| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 15 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 278 | 8g | 1.2g | 9g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 3g | 2g | 40g | 1.9g |
Allow me to introduce you to a cuisine I simply adore: Stir-Fried Malabar Spinach with Shrimp. This delightful recipe dances upon your palate with the freshness of the Caribbean seas and the earthy goodness of Spanish greens, encapsulating much of what my culinary world encompasses. Drenched in vibrant flavors and textures that pack a health punch, I find this Shrimp and Malabar spinach stir-fry not only a satisfying cooking experience but also a delicious journey into the heart of wholesome Spanish-Caribbean fusion.
The Flavor Journey
What particularly draws me to the Stir-Fried Malabar Spinach with Shrimp is the way its sumptuous flavors intertwine and unfold with every bite. It’s like a tropical dance composes in my kitchen – one where fiery chillies twirl with succulent shrimp, exchange glances with sweet onions, on a stage set by fragrant garlic. While the soy sauce provides earthy undertones, the fresh lime juice injects a tangy twist, keeping things lively. The final bow with a sprinkle of cilantro ensures the ending is as colorful, fresh, and enjoyable as the entire culinary spectacle.
The Health Set
As a dance teacher, I am always in pursuit of foods that provide nutrition without compromising flavor. The Stir-Fried Malabar Spinach with Shrimp fits right into that criteria. Malabar spinach has been proclaimed a superfood, offering an array of vitamins, minerals, protein, and fiber. The shrimp add a lean, protein-rich element, further complemented by the heart-healthy garlic and onions. And let’s not forget the heat from the chillies that helps speed up the metabolism. This dish truly marries good taste with good health!
This delightful stir-fry compares well with dishes such as Spanish Garlic Shrimp (Gambas al Ajillo) or perhaps even the Cuban Shrimp in Tomato Sauce (Camarones Enchilados), with similar thematic elements in play. Why not partner it with a light, fruity white Sangria for a complete supper that celebrates good times, good flavours, and good health?
What You’ll Need
- 1.5 pounds of fresh Malabar spinach, washed and stems removed
- 1.5 pounds of shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 6 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 medium-sized onions, finely chopped
- 3 tablespoons of cooking oil
- 2-3 fresh chillies, split lengthwise (optional for heat)
- 1 tablespoon of soy sauce
- Salt to taste
- 1/2 cup of water
- 1 tablespoon of cornstarch, diluted in 2 tablespoons of water
- 1 teaspoon of sugar
- 2 tablespoons of fresh lime juice
- 1/2 cup of chopped fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
Method
Step One
Prep the ingredients by making sure your spinach is washed and stems are removed. Peel and devein your shrimp, mince your garlic and finely chop your onions. If you like a bit of heat, split your fresh chillies lengthwise.
Step Two
Heat up the cooking oil in a large frying pan or wok over medium heat. Add in the minced garlic and finely chopped onions. If you are using them, add the chillies as well. Sauté all of these until the onions are translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
Step Three
Once the onions, garlic, and chillies are ready, add the shrimp to the pan. Stir-fry until the shrimp are pink and fully cooked. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
Step Four
After the shrimp are cooked through, add the fresh Malabar spinach to the pan. Stir and cook until the spinach is wilted, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
Step Five
Next, add the soy sauce, salt (to taste), water, and sugar to the pan. Stir everything together well.
Step Six
In a small bowl, dilute the cornstarch in 2 tablespoons of water. Pour this into the pan and stir quickly to combine. This will help to thicken the sauce.
Step Seven
Lastly, stir in the fresh lime juice. Once everything is finished cooking, turn off the heat.
Step Eight
Serve the stir-fried Malabar spinach with shrimp hot, garnishing it with the chopped fresh cilantro if you like. Enjoy this flavorful and healthy dish!
