August 1, 2004
Wild Florida Shrimp: A Low-Carb Treat, A Heart Healthy Choice
If the Atkins diet or the South Beach diet is part of your daily routine, then there is a great meal option for you. "Wild and Wonderful" wild-caught Florida shrimp is the perfect low-carb ingredient for a healthy meal.
Today, about 44 million Americans are either on a low-carb diet or watching their carb intake, according to the Natural Marketing Institute. Those millions of low-carb conscious Americans are constantly looking for unique meals that will peak their taste buds at no cost to their diet.
"With so many consumers seeking low-carb lifestyles, we want people to know they can ask for Florida shrimp because it is healthy, versatile and creates great meals just right for their diet," said Joanne McNeely, Chief of the Bureau of Seafood and Aquaculture Marketing, Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. "Through the 'Florida Shrimp -- Wild and Wonderful!' campaign, we are working to educate consumers about the health attributes and benefits of eating wild caught Florida shrimp."
Florida shrimp is naturally low in carbohydrates, saturated and other fats and calories, making it an ideal choice for a low-carb and healthy lifestyle. The product is also recommended for its omega-3 fatty acid, which medical research shows reduces the risk of heart disease. The following provides the approximate nutrition values in four ounces (114g) of raw, edible Florida shrimp: 120 calories; 15 calories from fat; 1.5g of total fat, 0g saturated fat; 155mg cholesterol; 0g total carbohydrate; 23g of protein. In addition to the health benefits, Florida shrimp also has a sweet distinct flavor sure to please the most discriminating palette.
When consumers purchase Florida shrimp, they are assured a sound product harvested under strict U.S. safety and environmental standards. "Florida Shrimp -- Wild and Wonderful!" promotes the natural, superior quality and premium taste of this natural resource, and encourages consumers to look for the "Ask for Shrimp from Florida" seal. For more information about Florida shrimp or to find tasty recipes, visit the "Florida Shrimp -- Wild and Wonderful!" web site at www.WildFloridaShrimp.com.
Shrimp Conga
1 pound large Florida shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 ounce bleu cheese
1/4 cup butter, softened
2 tablespoons Florida lime juice
1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/8 teaspoon hot pepper sauce
1 tablespoon chopped Florida parsley
paprika
Butterfly shrimp by cutting lengthwise along the back -- don't cut all the way through. Spreading shrimp open to look like a butterfly. Place shrimp on a well greased baking sheet with cut side up. Combine remaining ingredients except Florida parsley and paprika. Blend well. Stir in Florida parsley. Place approximately 1 teaspoon of cheese mixture on top of each Florida shrimp. Sprinkle with paprika. Bake in a preheated 325-degree F oven for 7 to 10 minutes or until shrimp are no longer translucent in the center.
Yield: approximately 30 hors d'oeuvres
Nutritional Values Per Serving:
Calories 222, Calories From Fat 114, Fat Total 13g, Saturated Fat 7g,
Cholesterol 205mg, Total
Carbohydrates 1g, Protein 23g, Omega 3 Fatty Acid 0.25g.
Asiago Pepper Shrimp
24 large Florida shrimp, peeled and deveined
8 ounces asiago cheese
1 tablespoon chopped jalapeno pepper
12 slices bacon
Wash the shrimp and pat them dry. Butterfly shrimp by cutting lengthwise along the back -- don't cut all the way through, leaving the tail section intact. Grate the cheese and mix with jalapeno pepper. Cut each piece of bacon in half. Fill the open section of each shrimp with about 1 teaspoon cheese mix. Wrap each shrimp with a piece of bacon, and secure with a wooden pick. Place shrimp on a broiler pan and broil until bacon is crisp. Turn the shrimp and broil until bacon is done.
Yield: 6 appetizers
Nutritional Values Per Serving:
Calories 468, Calories From Fat 341, Fat Total 38g, Saturated Fat 16g,
Cholesterol 180mg, Total
Carbohydrates 1g, Protein 29g, Omega 3 Fatty Acid 0.62g.
Shrimp Scampi
1 1/2 pounds Florida shrimp, peeled and deveined
1/2 cup butter
4 tablespoons minced garlic
1/2 cup thinly sliced Florida green onions
1/4 cup dry white wine
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1/2 cup chopped Florida parsley
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
lemon slices for garnish
parsley sprigs for garnish
Rinse Florida shrimp and set aside. Heat butter in large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and cook 1 to 2 minutes or until softened but not browned. Add Florida shrimp, Florida green onions, wine and lemon juice; cook until shrimp are pink and firm, about 1 to 2 minutes on each side. Add chopped Florida parsley and pepper before serving. Garnish with lemon slices and parsley sprigs if desired.
Yield: 4 servings
Nutritional Values Per Serving:
Calories 398, Calories From Fat 221, Fat Total 25g, Saturated Fat 14g,
Cholesterol 322mg, Total
Carbohydrates 2g, Protein 35g, Omega 3 Fatty Acids 0.93g.
Sautéed Shrimp and Green Beans
1 1/2 pounds Florida shrimp, peeled and deveined
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 cups cleaned green beans
2 cups sliced mushrooms
1/2 cup sliced almonds
2 tablespoons soy sauce
Cook shrimp in half the olive oil, set aside. Heat remaining oil and saut‚ beans and mushrooms until beans are tender. Add almonds and soy sauce.
Yield: 4 servings
Nutritional Values Per Serving:
Calories 362, Calories From Fat 165, Total Fat 18g, Saturated Fat 2g,
Cholesterol 261mg, Total
Carbohydrate 7g, Protein 38g, Omega 3 Fatty Acid 0.91g.
For more information:
Joanne McNeely(850) 488-0163
mcneelj@doacs.state.fl.us
