Cilantro Pumpkin Seed Shrimp Recipes

SHRIMP AND CILANTRO PESTO QUESADILLA

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F.
• Season the shrimp with salt and pepper, to taste. In a small skillet over medium heat, heat 2 tablespoons of the olive oil and saute the shrimp for 1 1/2 minutes on each side. Reserve for garnish.
• Place 2 tortillas on an ungreased baking sheet, sprinkle half the cheeses and 1 1/2 tablespoons pesto on each, and season, to taste, with salt and pepper. Stack the 2 layers and cover with the remaining tortilla. Brush with 1 tablespoon oil and sprinkle evenly with ancho chile powder. May be prepared 1 day ahead up to this point and refrigerated. Bake for 8 to 12 minutes or until the tortillas are slightly crisp and the cheese has melted.
• Cut into quarters and serve hot, garnished with the shrimp, more pesto, and sour cream.
• In a food processor, combine cilantro, garlic, pumpkinseeds, lime juice, salt and pepper. With the motor running, slowly add the olive oil until sauce is emulsified. May be prepared up to 2 days ahead, covered, and refrigerated. Bring to room temperature 1 hour before serving.
• Yield: 1 cup

CILANTRO-PUMPKIN SEED DRESSING

Steps:

• NOTE: I have also used a combination of vegan mayonnaise, sour cream and/or plain yogurt with this recipe, using up what I have on hand.
• Add all ingredients to blender and blend until smooth. (Or use an hand held immersion blender to blend. ).
• For thinner salad dressing, add more water. Adjust seasonings if necessary.
• The thicker version of this dressing makes a delicious topping for fish tacos, tostadas; or as a dip for tortilla chips, etc.
• Best if prepared at least an hour in advance.
• Yield is estimated.

PUMPKIN SHRIMP CURRY

Steps:

• Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and ginger; sauté until soft, about 8 minutes. Add garlic; cook for 1 minute. Stir in plum tomato and pumpkin purée; cook, stirring frequently, until pumpkin is golden brown, about 10 minutes. Add vegetable broth, coconut milk, curry powder, and cayenne pepper; simmer for 20 minutes. Add butternut squash, shrimp, and lime juice. Simmer until shrimp are cooked and squash is warm. Serve with steamed rice. Top with cilantro, lime zest, and fried shallots.

SESAME CILANTRO SHRIMP

Steps:

• In a large nonstick skillet, heat 1 tablespoon dressing over medium heat. Add shrimp; cook and stir 1 minute., Stir in remaining dressing; cook, uncovered, until shrimp turn pink, 1-2 minutes longer. To serve, squeeze lime juice over top; sprinkle with cilantro. If desired, serve with rice.

CILANTRO-PUMPKIN SEED SHRIMP

Steps:

• For sauce: Purée all ingredients in a blender to a pestolike consistency.
• Heat olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat.
• Add shrimp and sauté until opaque (about 2 minutes on each side).
• Remove from pan and keep warm.
• Deglaze pan with white wine and reduce over high heat for 1 minute.
• Add heavy cream and reduce to a tomato-sauce-like consistency.
• Stir in 2 to 3 tablespoons cilantro—pumpkin seed sauce and season with salt and pepper.
• To serve, place shrimp on plates and drizzle with sauce.