Wednesday, June 8, 2011

Grilled Creole Shrimp Packets

These are a great, beautiful summer side dish!! I found this recipe in my Weight Watchers Savoring Summer Cookbook. I prepared them ahead of time, which is always nice in the summer, and we went out and came back and just had to pop these on the grill. Our indoor grill over the stovetop, that is! I'm so glad we decided that we wanted to try a certain sandwich at a fast food restaurant on the way home, though, because these packets were hardly a main course. I think they may have been a little better if they were cooked a little longer, or perhaps on an outdoor grill.
The flavors were fresh, easy to make, and always a plus to be able to make them ahead of time! So what are we waiting for? Let's get cooking! You will need:



Grilled Creole Shrimp Packets
Weight Watchers Savoring Summer

1 small red pepper, seeded and finely chopped
1 small green pepper, seeded and finely chopped
2 ripe plum tomatoes, finely chopped
3 scallions, finely chopped
1 garlic clove, finely chopped
1/2 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves or 1/4 tsp. dried
Pinch salt
Pinch cayenne
4 teaspoons unsalted butter, softened
3/4 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 bay leaves, broken in half

1. Preheat the grill to medium or prepare a medium fire. Lightly spray 4 (18 inch) squares of heavy-duty foil with nonstick spray.
2. Combine the bell peppers, tomatoes, scallions, garlic, thyme, salt, and cayenne in a medium bowl.

3. Place 1 foil sheet on a work surface. Spoon one-fourth of the vegetable mixture in the center of the foil; top with 1 teaspoon of the butter. Place about 5 shrimp and 1/2 bay leaf on top; lightly spray with nonstick spray. To close the packet, bring 2 opposite sides of the foil up to meet in the center; fold the edges over twice to make a tight seal. Double fold the open sides to seal the packet. Repeat.

4. Place the packets on the grill rack. Grill just until the shrimp is opaque throughout, about 8 minutes. Carefully transfer the packets to a cutting board using a spatula. Cut the packets open in the center, being careful to avoid the steam. Discard the bay leaves; transfer the contents of each packet to a plate.

So again, let me reiterate that these were not super filling like a main course. So I would suggest making them for an appetizer for a summer gathering, as a snack, a light, summer lunch or as a side dish to accompany those grilled burgers or steaks (yummy!). You could even make them ahead of time and take them with you when you go camping!

Don't you just love cooking with fresh, summer ingredients?



6 comments:

  1. Stephanie...what a great idea! We love simple fun food during the summer, so this one is a definite must! Thanks for posting!

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  2. Looks good and healthy too! What's the yellow, is it yellow pepper? Thanks for dropping by, Have a great day!

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  3. Lani,
    It's yellow pepper. I swap out peppers for whatever color I have on hand! Didn't realize I did that, should have mentioned that!

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  4. I love the idea of cooking things in packets. That way everyone can keep an eye on their own thing, and everyone could even "make their own packet" with whatever goodies they want to go along with their protein :)

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  5. That looks super yummy! Do you think it could be baked? We don't have a grill, although I'm positive that would bring out the flavors the most.

    I scrolled down to your music post...we are a musical fam too. My hubby's whole fam is involved in music...teaching piano/organ, arrangements of music in hymnals, singing in choir, etc. You can find us bursting into song at least once an hr over here at our house. =p I play violin, piano, and guitar, but not very well. I taught myself piano, and hubby taught me guitar. Anyhow, not to seem stalker-ish, but the MYM button is right on the sidebar...are you doing that this session? I'm one of the ACs and it has been such a blessing.

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  6. Joyce,
    I'm not sure if you could bake that, but I bet you could. You could look up a recipe for a baked fish in a packet or something to follow the cooking guidelines.
    That's awesome about your musical family! It's pretty fun to be involved in it together!
    As far as MYM, I have been getting up 3 to 4 mornings a week to go to the gym super early, so I haven't quite figured out how to incorporate my time with God and planning in the mornings as well, without getting up at 4 or 430. I know it was such a blessing to me while I was doing it though!

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