Quick and Delicious Shrimp and Egg Meal

The Health Benefits of Shrimp and Eggs

Recent studies have shown that shrimp and eggs, when substituted for high-fat foods, do not raise blood cholesterol levels and are not significant contributors to heart disease. According to a review published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, despite their cholesterol content, shrimp is perfectly healthy for consumption (source).

Shrimp is low in fat and rich in highly unsaturated fatty acids, which contribute to the formation of high-density lipoproteins (HDL), commonly known as "good cholesterol." Consuming shrimp may actually help reduce blood cholesterol levels.

Recipe: Shrimp in Spicy Mustard Sauce

This shrimp dish is a favorite in my household. The original recipe was adapted from an old Weight Watchers cookbook, but I've added a few personal touches to enhance the flavor while keeping it healthy. I lost 40 pounds following these recipes, even with my modifications. Here's a tip: soak the shrimp in milk before cooking to eliminate any fishy taste.

Ingredients

• 12 oz. shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2/3 cup fat-free half-and-half, or substitute with evaporated skim milk, regular skim milk, low-fat milk, or soy milk
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon curry powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon chicken bouillon powder or one cube
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 onion, minced
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• Parsley and Parmesan cheese for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Shrimp: Shell and devein the shrimp, then set aside.
2. Mix the Sauce: In a 1-cup liquid measure, combine the milk, mustard, and seasonings. Set aside. If using milk instead of half-and-half, mix some of the milk with a tablespoon of cornstarch and add to the sauce at the end to thicken.
3. Cook the Shrimp: In an 8 or 9-inch skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the onions, garlic, and shrimp, stirring frequently until the shrimp just turns pink, about 2 to 3 minutes.
4. Add the Sauce: Pour the milk mixture into the skillet, cooking and stirring constantly until the mixture comes to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, add the cornstarch mixture if using, and let simmer until slightly thickened, about 1 to 2 minutes.
5. Finish the Sauce: Using a slotted spoon, remove the shrimp to a serving platter and set aside. Increase the heat to medium-high and continue cooking the sauce until it reduces by half, about 5 minutes.
6. Serve: Pour the sauce over the shrimp and sprinkle with parsley and Parmesan cheese if desired.

Serving Suggestions

This dish is excellent served over noodles or rice. Enjoy your shrimp!

Interesting Facts About Shrimp

• Nutrient-Rich: Shrimp is a great source of protein, providing 20 grams per 3-ounce serving. It is also rich in selenium, vitamin B12, and phosphorus (source).
• Low in Calories: A 3-ounce serving of shrimp contains only about 84 calories, making it a low-calorie option for those looking to maintain or lose weight.
• Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Shrimp is high in omega-3 fatty acids, which are known to support heart health and reduce inflammation.

Conclusion

Shrimp and eggs are not only delicious but also offer numerous health benefits. This shrimp in spicy mustard sauce recipe is a perfect example of how you can enjoy a flavorful meal while maintaining a healthy diet. Whether served over noodles or rice, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household.

For more information on the health benefits of shrimp, check out this article from Healthline.