Hello, Good News! If you are looking for some tasty and healthy optavia shrimp recipes, you have come to the right place. In this article, we will share with you some of the best ways to prepare shrimp for your lean and green meals, as well as some tips and tricks to make them even more flavorful and satisfying.
Shrimp is a great source of protein, low in fat and calories, and rich in omega-3 fatty acids, iodine, selenium, and vitamin B12. It is also very versatile and easy to cook, making it a perfect choice for your optavia diet. Whether you like it grilled, baked, sautéed, or boiled, shrimp can be paired with a variety of vegetables and seasonings to create delicious dishes that will keep you on track with your weight loss goals.
How to Choose and Store Shrimp
Fresh or Frozen?
One of the first things you need to consider when buying shrimp is whether to get fresh or frozen ones. Both options have their pros and cons, so it depends on your personal preference and availability.
Fresh shrimp are usually more expensive and have a shorter shelf life, but they have a more tender texture and a sweeter flavor. Frozen shrimp are cheaper and last longer, but they may lose some of their moisture and quality during the freezing process. However, if you buy frozen shrimp that are already peeled and deveined, you can save some time and hassle when preparing them.
What Size and Type?
Another thing you need to look at when buying shrimp is their size and type. Shrimp are sold by count, which means the number of shrimp per pound. The smaller the count, the larger the shrimp. For example, 16/20 count means there are 16 to 20 shrimp per pound.
The size of shrimp you choose depends on how you plan to cook them and how many servings you need. Generally speaking, larger shrimp are better for grilling or baking, while smaller shrimp are better for stir-frying or boiling. You can also find different types of shrimp, such as white, pink, brown, or tiger shrimp, which have different colors, flavors, and textures. You can use any type of shrimp for your optavia recipes, as long as they are fresh or frozen raw shrimp.
How to Store Shrimp
Once you have bought your shrimp, you need to store them properly to keep them fresh and safe to eat. If you bought fresh shrimp, you should cook them within a day or two of purchase. You can store them in the coldest part of your refrigerator in a sealed container or a plastic bag with some ice.
If you bought frozen shrimp, you can keep them in the freezer for up to six months. When you are ready to use them, you should thaw them in the refrigerator overnight or in a bowl of cold water for about an hour. Do not thaw them in the microwave or at room temperature, as this can affect their texture and quality.
How to Cook Shrimp
How to Peel and Devein Shrimp
Before cooking your shrimp, you may need to peel and devein them if they are not already done so. Peeling and deveining shrimp can be a bit tedious, but it is worth it for a better taste and appearance.
To peel shrimp, start by removing the head if it is still attached. Then, pull off the legs and peel off the shell from the body. You can leave the tail on or off depending on your preference. To devein shrimp, use a small knife or a toothpick to make a shallow cut along the back of the shrimp where the vein is located. Then, pull out the vein with your fingers or the knife.
How to Grill Shrimp
Grilling is one of the easiest and most delicious ways to cook shrimp. It gives them a nice charred flavor and a juicy texture. To grill shrimp, you need to preheat your grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates. Then, season your shrimp with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, or any other spices you like. You can also marinate your shrimp in some lemon juice, olive oil, herbs, or soy sauce for extra flavor.
Next, thread your shrimp onto skewers if they are small or medium-sized. This will prevent them from falling through the grates and make them easier to flip. If they are large enough, you can grill them directly on the grates without skewers. Grill your shrimp for about 2 to 3 minutes per side or until they are pink and opaque. Do not overcook them, as they will become tough and dry.
How to Bake Shrimp
Baking is another simple and healthy way to cook shrimp. It allows you to cook them in a sauce or a topping that adds more flavor and moisture. To bake shrimp, you need to preheat your oven to 375°F and spray a baking dish with cooking spray. Then, arrange your shrimp in a single layer on the dish and season them with salt, pepper, garlic powder, or any other spices you like.
Next, pour some sauce or sprinkle some topping over your shrimp. You can use any sauce or topping you like, such as tomato sauce, salsa, pesto, cheese, breadcrumbs, or parmesan. Bake your shrimp for about 15 to 20 minutes or until they are pink and opaque. Do not overbake them, as they will become tough and dry.
Optavia Shrimp Recipes
Shrimp and Broccoli Stir-Fry
This is a quick and easy optavia shrimp recipe that you can make in less than 30 minutes. It is packed with protein and fiber from the shrimp and broccoli, and has a savory and spicy sauce that adds a lot of flavor.
To make this recipe, you will need:
– 1 pound of medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 tablespoons of low sodium soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon of cornstarch
– 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
– 2 teaspoons of sesame oil
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes
– 4 cups of broccoli florets
– 2 tablespoons of water
– 2 teaspoons of sesame seeds
To make this recipe, follow these steps:
1. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, cornstarch, and black pepper. Add the shrimp and toss to coat. Set aside for 10 minutes.
2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat the sesame oil. Add the garlic and red pepper flakes and cook for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly.
3. Add the shrimp and cook for about 5 minutes, turning once, until they are pink and opaque.
4. Add the broccoli and water and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the broccoli is crisp-tender.
5. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and serve.
Shrimp Scampi with Zucchini Noodles
This is a low-carb and gluten-free optavia shrimp recipe that replaces the traditional pasta with zucchini noodles. It has a buttery and garlicky sauce that complements the shrimp perfectly.
To make this recipe, you will need:
– 1 pound of large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tablespoons of butter
– 4 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup of chicken broth
– 2 tablespoons of lemon juice
– 2 tablespoons of chopped parsley
– 4 medium zucchini, spiralized into noodles
To make this recipe, follow these steps:
1. Season the shrimp with salt and pepper to taste.
2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt the butter. Add the garlic and cook for about 2 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant.
3. Add the shrimp and cook for about 3 minutes per side or until they are pink and opaque.
4. Transfer the shrimp to a plate and keep warm.
5. In the same skillet over medium-high heat, bring the chicken broth and lemon juice to a boil. Simmer for about 5 minutes or until slightly reduced.
6. Add the parsley and season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Add the zucchini noodles and toss to coat with the sauce. Cook for about 5 minutes or until tender but still firm.
8. Serve the zucchini noodles topped with the shrimp.
Shrimp Salad with Avocado Dressing
This is a light and refreshing optavia shrimp recipe that makes a perfect lunch or dinner. It has a creamy and tangy avocado dressing that goes well with the crisp lettuce and juicy shrimp.
To make this recipe, you will need:
– 1 pound of medium shrimp, cooked, peeled, and deveined
– 6 cups of chopped romaine lettuce
– 1/4 cup of chopped cilantro
– For the dressing:
– 1 ripe avocado
– 1/4 cup of plain Greek yogurt
– 2 tablespoons of lime juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
To make this recipe, follow these steps:
1To make this recipe, follow these steps:
1. To make the dressing, peel and pit the avocado and place it in a blender or food processor. Add the yogurt, lime juice, salt, and pepper and blend until smooth and creamy. Transfer to a small bowl and refrigerate until ready to use.
2. To make the salad, toss the shrimp with the cilantro in a large bowl. Arrange the lettuce on a large platter or divide among four plates. Top with the shrimp and drizzle with the dressing.
3. Enjoy your shrimp salad with avocado dressing!
This is the end of the article. I hope you enjoyed reading it and learned some new optavia shrimp recipes. If you want to see more articles like this, please check out our website for more tips and tricks on how to eat healthy and lose weight. Thank you for reading!