| Prep: 30 mins | Cook: 10-15 mins | Difficulty: Moderate | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 320 | 18g | 2.5g | 20g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 13g | 3g | 24g | 1.2g |
Whenever I prepare the Grilled Shrimp with Papaya Sauce Recipe, it takes me back to my childhood summer days, where I used to explore the vibrant tastes of Italian-American cuisine under my grandparents’ roof. This dish is a delicate blend of tender shrimp and the tropical sweetness of papaya, a refreshing take on the conventional seafood recipes we are accustomed to.
The Italian-American Influence
While this may be a striking deviation from the spaghetti and meatballs that are the staple of my family tradition, every forkful of this grilled shrimp dish is a narrative of the multi-ethnic culinary journey I embarked upon. Growing up in New Jersey, it was not uncommon for our family to strike a balance between our Italian roots and the diverse flavors we were surrounded by.
Nutritional value of Grilled Shrimp with Papaya Sauce Recipe
Why I respect this recipe so much is its health value. Shrimp, the star of this dish, is an excellent source of iodine and serves as a good supply of protein. The papaya not only adds a distinctive sweetness but also boosts your digestion and immunity with its papain enzyme and Vitamin C content. In addition, honey provides a touch of natural sweetness to the dish, ensuring a guilt-free culinary pleasure.
What complements the Grilled Shrimp with Papaya Sauce Recipe perfectly is a fresh and colorful salad or some fluffy and light couscous for a more filling meal. The sultry taste of the shrimp intertwined with the vibrant zest of papaya sauce resonates well with the simplicity of these dishes. It takes my mind back to those warm summer BBQs in the backyard, the ones where my grandparents’ tales of Italy were as delicious as the dishes we feasted on.
What You’ll Need
- 1 1/2 pounds of large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 ripe papayas, peeled and seeds removed
- 1/4 cup of fresh lime juice
- 2 tablespoons of honey
- 1 small red onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced
- 1/4 cup of fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/2 cup of olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 6 bamboo skewers, soaked in water for at least 30 minutes
Method
Step One
Start by preparing your shrimps. Rinse the peeled and deveined shrimp thoroughly under cold water. Pat them dry and set aside.
Step Two
For the papaya sauce, halve the papayas and scoop out the seeds. Puree the papayas in a blender or food processor until it reaches a smooth consistency.
Step Three
In a separate bowl, combine the papaya puree with the lime juice, honey, chopped red onion, minced garlic, and minced jalapeno. Mix well and season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Step Four
Next, chop up the fresh cilantro and add it to the papaya sauce. Stir until the cilantro is well integrated into the sauce.
Step Five
In a separate bowl, combine the shrimp with about half of the papaya sauce. Toss until the shrimp are well-coated. Reserve the remaining sauce for serving.
Step Six
Now, preheat a grill for medium heat. Meanwhile, soak the bamboo skewers in water to prevent them from burning on the grill.
Step Seven
Once the grill is hot and the skewers are soaked, thread the marinated shrimp onto the skewers.
Step Eight
Grill the skewered shrimp for about 2-3 minutes each side, or until they are pink and opaque. Brush the shrimp with olive oil while grilling to keep it moist and flavorful.
Step Nine
Finally, serve the grilled shrimp with the remaining papaya sauce on the side for dipping. Enjoy your Grilled Shrimp with Papaya Sauce!
