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shrimp

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How to tell the difference between a shrimp and a prawn

Shrimp might be the darling of coastal kitchens but they can be found on menus just about anywhere. Whether it’s shrimp tacos, shrimp scampi, or shrimp cocktail, Americans devour nearly 4.5 pounds of the delicious little crustaceans every year. But are we always sure what we’re eating? Come to think of it, maybe our neighbor’s shrimp boil last summer was full of prawns. What actually is the difference between the two? Let’s settle this culinary question for good. What’s the difference between shrimp and prawns? Shrimp and prawns have a lot in common, but they are, in fact, entirely different animals. Both shrimp and prawns are decapods, meaning that they have 10 legs and a thin external skeleton, but that’s where the similarities end. Shrimp (of the sub-order Pleocyemata, also belonging to crayfish, lobsters, and crabs) are typically smaller in size and live mostly in saltwater. They have claws on two…

Healthy baked coconut shrimp

Something happens when you learn to cook at home. You realize that all those tasty items you order out at restaurants are overpriced, and you can usually make them healthier at home. Healthier means you get to eat them more often — an obvious win. Coconut shrimp was one of those appetizers for me. If it was on the menu, I was ordering it. But coconut is naturally high in fat, and who knows what other unspeakable ingredients get mixed in the batter — and fry oil is always frightening. Enter: my healthy version of coconut shrimp. It’s baked, so right away you’re eliminating the scary fats from frying. The crispy coconut will still give that craveable crunch. Plus, the sauce is often the star of the show anyway. Thai chili sauce with a hint of apricot and brown sugar can make pretty much anything better. So try this easy appetizer when…

Citrus green salad with spicy shrimp

This super simple citrus salad with shrimp is so easy and flavorful, you’ll love adding it to your weeknight repertoire. It’s great in the summer when fresh greens are everywhere, but it’s also great in the winter, when citrus is at its peak. But during summer, canned segments can work just as well, and can be a real time saver if you’re in a hurry. This is also a great way to use up those random leftover greens. Toss in some arugula, kale, spinach, romaine — the more variety the better! I threw in some leftover cilantro, but you may choose to leave it out. I’ve been surprised by how many people hate cilantro. It’s delicious in this salad, but not necessary. The same goes for the cayenne pepper. If you hate heat, leave it out. But the combination of sweet citrus, spicy shrimp, and crunchy greens and almonds, is…

20 Minute Honey Mustard Garlic Shrimp Recipe

Here’s an easy weeknight meal you’ll master on the first try. This Honey Mustard Garlic Shrimp takes no more than 20 minutes to make, but it also looks like you put major effort into dinner — don’t you just love when that happens? Honestly, if I would have known a delicious honey mustard sauce was so easy to make, I’d have been slathering it on all kinds of foods a long time ago. This sauce is equal parts honey and Dijon mustard with a healthy heaping of minced garlic for tons of flavor. While spring hasn’t exactly made a grand entrance yet, farmers markets are starting to pop up. The produce stands might not be overflowing but vendors still have tons of homemade jams, breads and honey to offer. They are all great items to buy local year round. So stock up on that local honey, support local business, and benefit with delicious dishes like this easy…

Copycat Bonefish Grill bang bang shrimp sandwich

I was only introduced to Bonefish Grill Bang Bang shrimp last summer in South Carolina. Sure, the casual restaurant chain can be found at locations all over the country, but there was something about the crispy, fried shrimp and the creamy, spicy sauce that felt perfectly suited for the Deep South. During the winters, I definitely long for the flavors associated with summer, so as the snow continues to fall in the Northeast, my craving for this crunchy shrimp snack popped up, and I had to have it. With no location nearby, I went to work recreating this favorite Bonefish dish. But no matter where or when you eat it, Bang Bang Shrimp is an incredible treat. Serve it as a movie snack, as an appetizer, or all by itself. I threw mine on a delicious, fresh sandwich roll with crispy lettuce and carrot sticks. If you’re wondering how it compares — this Bang Bang…

VIDEO: Squid ink fettuccini with shrimp and cherry tomatoes recipe

No matter what age you are, you should never be afraid to tackle a new ingredient, and squid ink pasta is a safe place to start expanding your repertoire. Squid ink dishes are having a moment in the culinary world, mostly for their striking color and extra dimension of flavor. But despite the strong color, the noodles have a surprisingly neutral flavor; slightly saltier than standard egg noodles. Some varieties claim to have a faint hint of seafood flavor, as well. Squid ink refers to the black, cloudy liquid that cephalopods  — such as squid, cuttlefish or octopus — release as a defense mechanism when being chased by a predator. It has deep pigmentation caused by melanin, a common organic pigment found in plants and animals. If you’re making your own noodles, remember, a little of this richly colored condiment goes a long way. Squid ink is most popular in Italian and Spanish cooking, but it’s memorable…