If you’ve got zucchini on hand, turning them into zucchini boats is a culinary adventure worth embarking on. This particular recipe is a delightful blend of succulent shrimp, tangy marinated artichokes, a hint of garlic, and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Not only is it a protein-packed meal, but it’s also a wholesome and scrumptious way to enjoy zucchini. 

Low Carb Shrimp Zucchini Boats Recipe

Embracing a low-carb lifestyle doesn’t mean compromising on flavor. In this recipe, we’re making a dish that’s both nutritious and delicious. Starting with the natural goodness of zucchini, we introduce the rich textures of raw shrimp.

A buttery foundation, accentuated with garlic herb seasoning, sets the tone. The zest from lemon juice, the distinct character of artichoke hearts, and the aromatic presence of minced garlic come together harmoniously. And to finish, a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese adds just the right touch of indulgence.

Ingredients

• 3 Zucchini, large
• Tablespoon of garlic herb seasoning
• 4 tablespoons of butter
• 16 ounces of raw shrimp
• 1 Tablespoon of lemon juice
• 2 ounces of artichoke hearts, chopped and marinated
• 3 cloves of minced garlic
• 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
• Cherry tomatoes (optional)

Instructions

• Prepping the Zucchini: Begin by slicing the zucchini lengthwise. Hollow out the center to form a boat-like shape, but keep the scooped-out zucchini aside for later use.
• Seasoning the Boats: Lightly brush the zucchini boats with extra virgin olive oil. For a burst of flavor, season them with garlic herb seasoning.
• Grilling Time: Place the zucchini boats cut side down on a grill set to high heat. Let them grill undisturbed for about 5 minutes until they have a nice char.
• Shrimp Sauté: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt two tablespoons of butter. Once melted, introduce the shrimps to the pan. Drizzle in a tablespoon of lemon juice and sprinkle the remaining garlic herb seasoning. Sauté the shrimps for roughly 6 minutes, or until they adopt a golden hue on the bottom. Once done, transfer the shrimp to a large bowl.
• Zucchini and Artichoke Sauté: Using the same skillet, melt another 2 tablespoons of butter. Toss in the artichoke hearts and the reserved scooped zucchini. Let them cook for about 5 minutes or until they soften. For an aromatic touch, stir in the garlic and let it cook for an additional 2 minutes.
• Assembling the Boats: Lay out the grilled zucchini boats on a baking sheet. Generously fill them with the zucchini and artichoke mixture. Tear the sautéed shrimps into bite-sized pieces and layer them atop the filling. For a cheesy finish, sprinkle your desired amount of grated Parmesan over the boats.
• Broiling to Perfection: Position the zucchini boats under a broiler. Broil for approximately 5 minutes or until the Parmesan cheese is beautifully golden brown.

Got a soft spot for shrimp and zucchini? Give that image below a cheeky pin and let your foodie flag fly high with this low-carb masterpiece! 🍤

From the rustic kitchens of our ancestors to the chic restaurants of modern cities, the braised beef brisket has traveled through time, evolving with each generation. This dish, a symbol of culinary heritage, has been reinvented numerous times, yet its soul remains intact.

Today, as we stand at the crossroads of tradition and innovation, we present a beef brisket recipe that grabs the essence of this voyage, combining age-old techniques with modern flavors.

Beef Brisket – The Urban Culinary Tale

In the bustling streets of New York City, amidst the neon lights and the cacophony of urban life, lies a hidden jewel: a small, secretive restaurant known only to the locals. It was here that this modern version of the beef brisket was born.

Inspired by the city’s melting pot of cultures, the chef infused the classic brisket with flavors reminiscent of the city’s diverse palate.

Picking the Perfect Cut

The core of this dish lies in its primary ingredient: the brisket. While various cuts are available, the first-cut or flat-cut brisket is the star. Distinguished by its lean texture with a generous fat cap, it ensures a juicy and flavorful outcome.

Variations to Spice Up Your Braised Beef Brisket

Braised beef brisket is an adaptable dish that lends itself to various flavors and adaptations. Whether you’re looking to boost it with international flavors or want to try a different twist, here are some variations to consider:

1. Asian-Inspired Beef Brisket: Add a mix of soy sauce, hoisin sauce, star anise, and ginger to your braising liquid. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
2. BBQ Brisket: Slather your brisket with your favorite BBQ sauce before braising. Add a splash of apple cider vinegar and a touch of smoked paprika to the braising liquid for that smoky BBQ flavor.
3. Mediterranean Twist: Combine olives, capers, and sun-dried tomatoes into your braising mix. Finish with a sprinkle of feta cheese and fresh basil.
4. Spicy Kick: Add some chopped chipotle peppers or a few dashes of hot sauce to the braising liquid for those who like it hot. Garnish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime.
5. Sweet and Savory: Add a blend of dried fruits like apricots, prunes, and raisins. The sweetness of the fruits complements the savory notes of the brisket beautifully.
6. Wine-Braised Brisket: Swap some of the braising liquid with a good quality red wine. This adds depth and richness to the sauce.
7. Creamy Mushroom Brisket: Add various mushrooms and a splash of heavy cream or sour cream to the braising liquid for a creamy, earthy tone.
8. Herb-Infused: Use a bouquet garni (a bundle of herbs) with rosemary, thyme, and bay leaves in your braising liquid for a fragrant and herbaceous flavor profile.

Onion-Braised Beef Brisket Recipe

Unearth the charm of classic flavors with our Onion-Braised Beef Brisket recipe. With straightforward steps and promises of delectable results, it’s time to roll up those sleeves and embark on a delightful cooking experience.

Ingredients:

• 1 5-6 pound first-cut beef brisket, with a thin layer of fat
• 1½ tablespoons kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or matzo cake meal for Passover)
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 8 medium yellow onions, sliced ½-inch thick
• 3 tablespoons tomato paste
• 3 cloves garlic, roughly chopped
• 6 carrots, sliced into large chunks diagonally

For the Urban Twist:

• 2 stalks lemongrass, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey
• A dash of smoked paprika

Instructions:

• Setting the Stage: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Season your brisket generously with salt and pepper as it warms, followed by a light dusting of flour.
• Golden Sear: In a heavy-bottomed pan, heat the oil. Once shimmering, add your brisket, searing both sides to a beautiful golden brown. Remove and set aside.
• Onion Symphony: In the residual oil, sauté the onions until they obtain a rich, golden hue. The fragrance will be your signal to move to the next step.
• Layering Magic: Gently place your brisket over the onions. Spread the tomato paste, ensuring an even coat. Add garlic, carrots, lemongrass, and the other ingredients, creating a layered masterpiece.
• The Slow Dance: Seal your pot with aluminum foil or a tight-fitting lid. Let it cook in the oven for about 1½ hours.
• Precision Slicing: Post braising, transfer the brisket to a board. Slice against the grain, aiming for 1/6 – 1/4-inch-thick slices. Return them to the pot, ensuring a slight overlap.
• The Final Act: Reduce the oven’s heat to 325°F. Let the brisket cook until it achieves a fork-tender consistency, roughly another 1 to 2 hours.
• Rest & Serve: While the brisket is a delight immediately, letting it rest overnight enhances its flavors, making it a true culinary masterpiece.

If you enjoyed making this Onion-Braised Beef Brisket recipe, how about sharing the love? Pin the picture below to your Pinterest. Your friends might thank you for their next dinner inspiration!

Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Braised Beef Brisket

Executing the perfect braised beef brisket needs more than just following a recipe. It’s about comprehending the nuances of the meat, the intricacies of braising, and the little secrets that can boost your dish from good to outstanding.

Here are some tried-and-true tips and tricks to ensure your brisket is the star of any meal:

Choosing the Right Cut: Always opt for a first-cut or flat-cut brisket. It has the proper balance of meat and fat, ensuring a tender outcome.

Marbling Matters: Look for a brisket with good marbling. These fat streaks melt during cooking, infusing the meat with flavor and preserving it moist.

Slow and Steady: Braising is a slow-cooking method. Resist the urge to raise the temperature to speed up the process. Low and slow is the key to a tender brisket.

Rest Before Slicing: After braising, let your brisket rest for at least 15 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to be redistributed, ensuring a moist slice every time.

Against the Grain: Always slice your brisket against the grain. This shortens the muscle fibers, making each piece more tender.

Overnight Magic: If time allows, refrigerate your cooked brisket overnight. This not only improves the flavors but also makes slicing easier.

Skim the Fat: After braising, there might be extra fat on the surface of the sauce. Use a spoon to skim it off for a cleaner, more decadent sauce.

Herb Infusion: For an added layer of flavor, consider adding fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme to the braising liquid.

Storage: Brisket tastes even better the next day. Store it in the refrigerator in its sauce to keep it moist. When reheating, do so gently to retain its tenderness.

Have you ever felt the warmness of a comforting embrace in a dish? If not, you’re about to. Today, we’re not just sharing a recipe; we’re sharing an experience, a memory, and a story that revolves around the satisfying Chicken a la King.

This isn’t just about cooking; it’s about the love, devotion, and soul that goes into making a masterwork. So, let’s make this delicious treat together, shall we?

Chicken a la King – A Dish That Echoes Home

Remember those chilly nights when all you desired was something warm and hearty? The kind of dish that not only fills your belly but also warms your soul? That’s Chicken Ala King for many of us. It’s not just food; it’s a sensation.

And while it’s easy to grab a canned version off a shelf, the magic truly happens when you make it from scratch, with all the love and care it deserves.

The Tale Behind the Name

The roots of Chicken a la King might be debated, but its royal taste is unquestionable. A lovely concoction of tender chicken, vibrant veggies, and a creamy sauce that’s nothing short of perfection. Despite its regal name, it’s a dish that brings the simple joys of home-cooked meals to the forefront.

Chicken a la King Ingredients

1. Butter:  Forming our dish with butter sets the tone for richness. The butter ensures that each ingredient shines while combining harmoniously with the others.
2. All-purpose Flour:  Just what a recipe needs, a creamy sauce requires a base. The flour is the foundation, thickening the sauce and providing the ideal consistency to envelop our chicken and veggies.
3. Chicken Broth & Half and Half: These two bring depth and creaminess, making a melody of flavors. The broth adds a savory note, while the half-and-half adds a smooth texture, making our sauce irresistibly silky.
4. Peas & Carrots: Adding color, texture, and a touch of sweetness, these veggies dance through your dish, making every bite exciting and delightful.
5. Onions & Garlic: Subtle yet crucial, onions and garlic provide a depth of flavor. Ensuring the dish is well-rounded and complete.
6. Pimento & Bell Pepper: While not overwhelming, these ingredients whisper touches of spice, adding layers to our dish. They’re the subtle plot twists in our recipe, ensuring there’s never a dull moment.
7. Thyme: Fresh and fragrant, thyme adds a timeless note. It complements the chicken beautifully, reminding us of the age-old traditions and memories of home-cooked meals.
8. Chicken: Tender and delicious, the chicken is undeniably the star of this recipe. It absorbs the flavors, delivers substance, and ensures that our Chicken a la King is truly fit for royalty.
9. Cremini Mushrooms: Adding an earthy undertone, these mushrooms ground our dish. They introduce a rural charm, reminding us of the simple joys of nature and wholesome dishes.
10. Cajun Seasoning: Adding a hint of the American South, Cajun seasoning infuses your dish with warmness, spice, and a zesty flair. 

Chicken a la King Variations

While perfect in its original form, every classic dish offers a canvas for creativity. Chicken ala King, with its rich history and adaptable nature, is no exception. Let’s explore some lovely variations that can add a fresh twist to this dish.

Turkey ala King:  Swap out the chicken for tender chunks of turkey. This variation is particularly great for post-holiday meals when you have leftover roasted turkey. The slightly gamey flavor of turkey adds a new depth, making the dish feel even more festive.

Seafood ala King: Imagine succulent shrimp, scallops, and chunks of white fish in the creamy sauce. Seafood delivers a lighter yet equally flavorful alternative, making the dish a coastal delicacy.

Tofu ala King: For our vegetarian friends, firm tofu can be an excellent substitute for chicken. Marinate the tofu in some herbs and spices before adding, and you have a protein-packed, vegetarian version that doesn’t skimp on flavor.

Spicy ala King: For those who like heat in their meals, add some chili flakes, jalapeños, or even a dash of hot sauce. This spicy twist can boost the dish to a fiery delight, perfect for warming up those chilly evenings.

Wild Mushroom ala King:  Swap out the cremini mushrooms for a mix of wild mushrooms like shiitake, chanterelle, morels, or even Lion’s mane. This variation transports you to an enchanted forest with deep, earthy flavors.

Creamless ala King: For a lighter variation, replace the half and half with a blend of milk and a touch of Greek yogurt. This version retains the creamy texture but feels more delicate on the palate, perfect for those mindful eating days.

Pairing Ideas

Consider accompanying your Chicken ala King with:

Gently flavored rice like Coconut or Jasmine Rice.

Pasta, particularly fusilli or penne, which holds onto the creamy sauce.

Soft, buttery biscuits or freshly baked bread.

Chicken a la King Recipe

Here’s the Chicken a la King recipe you’ve been waiting for. No fluff, just flavor. On to the ingredients and instructions!

Ingredients

For the Creamy Base:

• Butter: 4-6 Tbsp, divided
• All-purpose flour: 1/3 cup
• Chicken broth: 2 1/3 cups
• Half and half: 1 cup (or mix ½ cup cream with ½ cup milk)

For the veggies:

• Peas: 1 cup (frozen)
• Carrots: 2 medium, sliced (about 1 cup)
• Onions: 1 medium, diced
• Garlic: 2 tsp, minced
• Pimento: 4 ounces, chopped
• Bell pepper: To taste
• Thyme: 2 tsp, fresh and minced

For the Chicken:

• Cooked chicken: 4-5 cups, cut into chunks
• Cremini Mushrooms: 8 ounces, sliced
• Cajun seasoning 1 1/2 tsp

Instructions

• Mushroom Prelude: Melt 2-3 tablespoons of butter using a large saucepan. Add mushrooms, sauté until tender, and set aside.
• Sauce Symphony: Melt additional butter blend in flour, followed by onions, thyme, and garlic. Once it’s tender, pour in the half and half and chicken broth and stir until the mixture thickens.
• Vegetable Harmony: Add celery, carrots, and previously sautéed mushrooms. Blend well.
• Chicken Finale: Add in the cooked chicken chunks, peas, pimento, Cajun seasoning, and parsley. Season as per preference and let it simmer until everything melds beautifully.

Pro Tip: The dish is versatile. Adjust ingredients to resonate with your personal preference. After all, the best meals are those sprinkled with a dash of originality.

Enjoyed this Chicken a la King? Show it off on Pinterest by pinning the picture below. Let’s see who’s cooking it next!