5 Ways To Use Shrimp In Your Meal Regiment

When you’re looking to improve your omega three levels while minimizing fat content, it can be difficult to pick a protein that fits into your budget and your diet. Shrimp is a great way to improve your cooking and your health. This common crustacean is packed full of protein, vitamins and minerals that leave your body healthy and your stomach happy. But if you’re like me and a little hesitant to eat seafood not from a restaurant, it can be hard to use shrimp with confidence in your daily diet. Fear no more! Here are 5 ways to use shrimp in your meal regiment.

This recipe is great when you want a great snack but don’t feel like cooking.

1. Shrimp Ceviche

This recipe is perfect for adding that extra citrus zing to your meals while also giving you the ultimate nourishment. This recipe is fast and easy and can be served cooked or raw! By adding the lime juice and letting it marinate with the shrimp, the acids from the lime cook the sweet seafood without you having to lift a finger. Shrimp ceviche is not only a healthy way to add shrimp to your diet but also a great tasting snack perfect for any occasion. It makes for a great healthy lunch or party snack. Here is how to get started.

Ingredients

2 pounds of shrimp, cooked or raw
½ cup red onion, sliced thinly
1 jalapeno, minced ( for an extra kick, leave the seeds in, if not de-stem and de-seed them)
¾ cup cucumber, diced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, diced
½ cup lime juice ( use ¾ if you are preparing raw shrimp)
1 avocado, peeled and diced
¾ cup cilantro, chopped
¼ cup lemon juice
⅓ cup orange juice
1 pinch salt
1 serving of tortillas chips

Directions

Place your shrimp in a bowl, followed by your red onion, cucumber, cilantro, jalapeno and avocado. Lightly drizzle the lime juice and orange juice over the top and thoroughly cover the contents of the bowl with it. Add salt and gently toss in the bowl. Next, cover your mixture and let it refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Note that you will want to let your shrimp sit longer in the fridge if you are using raw shrimp. The shrimp will tell you when they are ready by having their gray coloration turn pink. Also note, that if you plan to leave your ceviche in the fridge for longer than 30 minutes, add the avocado right before you want to serve to ensure it does not turn brown from the oxidation in the fridge. Prep your ceviche in a decorated bowl and arrange tortilla chips. Serve and enjoy.

This recipe is great for when you’re craving a sweet kick.

2. Shrimp Tacos

If you crave something sweet and spicy but are looking to shy away from the fatty meats of a typical taco, this recipe is perfect for you. The minimal fat of the shrimp coupled with their rich buttery texture and their ability to absorb any flavor they are put with, makes for a healthy and flavorful taco. These shrimp tacos are a perfect way to stay healthy while adding that perfect blend of spice to your life.

Ingredients

1 tbsp olive oil
1 pinch chili powder
1 pinch ground chipotle chili
1 small pinch cumin ( note, this spice can be overpowering if you put in a full large pinch)
1 small pinch salt
6 to 8 four or corn tortillas
Garnishes of your choice

Taco Sauce and Slaw

2 tbsp olive oil
1 cup of nonfat Greek yogurt
1 clove of garlic, peeled and minced
½ jalapeno, seeds and inner membrane removed
¼ cup cilantro, chopped
1 small pinch salt
Zest and juice of 2 limes
2 cups of cabbage, shredded

Directions

Begin by rinsing and deveining your shrimp. Place your shrimp in a large mixing bowl and lightly drizzle with your olive oil. Season with your chipotle chili powder, chili powder, salt and cumin. Toss lightly to ensure all surfaces of the shrimp are coated evenly. Let your shrimp rest and prepare your slaw and sauce. In a blender or food process, add your Greek yogurt, garlic, olive oil, jalapeno, salt, cilantro, lime juice and zest. Blend thoroughly and adjust seasoning if need be. Place your cabbage into a mixing bowl and coat with your sauce, lightly tossing. The more sauce you add, the creamier your slaw will be! Next, in a large skillet over medium high heat, add your olive oil and proceed to cook your shrimp. Saute lightly and cook until they become translucent and pink. This should take around 10 minutes. Transfer the shrimp over to a plate and let cool. During this time, go ahead and heat your tortillas. Assemble your taco and prepare with garnishes of your choice. Serve and enjoy.

This recipe is a perfect taste of comfort.

3. Grilled Garlic Shrimp

This recipe is perfect for when you’re craving this sweet creature of the sea but are not necessarily in the mood for the zesty zing of citrus. The garlic allows for the shrimp to take on a more homely and rustic flavor. If you’re looking to give your shrimp the taste of a warm comfort food, try this recipe out.

Ingredients

Marinade

⅓ cup of olive oil
1 dollop tomato paste
4 cloves of garlic, peeled and minced
2 tbsp of chopped parsley, ( you can also supplement this with cilantro)
1 tbsp of fresh basil, finely chopped
2 tsp lemon juice
1 small pinch salt
1 small pinch pepper

Garlic Butter

1 clove of garlic, peeled and minced
1 pinch parsley, chopped (optional)
¼ cup of butter, melted, ( either unsalted or salted works for this recipe)
Lemon wedges for serving

Directions

Combine your marinade ingredients in a medium mixing bowl and stir thoroughly. Add your shrimp to the marinade and let sit for at least 20 minutes. Note, that the longer you marinade them the more flavorful your shrimp will become! Next, take a medium skillet and heat to medium high heat. You can insert skewers into your shrimp and cook them that way, making them easier to flip, or simply add them into the pan. Cook your shrimp for 6 to 10 minutes, or until pink. Remove from heat and lightly drizzle with your garlic butter. Decorate with lemon wedges. Serve and enjoy.

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This recipe is perfect served hot or cold!

4. Shrimp Sub Sandwiches

If you’re looking to add shrimp to your diet but don’t have much time to prepare meals due to your school or work schedule, this recipe is a must try for you. In addition, shrimp is packed full of protein and low in fat compared to other sandwich meats. If you’re looking for a quick lunch or hearty heated sub, this recipe has it all for you.

Ingredients

4 buns of your choice, split
1 tbsp of butter
1 pound of shrimp, uncooked, peeled and deveined
2 heavy squeezes of lemon juice
½ cup mayonnaise
4 tsp dill
1 pinch salt
1 small pinch pepper
Lettuce or tomatoes, optional

Directions

Begin by hollowing out the bottoms of your buns, leaving a ½ inch bread boat if you will. Next, in a large skillet, heat your butter over medium high heat. Add your shrimp and cook for 3 to 4 minutes or until they turn pink. Note, the more shrimp the longer it will take. In a small bowl, combine your lemon juice, mayonnaise, salt, pepper and dill. Place your shrimp in the bread boat at the bottom of your bun. Top with lettuce and tomato if you desire. Serve and enjoy.

This recipe offers a sweet spicy kick unlike any other.

5. Kung Pao Shrimp

This spicy delight is perfect for when you’re craving that extra kick for your next dinner while also getting that healthy protein power of shrimp. This recipe is the ultimate delight when it comes to bringing that sweet rolling heat. And the best part? It’s fast and easy to make!

Ingredients

4 to 6 chilies, dried ( de arbol works great for this recipe)
3 large dashes of vegetable oil ( you can also use canola oil if you prefer)
⅔ cups of whole roasted cashews
3 cloves of garlic, peeled and minced
3 pounds of shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 red bell pepper, sliced lengthwise
1 onion, loosely diced into large chunks
⅓ cup oyster sauce
2 tbsp of Asian chile paste ( also known as sambal oelek)
1 tsp cornstarch
3 scallions, diced
¼ cup chicken stock
½ tsp sesame seed oil
1 pinch pepper
1 serving of steamed rice.

Directions

In a small dry skillet, lightly toast your chilies until they have become a deeper red and release a sweet spicy aroma. This should take around 30 seconds to 1 minute. Remove from heat and set to the side. Next, heat up a saute pan over medium high heat. Swirl your oil, garlic, cashews and toasted chiles around in the pan. Do this until garlic is lightly browned, around 30 seconds. Next, toss in your shrimp and stir constantly. Shrimp cooks fast and you want to keep your eye on it! Cook until the shrimp has turned pink. Next, add your bell peppers and onions and stir until onion and peppers have softened. This should take around 1 minute. Add in your oyster sauce, chile paste, cornstarch and chicken stock. Incorporate into the mix until it begins to deglaze. Turn off the heat and carefully plate, adding your scallions and a dash of sesame oil. Stir together evenly. Serve and enjoy.