Spicy Shrimp

1/4 lb. medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 Tbsp. lemon juice
1/8 tsp. salt and pepper to taste
2 Tbsp. olive oil
1/8 tsp. red pepper flakes
1/4 cup orange juice
1 Tbsp. Ginger, minced
2 cloves of garlic, minced

In a medium-size bowl, toss shrimp with lemon juice.  Season with salt and pepper.  Heat the oil on medium-low heat.  Add the shrimp, orange juice, ginger, and red pepper flakes.  Sauté 2-3 minutes turning the shrimp and stirring frequently.  Add garlic and continue to sauté until the shrimp are pink and opaque, about 3-4 minutes longer.  Serve with additional lemon juice.  Serves 2

Nutrition Facts per serving - 264 calories, 138 calories from fat, 15.6g total fat, 172.4 mg. cholesterol, 314.8 mg sodium, 315.4 mg. potassium, 7.1 g carbohydrates, 1 g fiber, 3.1 g sugar, 23.6 g protein

Recipe Tips

Diabetic Exchange: 1 vegetable + 3 lean-fat meat + 2 fat.

Shrimp is heart healthy and provides a source of vitamin B12 and protein.  Lemon and orange juice contain vitamin C and strengthen the immune system.  Garlic contains sulfur compounds and boosts the immune system.  Ginger strengthens the immune system and decreases inflammation.  Red pepper flakes contain capsaicinoids that decrease inflammation.  Olive oil is a mono unsaturated fat and is heart healthy.

Comments:  This recipe came from Bonnie Raffel's book The Power of Food.  I love the taste and texture of shrimp but usually coat it with cocktail sauce.  No more!  This recipe makes the best shrimp I've ever eaten.  It needs no cocktail sauce.  The flavors form the juices, ginger and garlic are perfect.  And the touch of red pepper gives it just enough heat to make it even better.  I wouldn't change a thing but will be using this recipe when I cook my scallops.  I have no doubt that will come out just as good.


Comment from Food Tester Carol:  This dish leaves the impression of lightness.  It's a delicious recipe and the searing of the shrimp in the lemon and orange juice makes them moist and tender.  It's simple and quick and a real pleaser.