Tequila lime shrimp in a pouch, deconstructed!

The advent of Lent requires some creativity on meatless Fridays.  Sure, cheese pizza, tuna fish casserole, and macaroni and cheese are always options, but after a few weeks, the palate yearns for something a little more flavorful.

I always turn to shrimp.  I have already posted a recipe for pickled shrimp.  For a different twist in flavor, and a "one pouch" meal, try this recipe for tequila lime shrimp!

Tequila lime shrimp in a pouch

2 lbs. large shrimp, deveined and peeled, tails left on

1 jalapeno, seeded to taste and chopped

2 limes, zested and juiced (1/3 c. lime juice required)

¼ c. tequila

¼ c. olive oil

4 tsp. dry cilantro

2 TB.  sugar

2 tsp. minced garlic

1 red bell pepper, julienned

1 sweet onion, diced

1 TB.  lime zest

1 c. brown rice, uncooked

Salt and pepper to taste

Bamboo skewers, soaked in water

In a large bowl, mix together the chopped jalapeno, 1/3 cup lime juice, Tequila, oil, one tablespoon sugar, cilantro, lime zest, garlic, salt, and pepper.  Reserve ¼ cup of the mixture.  Place the shrimp in a resealable bag and pour the remainder of the liquid over it.  Refrigerate for a half hour.

In another bowl, add the reserved liquid and the brown rice.  Stir and set aside.

Remove the shrimp from the marinade, and place 5-6 shrimp on each skewer.

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees.  Tear off  two large sheets of foil (approximately 18 inches in length), and brush with olive oil.  Divide the rice and spread in the center of each sheet. Reserve any remaining liquid.  Place the strips of pepper and onion on the rice, and the shrimp skewers on top. Seal each package tightly on all but one side.  Add one to two tablespoons of the marinade to each packet and seal tightly.

Place the packets side by side on a baking sheet and bake at 425 degrees for approximately 10-12 minutes (the shrimp should be pink).  Slice each packet with a knife and let sit for two minutes.  Then carefully open each packet completely and serve. 

Tequila lime shrimp in a pouch, deconstructed!

2 lbs. large shrimp, deveined and peeled, tails left on 

>Health alert:  If shrimp is a dietary concern, it may be substituted with any type of seafood, salmon, chicken, or cubed tofu. 

>Ingredient alert:  If shrimp is substituted with another protein, the cooking time may differ.  Check the Internet for appropriate cooking times.

 

1 jalapeno, seeded to taste and chopped

2 limes, zested and juiced (1/3 c. lime juice)

¼ c. tequila

>Health alert:  Tequila has a high alcohol content.  If this creates a dietary concern, it may be replaced with water or chicken broth.

¼ c. olive oil

>Fat alert:  Olive oil is fat.  If this is a dietary concern, it may be reduced or replaced with water.

4 tsp. dry cilantro

2 TB.  sugar

>Health alert: If sugar presents a dietary concern, it may be replaced with any sugar substitute.

2 tsp. minced garlic

1 red bell pepper, julienned

1 sweet onion 

1 TB. lime zest

1 c. brown rice

>Health alert:  Rice can contain gluten.  If this is a dietary concern, check the product label carefully.

Salt and pepper to taste

Bamboo skewers, soaked in water

(Follow the instructions above.)