Craving the iconic flavors of Shore Lunch but can’t make it to Papua New Guinea? I’ve got you covered! After countless visits, I decided to recreate their legendary dishes right in my own kitchen.
The Shore Lunch Copycat Recipe brings the vibrant tastes and unique ingredients straight to your table. From sizzling seafood to mouthwatering sauces, every bite transports you to the coastal paradise that inspired it. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to Shore Lunch, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your home.
Ingredients
Recreating Shore Lunch at home starts with gathering fresh, high-quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to bring the coastal flavors to your kitchen.
For the Bread
- 4 slices of artisan white bread
- 2 tablespoons of butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
For the Filling
- 1 pound of fresh shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon of paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Sauce
- 1/2 cup of mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons of ketchup
- 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon of hot sauce (optional)
- 1 tablespoon of fresh parsley, chopped
Optional Toppings
- Sliced avocado
- Fresh cilantro leaves
- Pickled jalapeños
- Shredded lettuce
- Sliced tomatoes
Equipment
To bring the authentic Shore Lunch flavors to your kitchen, make sure you have the following equipment on hand:
- Griddle or Grill Pan
Perfect for achieving that signature char on seafood and bread.
- Mixing Bowls
Ideal for preparing marinades and combining ingredients.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
Ensure accurate measurements for balanced flavors.
- Cutting Board and Chef’s Knife
Essential for chopping fresh vegetables and garnishes.
- Cooking Utensils
Such as spatulas and tongs for handling ingredients on the griddle.
- Saucepan
Necessary for preparing any homemade sauces or dressings.
- Toaster or Toaster Oven
To lightly toast the artisan white bread for a crispy texture.
- Paper Towels
For draining excess oil and keeping your dishes light.
- Serving Plates and Utensils
To present your Shore Lunch creations beautifully.
Having these tools ready will streamline the cooking process and help you replicate the vibrant tastes of Shore Lunch with ease.
Make-Ahead Instructions
As a chef who loves optimizing kitchen time, I’ve perfected the make-ahead steps for our Shore Lunch Copycat Recipe. Preparing certain elements in advance not only saves time but also enhances the flavors.
Marinate the Seafood
Marinating the shrimp and fish ahead of time allows the flavors to deeply penetrate the seafood.
- Prepare the Marinade: In a mixing bowl, combine lime juice, minced garlic, chopped cilantro, salt, and pepper.
- Marinate the Seafood: Add the cleaned shrimp and fish fillets to the marinade. Ensure they are well-coated.
- Refrigerate: Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 4 hours for maximum flavor infusion.
Prepare the Sauce
Making the sauce beforehand ensures it melds perfectly with the other components.
- Combine Ingredients: In a saucepan, mix together soy sauce, honey, minced ginger, and a splash of rice vinegar.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes until it thickens.
- Cool and Store: Allow the sauce to cool, then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Chop and Prepare Toppings
Having your toppings ready makes assembly quick and easy.
- Slice Avocado: Cut ripe avocados into thin slices or cubes and store them in an airtight container with a squeeze of lime to prevent browning.
- Chop Cilantro: Finely chop fresh cilantro and place it in a sealed container.
- Pickle Jalapeños: If using pickled jalapeños, ensure they are sliced and ready to add a spicy kick.
Bread Preparation
Toasting the artisan white bread in advance ensures it maintains its crunch.
- Toast the Bread: Lightly toast the bread slices on a griddle or in a toaster until golden brown.
- Store Properly: Once cooled, store the toasted bread in a sealed container at room temperature. Reheat briefly before serving if needed.
Storage Overview
| Component | Preparation Steps | Storage Time |
|---|---|---|
| Seafood | Marinate with lime juice, garlic, cilantro, salt, and pepper | 1 to 4 hours in the refrigerator |
| Sauce | Combine soy sauce, honey, ginger, rice vinegar, simmer | Up to 1 week in the refrigerator |
| Toppings | Slice avocado, chop cilantro, pickle jalapeños | Avocado: 1 day, others: 3-5 days in the refrigerator |
| Toasted Bread | Lightly toast and store in a sealed container | Up to 2 days at room temperature |
By following these make-ahead steps, you can effortlessly bring the vibrant flavors of Shore Lunch to your home kitchen, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable cooking experience.
Directions
Recreating the vibrant flavors of Shore Lunch is simpler than you might think. Follow these steps to bring a taste of Papua New Guinea to your kitchen.
Prep
- Marinate the Seafood
- In a mixing bowl, combine 1/4 cup lime juice, 3 cloves minced garlic, 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.
- Add 1 pound of fresh shrimp and 1 pound of fish fillets.
- Toss to coat evenly and let marinate in the refrigerator for 1 to 4 hours.
- Prepare the Sauce
- In a saucepan, whisk together 1/4 cup soy sauce, 2 tablespoons honey, 1 tablespoon grated ginger, and 2 tablespoons rice vinegar.
- Heat over medium heat until the mixture thickens slightly.
- Allow to cool and store in an airtight container for up to a week.
- Chop the Toppings
- Slice 2 avocados, finely chop 1 cup fresh cilantro, and prepare 1/2 cup pickled jalapeños.
- Store each topping separately in the refrigerator for easy assembly.
- Toast the Bread
- Preheat your toaster.
- Lightly butter 8 slices of artisan white bread and toast until golden brown.
- Keep the toasted bread on a wire rack to maintain its crunch.
Cook
- Grill the Seafood
- Preheat a griddle or grill pan over medium-high heat.
- Remove the marinated shrimp and fish from the refrigerator.
- Grill the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque.
- Grill the fish fillets for 4-5 minutes per side until they are cooked through and slightly charred.
- Charring the Bread
- After toasting, place the bread slices back on the griddle for an additional 1 minute per side to achieve a subtle char, enhancing the smoky flavor.
Assemble
- Layer the Ingredients
- Place a grilled fish fillet on each toasted bread slice.
- Top with grilled shrimp, ensuring an even distribution.
- Add the Toppings
- Spoon a generous amount of the prepared sauce over the seafood.
- Add slices of avocado, a sprinkle of chopped cilantro, and a few pickled jalapeños for added heat and freshness.
- Serve
- Arrange the assembled Shore Lunch sandwiches on serving plates.
- Garnish with lime wedges and an extra drizzle of sauce if desired.
- Enjoy the authentic coastal flavors of Shore Lunch in every bite.
Serving Suggestions
Bringing the vibrant flavors of Shore Lunch to your table is just the beginning. Here are some of my favorite ways to elevate your Shore Lunch Copycat experience:
Accompanying Sides
Pair your sandwiches with these delightful sides to create a well-rounded meal:
- Crispy Sweet Potato Fries: The natural sweetness complements the savory seafood.
- Fresh Tropical Salad: Combine mango, avocado, red onion, and a light citrus dressing for a refreshing balance.
- Classic Coleslaw: A creamy slaw adds a crunchy texture that pairs perfectly with the grilled meats.
- Grilled Vegetables: Zucchini, bell peppers, and corn grilled to perfection enhance the coastal vibe.
Perfect Beverages
Refresh your palate with these beverage options:
| Beverage | Description |
|---|---|
| Iced Coconut Water | Hydrating and subtly sweet, ideal for tropical flavors |
| Crisp Lager Beer | A light beer that complements the savory notes |
| Pineapple Mojito | A refreshing cocktail with a hint of mint |
| Fresh Limeade | Tart and sweet, perfect for balancing flavors |
Garnish Ideas
Top off your dishes with these garnishes to add extra flair and flavor:
- Lime Wedges: A squeeze of lime brightens up the sandwich.
- Fresh Cilantro: Adds a burst of herbal freshness.
- Pickled Jalapeños: For a spicy kick that enhances the overall taste.
- Avocado Slices: Creamy texture that pairs wonderfully with grilled seafood.
Presentation Tips
Make your Shore Lunch spread visually appealing with these simple presentation ideas:
- Rustic Wooden Boards: Serve your sandwiches and sides on wooden boards for a coastal, laid-back feel.
- Colorful Platter Arrangements: Arrange sides and garnishes in a visually pleasing manner using a variety of colors.
- Individual Serving Bowls: Use small bowls for sauces and garnishes to keep everything organized and accessible.
- Fresh Herbs as Decor: Sprinkle fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley around the platter for a touch of green.
Creating a Complete Meal
Transform your Shore Lunch Copycat Sandwich into a full meal by incorporating these elements:
- Start with the Main Sandwich: Layer your grilled seafood and shrimp on toasted artisan white bread.
- Add a Side Salad: A tropical salad brings freshness and complements the rich flavors of the sandwich.
- Include a Hearty Side Dish: Sweet potato fries or coleslaw add substance and variety to your plate.
- Choose a Refreshing Drink: Select a beverage that balances the meal, such as iced coconut water or a pineapple mojito.
- Finish with a Sweet Touch: Offer a light dessert like tropical fruit skewers or coconut sorbet to complete the dining experience.
By thoughtfully pairing your Shore Lunch Copycat Sandwich with these sides, beverages, and garnishes, you’ll create a memorable and delicious meal that captures the essence of Papua New Guinea’s beloved dining experience.
Conclusion
Bringing Shore Lunch into my kitchen has been such a rewarding adventure. Every bite reminds me of those vibrant coastal vibes I love so much.
I hope you enjoy making and sharing this copycat recipe as much as I did. It’s a wonderful way to experience the flavors of Papua New Guinea right at home. Happy cooking!
