Shrimp Sliders With Remoulade Sauce: A Taste of the Bayou in Every Bite #RSC

I remember the first time I tried a truly great remoulade. It was at a tiny, unassuming seafood shack just outside of New Orleans. The air was thick with the smell of salt and spices, and the rhythmic sounds of zydeco music spilled from the open doorway. I ordered a shrimp po’boy, and one bite was all it took. The creamy, tangy, slightly spicy sauce coating the perfectly fried shrimp was an explosion of flavor unlike anything I’d ever experienced. This recipe, with its Hidden Valley Ranch-infused remoulade, brings a touch of that Southern magic home.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 8
• Yield: 8 sliders
• Dietary Type: Varies (see variations for Gluten-Free)

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup spinach leaves, roughly chopped
• 2 tablespoons chives, chopped
• 1 cup frozen corn
• 4 roma tomatoes, diced
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 lemon, juice and zest of
• 1 cup Hidden Valley® Original Ranch® Dressing
• 1/2 cup green onion top, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley leaves, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons celery, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons Creole mustard
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups shrimp, diced (about 1 pound)
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley leaves, chopped
• 8 rolls or 8 slider buns
• 4 slices tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon white pepper

Equipment Needed

• Medium bowl
• Blender
• Cutting board
• Knife

Instructions

1. Prepare the salsa: In a medium bowl, gently combine the spinach leaves, chives, frozen corn, diced roma tomatoes, finely diced red onion, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and the juice and zest of the lemon. Mix well and then refrigerate until ready to serve. The chilling time allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.

2. Make the Remoulade Sauce: In a blender, combine the Hidden Valley® Original Ranch® Dressing, finely chopped green onion top, finely chopped fresh parsley leaves, finely chopped celery, Creole mustard, ketchup, tomato paste, minced garlic, paprika, hot sauce, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Process until completely smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. A little extra hot sauce never hurt anyone!

3. Prepare the Shrimp: In a separate medium bowl, combine the diced shrimp and chopped fresh parsley leaves with 1/4 cup of the prepared Remoulade Sauce. Gently toss to coat the shrimp evenly. Season with the remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon white pepper.

4. Assemble the Sliders: Spread approximately 1/4 cup of the Remoulade Sauce on the bottom half of each slider bun. This creates a flavorful base for the shrimp.

5. Add the tomato and shrimp: Place two tomato halves and the prepared shrimp mixture on top of the remoulade on each bun.

6. Top it off: Place the top half of the bun on top of the shrimp and tomato.

7. Serve: Serve the Shrimp Sliders immediately with a generous portion of the chilled salsa on the side and, if desired, some crispy potato chips.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Spice Level: Control the heat by adjusting the amount of hot sauce in the remoulade. Start with a smaller amount and taste as you go. For a milder version, you can omit it entirely.
• Shrimp Size: While this recipe calls for diced shrimp, you can use whole small shrimp or larger shrimp that have been cut into smaller pieces. Adjust cooking time as needed to ensure the shrimp is cooked through.
• Make-Ahead Tip: The remoulade sauce can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The salsa can be prepped a day ahead, but the tomatoes are best added just before serving to prevent it from becoming too watery.
• Bun Selection: Choose soft, slightly sweet slider buns for the best flavor. Brioche or Hawaiian rolls work exceptionally well. Lightly toasting the buns adds a pleasant texture.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

These Shrimp Sliders are best served immediately to enjoy the fresh flavors and textures. The vibrant salsa provides a refreshing contrast to the creamy remoulade and succulent shrimp.

• Serving: Arrange the sliders on a platter and garnish with extra parsley or a sprinkle of paprika for visual appeal. Serve alongside a bowl of the salsa and your favorite chips or a light salad.
• Storage: Leftover shrimp mixture should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consumed within 1-2 days. The remoulade sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The salsa is best consumed the same day it is made, but can be stored for a day in the refrigerator as well, but may lose some of the crispness. It is not recommended to freeze the remoulade, salsa, or shrimp mixture.

Nutritional Information

Here’s an estimate of the nutritional information per slider. Keep in mind that this is an approximation and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	395 kcal	20%
Total Fat	20g	31%
Saturated Fat	3g	15%
Cholesterol	100mg	33%
Sodium	1100mg	46%
Total Carbohydrate	48g	16%
Dietary Fiber	4g	16%
Sugars	5g	10%
Protein	10g	20%

Variations & Substitutions

• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free slider buns and ensure the hot sauce is gluten-free.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite chili flakes to the remoulade sauce for an extra fiery kick.
• Vegetarian Option: Substitute the shrimp with diced hearts of palm or artichoke hearts for a vegetarian-friendly alternative. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
• Herbs: Feel free to experiment with different herbs in the remoulade and salsa. Dill, cilantro, or tarragon can add unique flavor profiles.
• Dairy-Free: Use a dairy-free Ranch dressing to keep this recipe dairy-free.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use pre-cooked shrimp to make this recipe even faster?
A: Yes, you can use pre-cooked shrimp. Just dice it and gently toss it with the remoulade sauce and seasonings. There is no need to cook it, just assemble and serve.

Q: What is Creole mustard, and can I substitute it with something else?
A: Creole mustard is a Louisiana-style mustard that’s known for its coarse texture and bold flavor. If you can’t find it, you can substitute it with a Dijon mustard with a pinch of horseradish for a similar kick.

Q: Can I make the salsa spicier?
A: Absolutely! Add a finely chopped jalapeño or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the salsa for extra heat.

Q: My remoulade sauce is too thick. How can I thin it out?
A: Add a tablespoon of water or lemon juice at a time until you reach your desired consistency.

Q: What other toppings would go well with these sliders?
A: Avocado slices, pickled onions, or a sprinkle of crumbled bacon would all be delicious additions to these sliders.

Final Thoughts

These Shrimp Sliders with Remoulade Sauce are a delightful and flavorful twist on a classic slider. The creamy, tangy remoulade, paired with the fresh salsa and perfectly seasoned shrimp, creates an unforgettable taste experience. So, gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to bring a taste of the Bayou to your kitchen. Don’t hesitate to adjust the recipe to your liking, and please share your creations and feedback – I’d love to hear about your own unique twist on this dish! Enjoy!