Happy #SeafoodSunday, Seafoodies!
Summer and shrimp go hand-in-hand! It’s no secret that we’re giant shrimp fans – and we aren’t the only ones. Shrimp is the most consumed seafood in the U.S., and with good reason. It’s readily available, sustainable and delish. If you have a bag of shrimp in the freezer or are picking up some fresh caught shrimp on vacation, here are our top reasons to make shrimp tonight:
- Nutritious. Shrimp is great for the brain, heart and even waistline! It’s naturally low in fat and calories, clocking in at 85 calories and nearly 20 grams of protein per 3-ounce serving. It’s also rich in essential nutrients, especially the antioxidant selenium, and is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids.
- Convenient. Shrimp is available fresh or frozen, and can be cooked in as little as 4 or 5 minutes. If you always have a bag of shrimp in your freezer, you can whip up a quick and healthy dinner in a snap!
- Easy. One of the best things about shrimp? Even newbie Seafoodies can prepare it with confidence. A quick grill, sear, sauté, steam or simmer is all it takes! This makes it a snap to fit in the 2 to 3 servings of seafood a week recommended by the Dietary Guidelines for Americans.
- Versatile. Mild shrimp is complemented by virtually any flavor profile, is a staple in countless cuisines and is suitable for both casual eats and fancy fare. From breakfast burritos and casseroles, to salads, sandwiches and sushi, to pastas and paella, shrimp is the perfect protein for just about anything you can dish out.
Shrimp has so much going for it that it’s hard to narrow down our favorite recipes. Here are a few top contenders that are all fresh, easy and seriously shrimp-tastic. Enjoy!
Shrimp and Cherry Tomatoes over Cheesy Cauliflower Grits
Cauliflower rice takes the place of traditional grits in this flavor-packed shrimp dish spiked with smoky bacon, blistered tomatoes and kale. This low-carb, keto-friendly dish works for breakfast, lunch or dinner!
These healthy fritters are beautiful, too: flecks of pink shrimp and emerald-green zucchini enclosed in a golden-brown crust. Serve them as a salad topper or on their own, drizzled with garlicky yogurt sauce.
Shrimp Strawberry Poppyseed Salad
Another feast for the eyes, this eye-popping shrimp salad really brings on the fruit! Seared shrimp combine with juicy strawberries, crisp greens, sunflower seeds and a fresh strawberry-poppyseed dressing for an out-of-this-world taste combination.
Easy Mediterranean Shrimp Flatbread
Shrimp, tomatoes and a feta-parm blend top this crisp flatbread, which comes together in 15 minutes. Perfect for a weeknight meal!
Shrimp Scampi Spaghetti Squash
If you’re watching calories or just cutting carbs, spaghetti squash is your friend. This simple shrimp dish has half the calories of its pasta-based cousin, without sacrificing the classic scampi taste.
Corn Cakes with Sauteed Shrimp and Tequila Lime Cream Sauce
The johnny cakes you tried in school have come a long way! In this creative twist on shrimp and grits, corn pancakes are topped with tender seared shrimp and a dash of tequila-laced cream.
Seriously Garlicky Shrimp Scampi
Craving scampi but short on time? This weeknight workhorse of a shrimp recipe really delivers (earning four cloves on the Garlic Scale) and comes together in about 20 minutes.
One of our all-time favorite bowls features sautéed shrimp and a deep-gold butternut squash risotto. No stirring required!
Cheesy Shrimp Breakfast Casserole
Talk about a power breakfast! This light and delicious dish really really packs in the superfoods—shrimp, eggs, kale—so you can get your day off to an amazing start.
Whenever we’re craving something festive and crispy, the air fryer comes to our rescue. These skinny coco shrimp will get you in a vacation state of mind!
Grilled Shrimp with Lemon Butter Pasta
We love one-pot meals, and it doesn’t get much simpler than this one. Shrimp skewers served with lemon-garlic pasta will be the new star of your weeknight recipe rotation.
