I wanted to call this 4 Peppercorn Shrimp with a Little Bit of Salt but Google doesn’t like it when you make the title too long. What you do need to know is that this is the easiest appetizer you can make over the holidays and it will look so lovely on your table.
The trick is in the roasting. I have tossed my saute pan aside in favor of roasting my shrimp for some time now because I love the tender, juicy results. I didn’t even take the shells off for this recipe but if you’re worried about your guests having to peel them before eating, feel free to roast them without the shell. For that matter, if you’re a die hard saute-er, that’s cool too.
I used a 4 peppercorn blend like this one that was just perfect. You’ll find a variety of them in your spice section. This contained Malabar black peppercorns, Muntok white peppercorns, green peppercorns and pink peppercorns. It sounded so beautifully exotic that I just had to buy it!
If you’re entertaining you can toss these in some olive oil, salt and peppers before the guests arrive and then it’s a simple 8 minutes in the oven and they’re done. You can also switch up the cilantro with parsley if that’s your thing. Lots of folks tell me they think cilantro tastes like soap. I think of that every time I eat it now but it doesn’t stop me, ha!
I am struggling with my photography again so please don’t linger on the images too long, lol. It’s all a learning experience and one day I’ll get there!
Oh, before I forget, I wanted to let everyone know that I have a Pinterest group board called Healthy Scrumptious Salads that you’ll want to check out. Many of my talented blogger friends are pinning their gorgeous creations and it’s become a wonderful resource for me during this busy season of entertaining.
I added some scallions and garlic to this dish when I was cooking it for the first time mainly because I love roasted garlic. If you’re preparing it as an app for a large group, I’d leave them out. The recipe is party sized and easily halved.
What are you making for your holiday gatherings this year? Tag me on Twitter or Instagram and I’ll share your fun creations. Cheers!
- 2 pounds shrimp, deveined. (shells on or off, your choice)
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- salt and peppercorns to taste (if you don’t have a grinder, place peppercorns on cutting board, cover with clean cloth and mash with bottom of frying pan – a fun way to get rid of any anger you’ve got going on, lol)
- small handful of cilantro or parsley, chopped
- Optional
- 4 cloves of garlic, peeled and sliced
- 1 small scallion, sliced thinly
- Preheat oven to 400 F
- In large bowl combine shrimp, olive oil and salt and peppercorns. Be gentle with the shrimp.
- Place on a tin foil covered baking sheet and bake for 8 minutes.
- Mix with cilantro or parsley and serve.
24 Comments
Anita Rivera
December 13, 2015 at 10:11 amGood morning Robyn! I am having trouble with my computer; it is running slow and that annoying little wheel keeps turning and I think my computer wants an update. Oh this machine is like a baby crying for its bottle! GRRRRR! The recipe looks fabulous, and I’ve never thought of the taste of cilantro as resembling that of soap! I am Hispanic, so I grew up eating it and loving it! As for your photos, I HEAR YA. Though I always love yours, I know what you mean. I too have hit a lull in my photography because I’ve run out of
Robyn
December 14, 2015 at 6:33 pmHi Anita,
I hope your computer is working now. So annoying when that happens! We’re so dependent on technology now, lol. I think the photos were bad because I rushed it because I just wanted to eat the shrimp, lol.
Happy Holidays! xo
Robyn recently posted…Quick 4 Peppercorn Roasted Shrimp
Marla `
December 13, 2015 at 10:47 amHi Robyn,
This shrimp recipes sound great for the holidays especially for New Years party. I love the idea of putting the scallions, garlic & cilantro – sounds super delicious. Thanks for sharing on Real Food Fridays. Pinned & tweeted.
Robyn
December 14, 2015 at 6:46 pmThanks, Marla. I really love serving shrimp at parties because they are always a big hit. Thanks for sharing 🙂
Robyn recently posted…Quick 4 Peppercorn Roasted Shrimp
Debbie Harris
December 13, 2015 at 1:48 pmRobyn,you have a way of making shrimp look so delicious!
You know… I’m going to give this a try as it sounds scrumptious, not to mention it looks great. Your photos are terrific, what are you talking about?! You want to talk photos…take a look at mine!!
My husband and I were just talking about photos this morning and thinking we need the camera that our dear Stephanie has.
My husband has many a camera, but the photos just are not quite like they use to be. He refuses to believe that it is him. 🙂
I have no excuses, I’ve never been good with a camera.
Back to the shrimp, I have actually made it for dinner a could of times and both my husband and I are liking it. We may be on to something new.
Boy how I would love to live in your home and eat your cooking. Everything you share always looks so wonderful.
Enjoy your day, sweet friend.
Robyn
December 14, 2015 at 6:48 pmGosh, Debbie, you truly made my day! I’m so thrilled to hear you’ve been trying shrimp. It’s a great go-to dish because there are so many things you can do to it and all so easy! I wish you were my neighbour and I could cook for you all the time!! Lots of love to you. xox
Robyn recently posted…Quick 4 Peppercorn Roasted Shrimp
Velva
December 13, 2015 at 8:36 pmThis is beautiful. Love, love it. Thanks for sharing this with us.
Velva
Robyn
December 14, 2015 at 6:49 pmThank you, Velva! And thanks for popping by 🙂
Robyn recently posted…Quick 4 Peppercorn Roasted Shrimp
Barbara Bianchi
December 13, 2015 at 9:22 pmThis recipe sounds and looks delicious. Your pics are great. You’re making me hungry. 🙂
Barbara Bianchi recently posted…Slow Cooker Pork Osso Buco
Robyn
December 14, 2015 at 6:50 pmThanks so much, Barbara. I’m off to check out your slow cooker recipe because I’m new to slow cooking believe it or not, lol. I need all the help I can get 🙂
Robyn recently posted…Quick 4 Peppercorn Roasted Shrimp
Linda
December 14, 2015 at 11:32 amBeautiful presentation of one of my favorites. Roasted shrimp sounds and looks fabulous. It is perfect for thr holidays. Your pictures look great Robyn. I know you were getting a new light. Congrats to you on presenting to us beautiful photos of healthy food. I hope you are enjoying the holidays, my friend. Merry Christmas! Lots of love from W.W. xo
Robyn
December 14, 2015 at 6:59 pmThanks so much, Linda. Now that I have the light it’s a whole other new learning curve, lol. Somedays I feel like I’m back at square one with photography! I will keep chanting to myself, ‘I love shooting pics….I love shooting pics’.
You are such a loyal reader and supporter, Linda. Your sweet comments are so appreciated. Thank you! Merry Christmas, sweet friend. xoxo
Robyn recently posted…Quick 4 Peppercorn Roasted Shrimp
Maggie
December 14, 2015 at 3:53 pmThinking back, I never tried baking shrimps in the oven! lol I always cook them on stove top, because it’s so quick. Me too, I really love tender and flavorful shrimp. I need to give this one a try!
Love the photos and the plating! The cilantro looks so fresh and beautiful 🙂
Maggie recently posted…Chinese Vinaigrette Cabbage Stir Fry (醋溜卷心菜)
Robyn
December 14, 2015 at 7:03 pmI had tried it a couple times, Maggie, but then always went back to sauteing. Then one day I had no more room left on the stovetop so roasted instead and I’ve never gone back. It’s fool proof – super juicy.
That darn cilantro doesn’t last long does it? You have to race from the grocery store and put it straight on your plate when shooting it, lol.
Thanks for popping by 🙂
Robyn recently posted…Quick 4 Peppercorn Roasted Shrimp
Sherri @ Watch Learn Eat
December 15, 2015 at 10:51 amLike Maggie mentioned, I have never baked shrimp either, but will have to give it a try. This dish looks amazing and the photos are beautiful. I love using peppercorns and will have to make this!
Sherri @ Watch Learn Eat recently posted…Meatless Monday: Italian Pickled Vegetable (Giardiniera) Hummus
Robyn
December 15, 2015 at 6:05 pmOnce you go roasted, you’ll never go back, Sherri, lol. I truly love this method. I love that there are so many different peppercorns to try!
Robyn recently posted…Quick 4 Peppercorn Roasted Shrimp
Mindy
December 15, 2015 at 1:54 pmMmmm – love a good shrimp! Can you believe I have NEVER roasted them? Yours look so rich in color and flavor that I definitely need to try it out. Never stop posting about seafood, please!
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Robyn
December 16, 2015 at 11:47 amYou’re going to love the roasted version, Mindy! I can’t stop posting about seafood because I can’t stop eating it, lol. I guess I’ll never be a vegan! Happy Holidays to you and yours, friend.
Robyn recently posted…Quick 4 Peppercorn Roasted Shrimp
cheri
December 15, 2015 at 7:43 pmHi Robyn, I love cilantro too, this would make a wonderful holiday appetizer, very special. I have roasted shrimp before and really enjoyed the flavor.
cheri recently posted…Peanut Butter Blossoms
Robyn
December 16, 2015 at 11:48 amI find it so much easier, Cheri, and I love tossing it in with roasted veggies at the very end. It makes for a special treat. Happy Holidays to you!
Robyn recently posted…Quick 4 Peppercorn Roasted Shrimp
John/Kitchen Riffs
December 16, 2015 at 1:20 pmYour photos look fine to me! I wouldn’t stress over them. I need to roast shrimp more. I’ve done it, but always reach for my frying pan. This way really is better. Great dish — thanks.
John/Kitchen Riffs recently posted…Chocolate Almond Sesame Bars
GiGi Eats
December 16, 2015 at 6:39 pmI just absolutely adore shrimp but I cannot eat it! 🙁 Well, I could, but it PUNCHES ME IN THE EYE BALLS… Or it makes me look that way at least, WOMP WOMP! Once in awhile I might go for it though, tee he he!
GiGi Eats recently posted…Chomping on CHOMPS!
Diane (Created by Diane)
May 29, 2016 at 2:44 pmOh my this shrimp dish looks amazing. It’s going on my must make list right now!
Robyn
May 31, 2016 at 9:16 amShrimp should be eaten every day by everyone, lol. That’s my theory in life and it sounds like you agree!