Shrimp Scampi: Low on Calories, High on Protein
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If you are looking to reduce the pounds you gained during the Thanksgiving season while still putting out nutritious and delectable food on the dinner table, shrimps are a great option. Shrimps are high value seafood which are low in calories and high in protein. An ounce or approximately 28 grams of boiled shrimp delivers only 33 calories of energy but 6.4 grams of protein. (1)
Shrimps are mainly found in seawater or marine habitats and their close relative prawns are freshwater dwellers. Shrimps include a huge variety of crustaceans not all of which are edible. The shrimps that we use for culinary dishes are Caridea (the red-orange variety) and the Dendrobanchiata (the brown prawn).
Shrimps are rich in tryptophan, selenium, proteins and Vitamin D. They are believed to have cardiovascular benefits and protect against fatal heart arrhythmia. They are said to control and prevent high blood pressure.
The selenium and omega-3 fatty acid content of shrimp reduces the chances of developing colorectal cancer significantly. Shrimp is also beneficial against early onset of Alzheimer’s disease and other age-related cognitive disorders. (2)
Here’s a mouth-watering dish I cook once every two weeks to keeping variety, nutrition and good health in mind while working out the meal plans. I use frozen shrimps of Americana Quality (brand).
INGREDIENTS:
• 250 grams medium-sized frozen shrimps
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ½ teaspoon ground pepper
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ fresh lemon - washed, de-seeded and juiced
• 5 sprigs of fresh coriander leaves – washed and chopped fine
• 2 teaspoons of freshly grated garlic
• 4 tablespoons of white wine
METHOD:
• Thaw the frozen shrimps by running them under tepid/lukewarm water for a minute. Drain out all excess water from the shrimps.
• Warm olive oil (or cooking medium of your choice) in a non-stick vessel on high heat/flame.
• Add the finely chopped garlic. Stir fry for 1 minute on high heat/flame.
• Lower the heat/flame to moderate.
• Add the shrimp and sauté for 1 minute.
• Add salt, ground pepper and fresh lemon juice. Stir-fry for another minute.
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