Alright, listen up, y’all. We got some boiled shrimp left over from yesterday’s supper, and we ain’t gonna let it go to waste, no sirree! My old man, he always said, “Waste not, want not,” and that’s somethin’ I live by. So, let’s figure out what to do with these little fellas. We’re talkin’ about boiled shrimp leftovers, mind you, not some fancy restaurant scraps.
First off, you gotta make sure them shrimp are still good. Smell ‘em. If they smell fishy, like real bad fishy, then toss ‘em. Don’t wanna get nobody sick, ya hear? But if they smell alright, a little shrimpy, that’s just fine. Now, what can we do with ’em? Lots of things, I tell ya. My grandma used to say, “A good cook can make a feast outta nothin’,” and she was right.
- Shrimp Salad Sandwiches: This is a good one, real easy. Chop up them shrimp, not too fine, just enough so you ain’t chokin’ on ‘em. Then get some mayonnaise, the real stuff, not that light garbage. Mix it in with the shrimp, a good dollop or two. Add some celery if you got it, chopped up small. And a little bit of onion, just a tiny bit, don’t wanna overpower the shrimp. Salt and pepper, of course. Then slap that on some bread. White bread, wheat bread, whatever you got. A good ol’ shrimp salad sandwich, can’t beat it.
- Shrimp Scramble: This is for breakfast, or anytime you feel like it, really. Chop up them shrimp and throw ‘em in with your eggs when you’re scramblin’ ‘em. Add some cheese if you like, cheddar or whatever you got in the fridge. A little bit of green onion, too, if you got it. It’s a good way to start the day, get some protein in ya. And it uses up them shrimp, so that’s a win-win.
- Shrimp Pasta Salad: If it’s hot outside, this is the ticket. Cook up some pasta, any kind will do, but I like the little shells. Then let it cool down. Chop up them leftover shrimp and toss ‘em in with the pasta. Add some veggies, whatever you got. Tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, anything goes. Then dress it up with some Italian dressing, the kind in the bottle, that’s good enough for me. A nice cold shrimp pasta salad, perfect for a summer day.
- Shrimp and Grits: Now, this is a little fancier, but still easy. You gotta make some grits first. Cook ‘em up according to the package, but make ‘em creamy, not all stiff and lumpy. Then, while they’re still hot, stir in them leftover shrimp. Add some butter, lots of butter, and some salt and pepper. You can even add a little bit of hot sauce if you like things spicy. It’s warm and stick-to-your-ribs kinda food. My kids always loved it when I made this, specially on a cold night.
- Shrimp Tacos: Who don’t love tacos? Get some tortillas, corn or flour, whatever you prefer. Heat ‘em up a little. Then put them shrimp in there, chopped up or not, it don’t matter much. Add some shredded lettuce, some chopped tomatoes, and some cheese. Sour cream if you got it. Hot sauce, of course. A good, quick and easy shrimp taco. Can’t go wrong with a taco, that’s what I always say.
And you know, you can put them shrimp in a soup, or a stew. You can put ‘em on a pizza. You can even just eat ‘em cold, right outta the fridge, if you’re feelin’ lazy. The point is, don’t throw ‘em away! That’s just plain wasteful. Food ain’t cheap, ya know? We gotta make the most of what we got. So next time you got some boiled shrimp leftovers, don’t you fret. Just use your imagination, and you’ll come up with somethin’ tasty, I guarantee it.
Remember, cooking ain’t about fancy recipes and fancy ingredients. It’s about takin’ what you got and makin’ somethin’ good out of it. That’s how we do things around here, and that’s how I was raised. And that’s the best way to be, if you ask me. So go on, get in that kitchen and make somethin’ outta them shrimp! And don’t forget to add a little love, that’s the most important ingredient of all.
Waste not, want not, that’s what I always say. So go on, use up them shrimp, and you won’t be sorry. You’ll have a good meal, and you’ll feel good about not wastin’ food. And that’s what really matters, in the end.
Tags: [boiled shrimp, leftovers, recipes, cooking, food, waste not, shrimp salad, shrimp scramble, shrimp pasta salad, shrimp and grits, shrimp tacos, easy meals, budget cooking, southern cooking, seafood]