Cajun Shrimp And Scallop Dinner

By Suzanne Anderson March 18, 2023 15 mins read 133 Views

Although it may be February, temperatures here on the Gulf Coast are in the mid 80's. This dinner is ideal for this kind of weather.

You can cook the skewers on a grill or under the broiler.

Scallop and Shrimp Skewers

2 portions

Ingredients

2 tablespoons butter, melt
1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to your liking
12 large shrimp
12 sea scallops
Wooden skewers 3-8 inches in length, soaked in water

Directions

Thread 4 scallops and 4 shrimp per skewer on a skewer. Season lightly with salt & pepper.
Mix the butter and seasonings together. Apply the butter to both sides of the seafood.

Grill, grill pan, broiler or air fryer.

Grill pans or grill pans should be heated on medium heat. Cook each side for about 3-4 minutes.

Instructions for Air-Fryers
Turn the heat to 400°F for 3 minutes. Then, flip the skewers and cook for another 2 minutes.

Before you serve, brush the sauce once more.

The skewers were served with Russian dressing, sliced tomatoes, and homemade potato salad.

Simple Potato Salad

Ingredients

2 lbs whole medium-red-skinned potatoes
1 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons pickle juice
1/4 cup minced bread, butter pickles, or pickle relish
1/2 cup chopped finely sweet onions or scallions
2 celery stalks, finely chopped
1/2 cup olive oil mayonnaise
1 tablespoon of lemon juice
Salt and black pepper are good for flavor
Parsley chopped for garnish

1 hard-boiled egg, optional

Directions

Place the potatoes in large pot and cover with a lid. Add 1 teaspoon salt to the water. Bring the potatoes to a boil. Reduce the heat and let them cook for 15 minutes.

Let the potatoes cool down. Once cool enough for you to handle, peel the potatoes. Place the potatoes in a bowl.

Let the pickle juice cool for at least an hour before adding it to the bowl.

Mix the rest of the ingredients together and taste it to determine if you need salt. To taste, add black pepper. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it chill in the fridge until ready to serve. Sprinkle with chopped parsley, and serve.

For the tomatoes

Russian Dressing

Ingredients

3/4 cups mayonnaise
1/4 cup plus
1 to 3 tablespoons chili sauce
2 tablespoons sour-cream
2 teaspoons chopped curly Parsley Leaves
1 tablespoon minced Spanish onion plus 1 teaspoon
1 tablespoon minced dill pickle plus 1 teaspoon
1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon grated horseradish
1/4 teaspoon Worcestershire Sauce

Mix everything together; you get 2 cups.

Frequently Asked Questions

What foods aren't allowed in a Mediterranean diet

Certain food groups are not included in a Mediterranean diet. To maintain the health benefits of this diet, certain foods should not be consumed. Although these foods are fine to eat occasionally, they can cause problems for your health if you eat them regularly.

A Mediterranean diet does not include whole-grain bread or starches such as white bread, sugary cereals, or other processed baked goods. These items may be quickly absorbed by your body as sugars which can lead to weight gain. They also lack vitamins and minerals as compared to whole grains like quinoa and millet.

Other sugars are also included in this category. Avoid sweetened drinks such as soda, tea, and juices that contain added sugars. These will not support weight management, healthy nutrient profiles, or weight management.

In Mediterranean-style meals, it is important to exclude red meats from any meal plans. Red meats as well as processed meats are high in saturated fats. This raises the risk of heart disease and other metabolic syndrome-related illnesses. The association of nitrates in processed lunchmeat may lead to increased cancer risk. Dairy products should also not be consumed regularly as some cheese contains considerable amounts of saturated fats too - except for feta which is low in saturated fat content - otherwise, stick only to skimmed milk or yogurt products when considering dairy options because these will generally be lower in total fat intake than heavy cream or creme fraiche alternatives that contain higher doses of calories in their ingredients listing.

According to nutrition experts, fish should not be eaten more than three times per week.

Can I drink alcohol on a Mediterranean diet?

Yes, you can enjoy moderate alcohol consumption as part of the Mediterranean Diet. The recommended daily limit for alcohol consumption is 1 glass per person for women and 2 for men. Drinks suitable for this include dry wines and beer as well as spirits made with natural ingredients like vodka, whiskey, or Gin. Avoid heavy spirits like cocktails due to their high levels of sugar. A daily intake of water or herbal drinks can keep your body hydrated and reduce sugar cravings.

Can I use regular oil instead of extra Virgin Olive Oil?

In the Mediterranean diet, you can use regular olive oil instead of extra virgin olive oil. Extra Virgin Olive Oil or EVOO is preferred because it has more nutritional benefits and a richer flavor. Regular olive oils, however, are still an option. They have a milder flavor profile. Regular olive oil works well for everyday meals, such as roasting vegetables to stir fry dishes. It is more affordable than EVOO and may be more suited for high heat applications like deep frying. But, it doesn't have the same nutrients or positive compound as EVOO. You should make up these benefits by eating other foods whenever you can.

Statistics

Choose fat-free or 1% milk, yogurt, and cottage cheese. (my.clevelandclinic.org)
1g sugar Benefits Rich in heart-healthy polyunsaturated fats, these nuts may also favourably impact your gut microbiome (and thus improve digestive health) and lower LDL cholesterol, according to a small study that included 18 healthy adults. (everydayhealth.com)
The research suggested that the diet reduced the risk of cardiovascular issues, including stroke, heart attack, and death, by about 30 percent compared with the control group. (medicalnewstoday.com)
Aim to get 20 to 35 percent of your total daily caloric intake from fat, and for saturated fats to represent less than 10 percent of your total caloric intake, advises the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (everydayhealth.com)

External Links

How To

How the Mediterranean Diet Can Help You Lose Weight and Feel Great

The Mediterranean Diet emphasizes whole grains, healthy fats, legumes, fresh fruits and vegetables. There are many health benefits associated with it, including improved blood lipids and glucose control, reduced risk of certain types and cancers, better cardiac health, improved cognitive function, weight management, and better overall health. There are some simple tips that can make it easier for you to follow a Mediterranean-style diet. Start by switching high-calorie snack foods like chips to nutrient-dense veggies. You can also add spices to your diet, or use other ingredients derived from vegetables, fruits, and nuts. You can increase your satisfaction by incorporating grains, legumes, or high-fiber foods. These steps will enable you to enjoy your food while also achieving a healthier lifestyle that may lead to additional health benefits such a longer lifespan, better quality of life, and greater enjoyment.