If you’re after an exciting, bright new dish to spice the sweet heat and gift an incredible burst of flavor, then this Spicy Shrimp with Peach Salad is the ticket. One of those recipes that immediately transports you to the middle of a vacation in summer sun, sipping iced tea and lounging in the rays. I will never forget when I first made this for dinner-my husband Bjork and I took the first bite, turned to each other, and without skipping a beat, said, Yes. This is really good. Yes, yes, yes.
Why? First of all, they are the shrimp. Oh yeah, they’re smoky and spicy and sweet in a way that makes any bite completely cinnamon luscious. Honestly, they are cool, but really the main attraction of this recipe is that fabulous peach salad. And you know if you have the same love of peaches as I do, then you will totally get this straightforward little refreshing salad, taking all those luscious-sweet and vibrant colors and putting it all together.
Actually, it is such a good peach salad that my daughters generally put some on their plates-all that rice with those beautiful peach slices, while munching on a few of the shrimp before cayenne. Bjork and I, however, will just finish those shrimp-no issues at all. Balanced flavor, texture, and that unmistakable summer memory we all want.
But enough of our affections for this dish; let’s get back to how little time it takes to make this. It is a fast and easy recipe, which happens to be two of my biggest favorites in the kitchen. I love anything that can be thrown together quickly yet taste incredible. And this one certainly satisfies both.
Step 1: Prepare Your Peach Salad First!
The best thing about this dish, really, is that everything happens in a jiffy! Start with the peach salad. It’s good for this recipe because shrimp cooks fast, so you’ll want to make this part of your meal ahead of time, it will be helpful when it comes time for serving everything.
Chop up your peaches into bite-size pieces and toss them with some diced red onion or shallots finely, finishing with a hearty handful of fresh mint. The mint is the secret ingredient here-it adds this unexpected burst of freshness that just makes the whole dish pop. A squeeze of lime juice really brings it into the tanginess you’re looking for, and a sprinkle of salt balances those sweet peaches out.
Now, allow that salad about 20 minutes before you dive into shrimp prep so the flavors can really meld together. Meanwhile, go ahead and start on the shrimps!
Step 2: Toss the Shrimp with Spices
Shall we say the shrimp is quick and worth just a few minutes of flavorful tossing in spices? The main ones here are smoked paprika, curry powder, garlic powder, cayenne pepper (it adds a little kick), and salt. Not much spice will do wonders in bringing life into your shrimp, indeed smoky and spicy. Add a little pinch of cayenne like I do if you’d prefer more heat-it gives a nice kick to the shrimp!
An even coating of spices on each shrimp is the secret to that incredible flavor. Set aside the shrimp for a second while heating the pan.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
The oil should be heated in a pan on medium flame. When the oil ripples, put in the shrimp. They will take only a few minutes to turn pink and opaque.
When they’re nearly finished, I like to swirl in some butter with honey — the honey contributes a nice sweetness that balances the heat from the cayenne, while the butter lifts the browned bits from the bottom of the pan into a lovely glaze to coat the shrimp. It’s a major game-changer!
Stage 4: Serve and Relish!
Shrimp are ready and drained when the cooking is done. These prawns should then be served. Each mouthful transforms tender morsels into glazed smoke-sweet flavors just when you think you have drunk enough. Just take a mound of these mouthwatering beauties and dump them on a plateful of rice (so yummy, fragrant jasmine rice or basmati rice is awesome) and finish off with a scoopful of peach salad. Last but not least, throw a few wedges of creamy, dreamy avocado on top.
A balanced and well-diversified dish that is completely delicious in every way possible, perfect on a weeknight but also special enough for a weekend dinner. Whether you’re at the dinner table with family or throwing a summer dinner party, this Spicy Shrimp with Peach Salad is that dish that will probably impress the most. It’s packed with flavors that evoke sunshine, fresh ingredients, and the pleasure of sharing good food with those you love.
What’s even better about it is how simple and quick it is to prepare. You can have this dish on your table in under 30 minutes, making it an excellent meal solution for busy days when everything has to be done without sacrificing flavor or satisfying hunger.
So whether you’re a peach fan like me or just in the mood for some seriously tasty shrimp, I hope you’ll try this recipe, because it really does brighten up summertime meals, and I’m sure it’ll end up being a favorite in your house as well.
