Martha Stewart's Cooking School Season 2 Episode 13 Shrimp

In the 13th episode of Martha Stewart's Cooking School season 2, viewers are transported into the realm of shrimp -- those ubiquitous crustaceans found in oceans and rivers across the globe. Martha sets to work crafting an array of tantalizing shrimp-based dishes, ranging from the simple to the complex.

Throughout the episode, the audience is treated to expert tips and tricks for preparing shrimp properly. Martha explains that the key to cooking perfect shrimp is timing. Overcooked shrimp can easily become rubbery and tough, while undercooked shrimp poses a risk of food poisoning. By following Martha's advice, however, it's easy to find the sweet spot and cook shrimp to perfection.

One of the first dishes Martha tackles is the classic shrimp cocktail. This simple but delicious dish involves poaching shrimp in a flavorful court bouillon before serving them with a spicy cocktail sauce. Martha explains that court bouillon is a versatile cooking liquid made from water, aromatic vegetables, and flavorful herbs and spices. By poaching the shrimp in the court bouillon, they absorb a delicious depth of flavor that complements the zesty cocktail sauce perfectly.

From there, Martha moves on to another seafood classic: shrimp scampi. This Italian-American dish features shrimp sautéed in butter and garlic, then served over pasta. Martha shows viewers the proper technique for deveining shrimp, which involves removing the dark stringy vein that runs down the back of each shrimp. She then goes on to explain how to sauté the shrimp properly, ensuring they cook evenly and don't become overcooked.

Next up is a more complex dish: shrimp risotto. This creamy Italian dish involves slowly cooking arborio rice in chicken stock, then stirring in sautéed shrimp, Parmesan cheese, and other flavorful ingredients. Martha guides viewers through every step of the process, from toasting the rice to stirring in the stock, ensuring that their risotto turns out perfectly creamy and flavorful.

Martha also demonstrates how to make shrimp dumplings, a dish inspired by Chinese dim sum. The filling for these dumplings is made from minced shrimp, scallions, and other seasonings, then wrapped in a delicate dough and steamed until tender. Martha explains that the key to making successful dumplings is to keep the dough and filling moist while working with them, so they don't dry out and become difficult to work with.

Finally, Martha rounds out the episode with a twist on the classic shrimp scampi: shrimp with tomato and feta. In this dish, sautéed shrimp are combined with diced tomatoes, crumbled feta cheese, and other herbs and spices to create a rich and savory sauce. Martha demonstrates how to cook the shrimp to perfection, and how to balance the flavors in the dish so that every bite is bursting with delicious Mediterranean flavors.

Overall, the shrimp episode of Martha Stewart's Cooking School season 2 is a must-see for anyone who loves this tasty, versatile seafood. Martha's expert guidance and easy-to-follow instructions make it easy to cook perfect shrimp dishes every time, whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen.