Learn to Meal Prep with Shrimp

Ever wonder why shrimp never give anything to charity?  Because they’re shellfish. ?

Let me first start by saying that I cannot get enough of this shrimp meal prep combination! It has all the feels of your favorite takeout restaurant (or at least close to it) but without an excess of calories to make it taste brilliant. But, trust me – you can STILL have flavor at reduced calories.

So, this isn’t your ordinary shrimp meal prep. This recipe is all about flavor by combining a blend of honey, garlic, lime, and sesame, creating a sauce that takes your average shrimp meal prep to new, tasty heights!

Shrimp meal prep is a quick and easy way to ensure you have delicious, protein-packed meals ready for the week. This recipe allows you to cook a flavorful shrimp dish that pairs well with various sides, making it versatile for different meals.

What You Need for Meal Prep with Shrimp

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lb raw jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 tsp baking soda (optional)
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• Spray olive oil

Sauce:

• Zest from 1 lime
• Juice from 1.5 limes (reserve the other half for garnish)
• 2 tbsp low sodium soy sauce, tamari, or Bragg liquid aminos
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1.5 tbsp sesame oil
• 4 tbsp raw honey
• 1 tbsp red chili flakes
• 1 tbsp garlic, minced
• 2 tsp cracked black pepper

Tools:

• Skillet
• Mixing bowl
• Tongs
• Paper towels

How to Meal Prep Shrimp

1. Prepare the Shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. For extra tenderness, sprinkle baking soda over the shrimp and let it sit for 15 minutes. This optional step helps the shrimp maintain their size when cooking.
2. Season the Shrimp: After 15 minutes, lightly spray the shrimp with olive oil and toss with chili powder to coat evenly. Set the shrimp aside while you prepare the sauce.
3. Make the Sauce: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the lime zest, lime juice, soy sauce, olive oil, sesame oil, honey, red chili flakes, minced garlic, and cracked black pepper. Adjust seasoning with salt or more honey as needed.
4. Cook the Shrimp: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, spray the skillet with olive oil and add the shrimp. Sear for 4-6 minutes per side until cooked through and slightly charred. Remove the shrimp from the skillet.
5. Simmer the Sauce: Let the skillet cool slightly, then return to medium heat. Pour in the sauce and bring it to a simmer. Add the cooked shrimp, stir to coat them in the sauce, then remove from heat.
6. Meal Prep: Divide the shrimp into meal prep containers with your choice of sides, such as brown rice, quinoa, or a fresh salad. Garnish with lime wedges for extra flavor.

What to Serve with Meal Prep Shrimp

• Grains: Serve the shrimp with brown rice, quinoa, or couscous for a balanced meal.
• Vegetables: Pair with roasted or steamed vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or bell peppers.
• Salad: Serve the shrimp over mixed greens or spinach for a light, refreshing meal.
• Wraps: Use the shrimp as a filling for wraps or tacos, adding fresh veggies and Greek yogurt.
• Pasta: Toss with whole-grain pasta and olive oil for a satisfying dish.

Tips for Shrimp Meal Prep

• Use Fresh Shrimp: Fresh shrimp offer the best flavor. If using frozen shrimp, ensure they’re fully thawed before cooking.
• Avoid Overcooking: Shrimp cook quickly, so be careful not to overcook them.
• Customize the Flavor: Adjust the seasoning and sauce to your preference. Add more chili flakes for spice or more honey for sweetness.
• Hot Pan: Ensure the skillet is hot before adding shrimp to achieve a good sear.
• Prep in Batches: If meal prepping for the week, cook the shrimp in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.

Storage Suggestions for Meal Prep Shrimp

Store shrimp meal prep in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze individual portions. To reheat, use a microwave or skillet until just warmed through, avoiding overcooking.

Shrimp Meal Prep FAQs

Can you meal prep shrimp?

Yes, shrimp is perfect for meal prep due to its quick cooking time and versatility.

How to meal prep shrimp?

Cook shrimp as instructed, then portion with sides and store in the fridge or freezer for ready-to-eat meals.

Breaking down the sauce

Raw honey is a natural sweetener with antioxidant properties, and here lends a subtle sweetness to our sauce. It pairs well with the pungency and biting aroma of garlic, also known for its immune-boosting benefits.

The acidity and freshness of lime cut through the richness, bringing a refreshing tanginess that complements the shrimp perfectly.  Not to mention,  the zest gives the essence of fresh citrus with every bite.

Finally, the toasted nuttiness of sesame oil adds depth and complexity with a boost of essential nutrients. Making this sauce is easy and involves no fancy techniques or hard-to-find ingredients.  Just a cup or bowl and a fork or whisk.

First, start with high-quality local honey, minced garlic, lime zest, freshly squeezed lime juice, low sodium soy sauce or tamari and toasted sesame oil.  Mix these together and then customize for your tastebuds –  how sweet, tangy, or savory do you want your sauce?

Note: It’s important to remember that some ingredients like oils and honey tend to be calorie-dense, and soy sauce is high in sodium which could be a concern for those on lower sodium diets since shrimp already has high levels of sodium.  If this is the case, this shrimp meal prep can easily be swapped with chicken, or even mushrooms or eggplant chunks!

It’s just this easy!

Cook your shrimp in a pan, remove it, add the sauce, bring it to a simmer for a few minutes then reduce the heat (or remove from the heat) to cool and thicken.  Add the shrimp back from the pan pour over your sauce, and BOOM, you have bangin shrimp meal prep that will leave you eagerly awaiting mealtime!

Shrimp is a low-calorie and protein-packed option for meal prep for some (due to sodium and cholesterol).  When tossed in my honey, garlic, lime, and sesame sauce, each bite is an explosion of flavor. What’s more, this sauce doesn’t limit you to shrimp; it can be used on other proteins like chicken or tofu, so it’s pretty versatile.

Give this a go and lemme know how it goes for you!

Remember, meal prep should NOT be a chore, but an exploration of flavors so feel empowered to make things your own – just be mindful of the calories from dense ingredients.