Patrick Oconnell
Combining seafood and cheese is a longstanding taboo, but many modern chefs and food enthusiasts have discovered the art of balancing the delicate flavours of seafood with the creamy, savory, or tangy notes of cheese. One such combination is shrimp and blue cheese. The salty, tangy flavour of blue cheese complements the sweet, delicate flavour of shrimp perfectly, and its creamy texture helps to balance out the firm texture of shrimp. There are many ways to pair blue cheese and shrimp, from adding blue cheese to a shrimp cocktail sauce to making shrimp burgers with blue cheese.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Pairing | Blue cheese and shrimp go together well. |
| Taste | The salty, tangy flavor of blue cheese complements the sweet, delicate flavor of shrimp. |
| Texture | The creamy texture of blue cheese balances the firm texture of shrimp. |
| Type of blue cheese | Any type of blue cheese can be used with shrimp, but some have a stronger flavor than others. Beginners can start with milder varieties like Gorgonzola Dolce. |
| Health Risks | Blue cheese can contain harmful bacteria, especially if unpasteurized. Unpasteurized blue cheese should be avoided by pregnant women, people with weakened immune systems, and children. Shrimp can contain parasites, so it is important to cook shrimp thoroughly. People with shellfish allergies should avoid shrimp. |
| Recipe Ideas | Blue cheese can be added to shrimp pasta, shrimp burgers, shrimp cocktails, shrimp scampi, shrimp and grits, and shrimp quesadillas. |
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What You'll Learn
Blue cheese and shrimp can be combined in a shrimp cocktail
There are many different ways to pair blue cheese and shrimp. Blue cheese can be used in shrimp burgers, pasta, or quesadillas. It can also be added to a variety of other dishes such as salads, dips for vegetables or crackers, and sandwiches. When preparing shrimp, it is important to cook it thoroughly to kill any parasites. People with shellfish allergies should avoid shrimp.
The practice of consuming seafood and dairy likely dates back millennia. Ancient Romans consumed both cheese and a fish sauce named garum, and according to the dietary laws of the Jewish faith, which stretches back to the 6th century, pairing milk products and fish is acceptable. However, it is prohibited to consume meat and dairy together at the same meal. This is why there are no cheeseburgers in a kosher deli, but smoked salmon can be served with cream cheese.
While traditionalists may frown upon combining seafood and cheese, modern chefs and food enthusiasts have discovered the art of balancing the delicate flavors of seafood with the creamy, savory, or tangy notes of cheese. The key is to avoid overpowering the delicate taste of seafood with strong or mismatched cheeses.
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They can be used together in a shrimp burger
Seafood and cheese is a combination that has long been frowned upon by traditionalists. However, modern chefs and food enthusiasts have discovered the art of balancing the delicate flavours of seafood with the creamy, savoury, or tangy notes of cheese. The key is to avoid overpowering the delicate taste of seafood with strong or mismatched cheeses.
When it comes to shrimp and blue cheese, the salty, tangy flavour of blue cheese complements the sweet, delicate flavour of shrimp perfectly. The creamy texture of blue cheese also helps to balance out the firm texture of shrimp.
Blue cheese can be added to a shrimp cocktail sauce made with ketchup, horseradish, and lemon juice for an extra boost of flavour. It can also be added to the sauce of shrimp scampi, an Italian dish made with shrimp sautéed in butter, garlic, and white wine, for a richer flavour.
Blue cheese and shrimp can be used together in a shrimp burger. To make a shrimp burger, simply mix together ground shrimp, blue cheese, and breadcrumbs. Form the mixture into patties and cook as desired. For a more well-rounded meal, serve the shrimp burger with a side salad, such as a Mexican Chopped Salad with Honey Lime Dressing, Broccoli Slaw with Ramen Noodles, or a Brussels Sprout Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette.
It is important to note that blue cheese can contain harmful bacteria, especially if it is unpasteurized. Unpasteurized blue cheese should be avoided by pregnant women, people with weakened immune systems, and children. Shrimp can also contain parasites, so it is important to cook shrimp thoroughly to kill any parasites. People with shellfish allergies should avoid shrimp.
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Blue cheese can be added to shrimp pasta
Blue cheese and shrimp are a great combination. The salty, tangy flavour of blue cheese complements the sweet, delicate flavour of shrimp. The creamy texture of blue cheese also helps to balance out the firm texture of the shrimp. Blue cheese can be added to shrimp pasta for a quick and easy meal.
To make shrimp and blue cheese pasta, cook the shrimp and pasta according to the package directions. Then, toss them with a sauce made from butter, cream, and blue cheese. You can also add grated parmesan cheese, lemon juice, and parsley to taste. If the sauce looks a bit soupy, don't worry—the pasta will absorb the liquid and firm up. You can use any type of blue cheese, but if you're new to blue cheese, you may want to start with a milder variety like Gorgonzola Dolce. Remember to always choose blue cheese made with pasteurized milk to avoid harmful bacteria.
There are many other ways to pair blue cheese and shrimp. You can make a shrimp cocktail with a classic cocktail sauce of ketchup, horseradish, and lemon juice, and add blue cheese for extra flavour. For a richer flavour, you can add blue cheese to the sauce of shrimp scampi, an Italian dish where shrimp are sautéed in butter, garlic, and white wine. Blue cheese can also be added to the sauce of shrimp and grits, a Southern dish where shrimp are cooked in a creamy sauce and served over grits. You can also try adding blue cheese to a shrimp burger or quesadilla, or using it as a dip for vegetables or crackers.
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They can be used to make a shrimp quesadilla
Blue cheese and shrimp are a great combination. The salty, tangy flavour of blue cheese complements the sweet, delicate flavour of shrimp. The creamy texture of blue cheese also helps to balance out the firm texture of shrimp.
You can use this combination to make a delicious shrimp quesadilla. First, marinate raw shrimp in lime juice, salt, and chili pepper. Then, heat some olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the shrimp for about half a minute on each side. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, add some more olive oil and sauté onions, bell peppers, and garlic for about a minute. Add the shrimp back to the skillet and cook for another minute or two.
Now you're ready to assemble your quesadilla. Sprinkle a flour tortilla with grated Monterey Jack cheese, or a Mexican blend of cheese, and distribute the shrimp on top. Add some more cheese, and your favourite toppings such as chopped onion, cilantro, and avocado. Place another tortilla on top and cook in a skillet until golden brown, flipping once the bottom tortilla is toasted and the cheese has begun to melt.
Cut into wedges and serve with avocado slices, sour cream, salsa, or guacamole, and a squeeze of lime juice. Enjoy!
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Blue cheese and shrimp are both nutritious foods
Shrimp is a type of shellfish that is commonly consumed and offers a range of nutritional benefits. It is a good source of iodine, an important mineral that is deficient in many people's diets. Iodine is essential for thyroid function and brain health. Shrimp also contains omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health. Additionally, shrimp has an antioxidant called astaxanthin, which gives it its reddish color. Astaxanthin has anti-inflammatory properties and may help protect against chronic diseases and reduce the risk of heart attacks.
On the other hand, blue cheese, known for its bold and tangy flavor, also offers a variety of health benefits. It is rich in dairy protein, dietary fats, and essential vitamins and minerals, including calcium, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, and vitamin A. Blue cheese provides a good serving of unsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health. It also has a high calcium content, which can contribute to healthier bone density and help reduce the risk of osteoporosis.
When it comes to pairing blue cheese and shrimp, it is important to consider the cooking method and the balance of flavors. Blue cheese is a bold and pungent cheese, so it pairs well with grilled or baked seafood. It can add an extra kick to shrimp dishes and create a flavorful contrast. However, it is important not to overpower the delicate taste of shrimp with too much cheese.
In conclusion, blue cheese and shrimp can be delicious and nutritious partners on your plate. Both foods offer a range of health benefits, and when combined correctly, they can create a balanced and satisfying dish. So, the next time you're planning a meal, consider experimenting with this unlikely duo to elevate your culinary experience.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, shrimp and blue cheese can complement each other well. The salty, tangy flavour of blue cheese goes well with the sweet, delicate flavour of shrimp. The creamy texture of blue cheese also helps to balance out the firm texture of shrimp.
There are several recipes that use shrimp and blue cheese together, including:
- Shrimp in a blue cheese sauce over pasta
- Shrimp burgers with blue cheese
- Shrimp and blue cheese quesadillas
- Shrimp scampi with blue cheese
- Shrimp and grits with blue cheese
- Shrimp cocktail with blue cheese dipping sauce
Yes, there are some risks to consider when consuming blue cheese and shrimp. Blue cheese, especially the unpasteurized variety, can contain harmful bacteria. It should be avoided by pregnant women, individuals with weakened immune systems, and children. Shrimp can contain parasites, so it is important to cook them thoroughly. People with shellfish allergies should also avoid shrimp.
Seafood and cheese combinations are found in various cuisines, including Italian, Greek, and Mexican. Some examples of seafood and cheese pairings include:
- Tuna melts
- Anchovy pizza
- Coquille St.-Jacques
- Shrimp risotto
- Crab dip
- Clams casino
- Oyster and spinach on the half shell with cheese and breadcrumbs
- Shrimp saganaki
- Scampi with grated hard cheese
- Ravioli stuffed with cheese and prawns
- Lobster with cheese
- Shrimp with feta cheese
Combining seafood and cheese is a longstanding taboo, and some people believe it is a culinary crime. However, there are several examples of seafood and cheese pairings in different cuisines, and it is not prohibited in the Jewish faith. In fact, some sources claim that seafood and cheese are meant to be together, with the creamy and smooth texture of cheese complementing the sweet and mild flavour of seafood.
