Fresh or frozen shrimp is such a great nutritional choice. It's low in fat and calories, high in protein and it's extremely quick to cook. It's also very versatile and can be used in a wide variety of meals from salads to pastas to pizza to sandwiches to stir fry's. It's a great choice for any quick and healthy meal.

Here are five simple ideas for super-quick dinners using this delicious shellfish:

Meal #1: Shrimp and Broccoli Stir Fry

Sauté fresh, peeled shrimp with a small amount of sesame oil and chopped garlic. Add steamed broccoli, thinly sliced red bell pepper, a splash of teriyaki sauce. Cook until vegetables are crisp-tender. Serve with brown rice (instant works well).

Meal #2: Shrimp Caesar Salad

For this dish, precooked, peeled shrimp works well. Start with a bowl of torn romaine lettuce; add shrimp, fresh grated parmesan cheese, fat-free croutons and fat-free Caesar dressing. Serve with fresh, sliced tomatoes and whole wheat baguette.

Meal #3: Quick Shrimp Fajitas

Sauté fresh, peeled shrimp in a small amount of oil and garlic until cooked through (add a dash of red pepper flakes if you like a bit of spiciness). In same pan, sauté sliced bell peppers and onion until crisp-tender. Place shrimp, and vegetable mixture into flour tortillas with your choice of low-fat condiments (light sour cream, a small amount of avocado/guacamole, and salsa). Serve with black beans with a dash of lime juice.

Meal #4: Grilled Shrimp Kebabs

Peel shrimp. Thread onto skewers (if using wood, soak in water prior to using) with your choice of chunks of bell peppers, onion, mushroom, tomato, pineapple. Brush with teriyaki sauce. Grill, turning once, until shrimp is cooked through and vegetables are tender-crisp. Serve with brown rice and steamed broccoli.

Meal #5: Shrimp Salad Sandwiches

For this meal, you could easily use canned shrimp or precooked cocktail shrimp. Simply coarsely chop shrimp, toss with a light coating of light mayonnaise, fresh or dried parsley and garlic salt (or other seasonings of your choice). Spoon onto sliced whole wheat baguette and top with lettuce and sliced tomatoes. Serve with a tossed salad.

Some additional quick meals using shrimp are quesadillas, burritos, greek salad or pizza, tacos, or even pasta with a simple shrimp and vegetable topping. Use your imagination and substitute shrimp for other meats in your favorite dishes. Even non-seafood eaters may find this mild seafood to be quite tasty. Give it a try - it's a great, quick-to-prepare ingredient for all kinds of healthy meals!

© Health-E-Meals.com, 2004

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