Asian Inspired

This is a great, easy dish based on a recipe I found while browsing the Epicurious app for iPad.  The original recipe calls for short ribs, but after indulging in steak on more than one occasion this holiday season, I was in the mood for something lighter.  Shrimp are marinated in a sweet and spicy Chinese BBQ marinade and then skewered and grilled.  Ribbons of shaved zucchini lightly sauteed in a little olive oil and topped with sesame seeds are a great balance against the intense flavors of the shrimp.  I added a salad and tossed the greens with a fat free wasabi-soy dressing I had in the fridge, and mixed in some more sesame seeds.  The result was a light and tasty dish that left me feeling full and satisfied, with some leftovers for tomorrow!  The best part is that it only took about 30 minutes to prepare (excluding the marinating).

 

1 pound raw shrimp
One bottle of Asian BBQ sauce or marinade (I used Lawry's Sweet and Sour BBQ marinade)
1 small zucchini
Scallions
Sesame seeds
Olive oil

1)    Clean and shell the shrimp and place into a bag with enough marinade to cover.  Be sure to save some of the marinade for later.  Allow the shrimp to marinate for about 2 hours.

•  Tip:  You can marinate the shrimp a day before and let them soak up the flavor while you are at work or out.

2)    Light the grill and allow it to warm while you skewer the shrimp.  Spray the grill with cooking spray and grill the shrimp about 6-7 minutes on each side.

3)    While the shrimp grill, use a vegetable peeler to slice the zucchini.  Be sure to press down firmly.  You want to create nice flat strips of zucchini.  I would rotate around the zucchini to get even slices.

• Tip:  Mushy Middle - Rotate the zucchini when you get down to the soft, seedy middle.  The outer layers are tougher are better able to withstand cooking.  Strips of the seeds will become mushy, faster.

4)    Warm about one teaspoon of olive oil in a saute pan.  Once the oil is warmed, add the zucchini.  You only need to cook the zucchini for about 1-2 minutes because you want it to remain a little firm.  Add salt and pepper to taste.  Sprinkle the zucchini with sesame seeds and toss. 

• Tip:  Add Onions - Onions also work very well with the zucchini/sesame seed mixture.  Just add some thinly sliced onion, although you may want to add the onion before the zucchini to allow it some extra cooking time. 
• Tip:  Don't cry - To prevent tearing while you cut onions, light a candle and keep it near your cutting board!

5)    Warm just enough of the BBQ sauce to coat the shrimp.  Chop one scallion and set aside.  Once the shrimp are done, remove them from the skewers and place into a bowl.  Toss the shrimp with the warmed BBQ sauce and scallion.  Serve with the zucchini.  You can also serve with salad and brown or white rice.

• Tip: More flavor please - I drizzled a little soy sauce over my zucchini for additional flavor.