Shrimp cocktails might be an iconic appetizer, but they can’t compete with the Best Shrimp Starter! Zesty, herbaceous, and juicy pink shrimp piled atop a bed of tangy cream cheese and spicy, sweet pepper jam is just incredible, but the ordinarily forgettable cracker it sits on is also made extraordinary! It’s coated in seasonings and spices, making each crunchy and salty bite a delight all on its own. Let Best Shrimp Starter set the tone for your next party, because you’ll see that tone is a joyous one!
Ingredients
For the seasoned crackers:
- 1 sleeve saltine crackers
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the shrimp:
- 24 jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh flat leaf parsley, plus more for garnish, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon fresh chives, plus more for garnish, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, plus more for garnish chopped
For serving:
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, room temperature
- 1/4 cup red pepper jelly, room temperature
Directions
Step 1 –Stack the crackers upright, in an airtight container, and in a single layer.
Step 2 –Whisk 1/4 cup of the olive oil, the onion powder, the red pepper, the garlic powder, the cayenne pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon of the black pepper together in a bowl.
Step 3 –Pour the spice mixture over the crackers and let them stand for 10 minutes.
Step 4 –Flip the container and let them stand for 10 minutes.
Step 5 –Repeat the flipping process until the oil and the seasonings have soaked into the crackers, about 10 minutes.
Step 6 –Stir the shrimp, the salt, and the remaining pepper in a bowl together until they are evenly coated.
Step 7 –Heat the remaining oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.
Step 8 –Arrange the shrimp in a single layer inside the skillet and cook until they only just turn pink and firm, about 2-3 minutes per side.
Step 9 –Transfer the shrimp to a large bowl and allow them to cool for 5 minutes.
Step 10 –Add the parsley, the lemon juice, the chives, and the dill to the shrimp and stir until they are evenly coated.
Step 11 –Arrange 24 of the seasoned crackers on a platter.
Step 12 –Spread 1 teaspoon of the cream cheese onto each cracker.
Step 13 –Top each cracker with 1 shrimp and spoon 1/2 teaspoon of the red pepper jelly on top.
Step 14 –Garnish with the extra herbs and serve.
