Pesto Marinade For Chicken Or Shrimp Food

GRILLED PESTO SHRIMP

Steps:

• Thread the shrimp onto skewers, if desired. (I usually don't bother, unless the shrimp are on the smaller side, in which case they might slip through the grill grates.)
• In a food processor or blender, combine the olive oil, basil, garlic, red pepper flakes, salt, Parmigiano-Reggiano and walnuts. Process until the mixture is well blended. Reserve two tablespoons of the pesto in a bowl large enough to hold all of the shrimp and set aside. Pour the remaining pesto over the shrimp and let sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to marinate.
• Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Lightly dip a wad of paper towels in vegetable oil and, using tongs, carefully rub over the grates several times until glossy and coated. Place the shrimp on the grill and cook until plump and slightly charred, a few minutes per side. Transfer the cooked shrimp to the bowl with the reserved pesto and toss to coat evenly. Serve immediately.

PESTO PASTA WITH SHRIMP

Steps:

• Pulse 3 cups fresh basil, 2 tablespoons toasted pine nuts and 1 garlic clove in a food processor. Pulse in 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt and 2 tablespoons each grated Parmesan and olive oil until smooth. Cook 12 ounces bucatini; reserve 1/2 cup cooking water. Toss the pasta with the pesto, 1 pound steamed chopped asparagus, 8 ounces sauteed shrimp and the reserved cooking water. Top with toasted breadcrumbs.

GRILLED PESTO-MARINATED CHICKEN

Steps:

• Mix together pesto, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, pepper, and salt in a 1-gallon resealable freezer bag. Add chicken, coat with the marinade, squeeze out excess air, and seal the bag. Marinate in the refrigerator 8 hours to overnight.
• Preheat an outdoor grill for medium-high heat and lightly oil the grate.
• Remove chicken from the marinade and shake off excess. Discard the remaining marinade.
• Cook chicken on the preheated grill over indirect heat until no longer pink in the center and the juices run clear, about 6 to 8 minutes per side. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read at least 165 degrees F (74 degrees C).

PESTO MARINADE FOR CHICKEN OR SHRIMP

Steps:

• Mix all ingredients together.
• Marinate chicken for at least an hour, more is better! For shrimp, don't marinate too long--the lemon will "cook" the shrimp. It doesn't ruin it, but it changes the texture a bit.
• Brush marinade on meat while it's cooking. (Discard garlic chunks).
• Works well with chicken, shrimp, and firm white fish. I think it would be good with pork tenderloin, but I haven't made that yet!

LIME CUMIN MARINADE FOR CHICKEN OR SHRIMP

Steps:

• Mix all ingredients together well in small bowl.
• Adjust seasoning if desired.
• Place chicken or shrimp in ziplock bag and pour in marinade.
• For shrimp- marinate no longer than 1 hour.
• For chicken- marinate no longer than 4 hours.
• (The reason for the shortened marinating time is that the lime starts to"cook" the meat or seafood.) Grill!

MARINATED PESTO CHICKEN

Steps:

• Place the basil, garlic, Parmesan, toasted pine nuts and lemon juice in a food processor and process until combined.
• Gradually add the olive oil, with the processor still running, and process until smooth.
• Reserve 3/4 cup of the pesto.
• Coat the chicken fillets with the remaining pesto and marinate for at least 1 hour, or overnight if time permits.
• Place the chicken on a tray and cook under a medium grill (broil) for 5 minutes on each side, or until cooked, brushing with any remaining marinade during the cooking.
• Serve with roasted vegetables, (such as eggplant, capsicum, red onion) and the reserved pesto.

AWESOME MARINADE FOR SHRIMP CHICKEN OR BEEF

Steps:

• Whisk all ingredients together.
• Use as a marinade - best to let it set for 4-8 hours. Will work for about 2 pounds of your chosen meat.