soak up the rich, smoky flavors, but they also stand up better to the heat without overcooking. Remember, overdone shrimp can quickly turn rubbery, so keep a vigilant eye on your crustaceans as they cook.
Recipe 1: Smoked Cajun Spiced Shrimp
The magic of this dish lies in the Cajun dry rub, a zesty mix of sea salt, paprika, cracked black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, and a pinch of cayenne pepper for that fiery kick. This concoction isn’t just a seasoning; it’s the soul of the dish, the essence of the bayou that will bring your shrimp to life.
Creating the Cajun Dry Rub
Ingredients:
- Sea salt
- Paprika
- Cracked black pepper
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Dried thyme
- Cayenne pepper
Combine these spices in a jar, shake well, and behold the transformative spice mix that will elevate your shrimp from simple to sublime.
Preparing the Shrimp for the Smoker
With your shrimp peeled, deveined, and patted dry, it’s time to introduce them to the Cajun dry rub. Coat a disposable aluminum foil pan with butter or olive oil, lay the shrimp inside, and sprinkle generously with the rub. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice adds brightness and balances the heat.
Smoking the Shrimp to Perfection
Preheat your Masterbuilt Smoker to a steady 225°F-250°F, adding wood chips for that deep, smoky flavor and water to the bowl to maintain moisture. Smoke your shrimp for 15 minutes, give them a stir, and return them to the smoker for another 15 minutes until they reach that perfect opaque pinkness.
Recipe 2: Smoked Greek Style Shrimp
Transport your senses to the Mediterranean with smoked Greek style shrimp. This recipe is a symphony of flavors, featuring extra virgin olive oil, melted butter, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, and parsley, culminating in a rich feta cheese topping that melts delectably over the shrimp.
Marrying the Flavors
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs large shrimp, cleaned
- 3 TBS good extra virgin olive oil (EVOO)
- 3 TBS butter, melted
- Juice of 1/2 a fresh lemon
- 5 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 TBS dried oregano
- 1/3 cup flat leaf parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp sea or course kosher salt
- 1-1/2 cups crumbled feta cheese
- EVOO for serving
- Fresh lemon wedges for serving
After mixing these ingredients, the shrimp are lovingly tossed to coat evenly in the mixture, then transferred to a foil pan, ready for the smoker.
The Smoking Process
As with the Cajun shrimp, preheat your smoker and prepare for a 30-minute journey to perfection. After the initial 15 minutes, sprinkle the feta cheese atop the shrimp for a creamy finish and return to the smoker until done.
Garnishing and Serving
Upon removal from the smoker, plate your Greek style shrimp with a drizzle of EVOO and lemon wedges on the side. This dish pairs beautifully with a simple couscous or lemony rice pilaf, creating a meal that’s both hearty and refreshing.
Smoked Cherry Tomatoes and Greek Olives: The Ideal Companion
No smoked shrimp feast is complete without a side that complements its robust flavors. Enter smoked cherry tomatoes and Greek olives. With minimal preparation, this side dish adds a burst of color and a pop of flavor that seamlessly blends with the main course.
Prepping the Tomatoes and Olives
Coat cherry tomatoes in EVOO, sea salt, and cracked black pepper. If you choose to include kalamata olives, they’ll add a briny depth to the sweet smokiness of the tomatoes.
Smoking the Tomatoes
Smoke the tomatoes alongside your shrimp, ensuring they both finish at the same time for a warm and inviting presentation. Stir the olives into the warm tomatoes just before serving for that final touch of Mediterranean flair.
Nutritional Information and Serving Suggestions
Each serving of Cajun spiced shrimp offers 260 calories of smoky indulgence with a balance of protein and fats, while the Greek style version boasts 475 calories per serving with a more substantial fat content from the feta cheese. The smoked cherry tomatoes and olives provide a lighter touch at 72 calories per serving.
Whether you pair your shrimp with cheesy grits, a bitter greens salad, or a grain of your choice, the flavors will meld in harmony. And remember, cooking times are short, so watch closely to avoid overcooking and ensure a meal that’s as nutritious as it is delicious.
Conclusion: The Joy of Smoking Shrimp
With your Masterbuilt Smoker and these recipes in hand, you’re now equipped to deliver an extraordinary smoked shrimp experience. Whether you choose the boldness of Cajun spices or the rustic charm of Greek flavors, these recipes promise a delightful culinary adventure. So gather your ingredients, fire up your smoker, and let the feast begin!
FAQ & Common Questions
Q: What is the recommended smoker for cooking shrimp?
A: The Masterbuilt Electric Smoker is recommended for cooking shrimp due to its ability to cook the shellfish evenly.
Q: Should I peel and devein the shrimp before smoking?
A: It is recommended to peel and devein the shrimp before smoking, but you can also buy fresh or frozen, cleaned, raw shrimp if you prefer.
Q: What temperature should I preheat the smoker to?
A: Preheat the smoker to between 225°F and 250°F for smoking shrimp.
Q: Can I use a disposable aluminum foil pan for smoking shrimp?
A: Yes, using a disposable aluminum foil pan is recommended for smoking shrimp.
Q: What are the ingredients for a smoked Cajun spiced shrimp recipe?
A: The ingredients for a smoked Cajun spiced shrimp recipe include shrimp, sea salt, paprika, cracked black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, cayenne pepper, olive oil or butter, lemon juice, and chopped fresh parsley.
