I am thrilled when I ask my better half what he would like for dinner and actually get a real answer! Typical answer most times is, “Whatever is easy”. What? Whatever is easy is take out from your favorite restaurant, delivered! lol! We seriously are not much for going out though, but it is a nice break once in a while. This is another one of those spontaneous blog post due to many request for the chipotle shrimp recipe. It is the simplest of recipes. I think all three are actually pretty simple and a real nice dinner for two. This was our dinner at home for this past Valentine’s day. At the end of the post, you will also find the link to the recipe for Seared Scallops with a Chimichurri-Style Sauce. Could not have a special dinner without that dish. Cook for the ones you love every chance you get. Making memories, one day at a time. ~
p.s…Not the best photos, but it’s the thought that counts.
Chipotle Shrimp
8 extra large shrimp, peeled and cleaned(1/2 pound)
1 chipotle in adobo, minced
2 tablespoons adobo sauce
1 clove garlic, minced
pinch of Mexican oregano, crushed
Juice of 1 key lime or half regular lime
Drizzle of olive oil
salt and pepper, to taste
- Mix all the ingredients for the chipotle marinade and taste for salt. Mix with shrimp and let marinate for 30 minutes.~
2. In a skillet, preheat 2 tablespoons of olive oil to medium heat for 3-4 minutes. Cook shrimp for 5-6 minutes, turning halfway through cooking time. During the last minutes, cover skillet with lid so that the shrimp steams a little. I do this when my shrimp are extra thick in the middle to ensure they cook all the way through. Garnish with cilantro and lime.~
Green Beans with Bacon, Chile Flakes and Lime
1/2 pound fresh green beans
Salt to taste
2 strips of thick cut bacon, diced fine
unsalted butter
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Juice of 1/2 lime
Salt and pepper to taste
- Bring a small pan of water to a boil. Add 1/2 teaspoon of salt and green beans. Blanche beans for 3-5 minutes. Remove beans from hot water and place into a bowl of ice water, set aside.~
2. In a skillet, cook bacon at medium heat until crispy. While bacon cooks, drain the green beans, set aside. To the bacon, add the unsalted butter, pepper flakes and garlic. Saute for 30 seconds. Add the green beans, lime juice, salt and pepper to taste. Cook just until warm.~
Strip Steak
3/4 pound strip steak
sea salt
fresh cracked pepper
cumin
carne asada seasoning or simple salt and fresh cracked pepper
olive oil
lime
Bring the steak to room temperature for 30 minutes. Season to taste with spices listed. Preheat cast iron skillet to medium heat for 3-4 minutes. Drizzle pan with olive oil. Sear steak for 4 minutes per side for medium/rare. Remove from pan onto cutting board, tent with foil and let rest for 5 minutes. Slice thin and against the grain.~
Tips~ you could add a tablespoon of butter tot he steak before it comes out of the pan. I opted no butter this time.
And My Husband’s Special Request, Seared Scallops in a Chimichurri-Style Sauce. Click onto picture to see full recipe on site.
Steak and Chipotle Shrimp~Dinner For Two
Sounds real yummy, will try this out next Friday!!