Shrimp of Supper

The word “shrimp” comes from the Middle English shrimpe, meaning "pygmy." While shrimp may be small, they are anything but “shrimpy” in their nutrition profile. Low in calories and saturated fat, shrimp are a wonderfully nutritious alternative to meat proteins. Shrimp also offers beneficial doses of omega-3 fatty acids, which improve heart health, offer protection against Alzheimer's disease, and may improve mood and reduce depression. Shrimp also provides a great source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin B12, niacin, iron, selenium, zinc, and copper. 

 

At the market: Shrimp are available fresh or frozen, either cooked or uncooked. When buying uncooked, fresh shrimp, avoid shells with black spots or ones that appear yellow or gritty. Shrimp will smell a little fishy, but a strong ammonia odor is not good.

Unless you live in the part of the country where you can actually buy truly fresh shrimp, it is best to buy frozen shrimp. Uncooked, frozen shrimp are often available with shells spilt and deveined. This saves prep time and is convenient. Look for a "best by" date on the package and don't purchase expired packages. Shrimp should be loose in the package—avoid a frozen block feel. This is a sign the package thawed and was refrozen.

Whichever you choose—fresh or frozen—shrimp come in a variety of sizes, and they are priced accordingly. As a rule, the fewer number of shrimp in a pound, the more expensive. Bigger is not always the best when you're cooking shrimp, however. Here are a few guidelines to selecting the right size shrimp for your family meals:

Adult-only and special occasions: 

10 shrimp or less = Colossal (sometimes called prawns)

11 to 15 = Jumbo

Great for grilling, pan-frying, and shrimp cocktail:

16 to 20 = Extra large

21 to 30 = Large

Perfect for sauces, pasta dishes, and stir-fries:

31 to 35 = Medium

Good for salads, soups and adding to dips:

36 to 45 = Small 

Over 100 = Miniature 

Storage: 

Fresh: Fresh shrimp is highly perishable. Refrigerate on the bottom shelf, which is the coolest area of the fridge until ready to use. Fresh shrimp should be eaten within 24 hours of purchase.

Frozen: Use frozen shrimp within 6 months of purchase or before the "best by" date on the package. Follow package instructions to defrost shrimp. 

Preparation: Overcooked shrimp are tough and rubbery. The key to cooking shrimp, regardless of method, is to cook them quickly. Medium shrimp only take about 2 minutes to cook; larger shrimp take 3 to 5 minutes. When they're pink, they are done. 

Here are some creative and simple ideas to include shrimp into your family meals: 

Shrimp on the Barbie: Grilled shrimp could not be easier or quicker to prepare. Threading shrimp on bamboo skewers makes them easy to turn over. Peel, devein, and rinse the shrimp, Sprinkle with salt and pepper, thread on skewers, and cook on the grill (the Barbie!) about 1–2 minutes on each side. Just before removing from the grill, baste the shrimp with a sauce, such as:  

Barbeque sauce 

Teriyaki glaze 

Italian salad dressing 

Thai peanut sauce 

Garlic butter 

Southwestern Shrimp Cocktail: If you need to bring a simple appetizer to a potluck dinner, defrost a bag of medium or large cooked shrimp, arrange them on a platter, and serve with salsa for dipping. 

"Sketti & Shrimp": Make a quick, easy, and healthy pasta dish by adding cooked shrimp to pasta sauce and serve over angel hair pasta. They'll be begging for second helpings! 

Taste of the Tropics: Shrimp and mango are a natural flavor combination. For a refreshing lunch or light dinner, simply toss diced mango with cooked shrimp and this tropical coconut dressing (whisk the ingredients together before tossing) :  

1/4 cup sweetened shredded coconut 

2 Tbsp. chopped cilantro 

1 inch minced fresh ginger 

1 tsp. minced garlic clove 

1/2 tsp. sea salt 

2 Tbsp. fresh lime juice 

1/4 cup olive oil 

Time-Saver Tip: Frozen cooked shrimp are good for more than just shrimp cocktail or cold salads. They can be warmed up and used in hot meals. This can save you time in the kitchen. Defrost cooked shrimp according to package directions. A couple minutes before a dish such as the following is taken off the stove, add shrimp and let them warm through. This works for: 

Soups 

Fried rice 

Pasta 

Stir-fries 

Restaurant-Style Scampi: Shrimp scampi is a very popular Italian dish containing a few basic, fresh ingredients that blend together in delicious harmony. Scampi in restaurants can carry a hefty price tag, but making it at home can be very affordable. This recipe uses medium-sized shrimp, which are often on sale, too.  

1 Tbsp. olive oil 

3 cloves garlic, pressed 

1 lb. medium shrimp—shelled and deveined 

1 cup dry white wine 

1 Tbsp. fresh or 1 tsp. dried Italian herb blend 

1 tsp. cold water 

2 tsp. cornstarch 

Directions: Heat oil in nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add garlic and stir constantly for 30 seconds. Add shrimp. Sauté for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add wine and herbs, cook for 1 minute. Mix water and cornstarch together and add to the juice in the pan while stirring. Once sauce has thickened, the dish is done. Serve hot over pasta or brown rice. 

Kid-Friendly Treat: Crispy, Coconutty Shrimp 

The tropical sweetness of coconut combined with shrimp is a true winner. Served in many restaurants, coconut shrimp are often deep-fried arriving at your table dripping with unhealthy amounts of fat. This variation uses less oil, delivers a crispy texture, and restaurant-quality flavor! 

Make it fun—Get your kids involved in the prep. In this recipe, you'll set up three dipping stations—the dredge, the liquid, and the crunch. The dipping steps are perfect tasks for little fingers (and your fingers will stay clean for cooking). Plus their "I helped Mom make dinner" pride will likely win over even the pickiest eater. 

Ingredients:

1/4 cup cornstarch 

1/2 tsp. salt 

1/2 cup coconut milk 

3/4 cup panko crumbs* 

3/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut** 

12–15 large shrimp, shelled and deveined 

1/4 cup vegetable oil 

Sweet and sour sauce for dipping 

* Panko crumbs are Japanese bread crumbs. They are often stocked in the Asian section of the supermarket.

** Unsweetened coconut is usually stocked in the bulk section of a natural foods store. 

Directions: 

Step 1: Set up the dipping station with three wide flat bowls. Place the cornstarch and salt in first bowl and mix with a fork. Pour the coconut milk in the second bowl. Toss together the panko and coconut in the third bowl.

Step 2: Dredge the shrimp on both sides in the cornstarch. Then, dip them into coconut milk and then coat them in the panko/coconut mixture, pressing lightly. 

Step 3: Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium high. Fry shrimp until browned, about 2 minutes per side. Drain on a paper-towel-lined platter. Serve with dipping sauce. 

Dipping Sauce: Store-bought sweet and sour sauce is perfect for this dish. If your kids would like a more-familiar flavor, try mixing equal parts ketchup and sweet and sour sauce together. 

Makes 4 servings. 

About the Authors: Cheryl Tallman and Joan Ahlers are sisters, the mothers of five children, and founders of Fresh Baby ( www.FreshBaby.com ). They are the creators of the award-winning So Easy Baby Food Kit and Good Clean Fun Placemats, available at many fine specialty stores and national chains, including Target and Whole Foods Markets.