Spinach Salad with Orange Chili-glazed Shrimp

Orange Chili-glazed Shrimp Salad Recipe with Spinach and Mango

| Servings: 4

Introduction

This Spinach Salad with Orange Chili-glazed Shrimp recipe is a delicious and refreshing dish that combines the flavors of sweet and spicy. The combination of fresh spinach, juicy papaya, tangy feta cheese, and succulent shrimp glazed with a zesty orange chili sauce is sure to tantalize your taste buds.

History

This recipe is a modern twist on traditional spinach salad recipes, incorporating tropical flavors and a spicy kick. The use of fresh ingredients and bold flavors makes this dish a standout choice for a light and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

2 tsp sesame seeds
0.25 cup orange juice
1 tbsp cider vinegar
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tsp grated orange peel
1 tsp olive oil
0.5 tsp honey
0.13 tsp crushed red pepper
1 ripe large mango or medium papaya
12 cups washed and torn fresh spinach leaves
0.5 cup crumbled feta cheese

Orange chili-glazed shrimp

0.5 cup orange juice
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp chili powder
8 oz (227 g) raw large shrimp, peeled and deveined

How to prepare

Heat a small nonstick skillet over medium heat.
Add sesame seeds and cook, stirring often, for about 4 minutes or until golden.
Pour the sesame seeds into a small bowl.
Add orange juice, vinegar, garlic, orange peel, oil, honey, and red pepper to the bowl; stir to combine.
Set the dressing aside.
Peel the mango or papaya.
Cut the fruit away from the pit and then into cubes or slices.
Discard tough stems from spinach leaves.
Place the spinach leaves in a large bowl and toss with the dressing.
Top with mango, cheese, and shrimp.

Orange chili-glazed shrimp

Combine juice, garlic, and chili powder in a large nonstick skillet.
Bring the mixture to a boil and boil for 3 minutes until it just coats the bottom of the pan.
Reduce the heat to medium.
Add the shrimp; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until the shrimp are opaque and the juice mixture coats the shrimp.

Variations

Substitute the shrimp with grilled chicken or tofu for a vegetarian option.
Add sliced avocado or toasted nuts for extra texture and flavor.
Use a different type of cheese, such as goat cheese or blue cheese, for a different taste profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to toast the sesame seeds until they are golden brown to bring out their nutty flavor.

- When making the orange chili glaze, be careful not to overcook the shrimp as they can become tough and rubbery.

- Toss the spinach with the dressing just before serving to prevent it from becoming soggy.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Spinach Salad with Orange Chili-glazed Shrimp as a light lunch or dinner option. Pair it with a side of crusty bread or a light soup for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Toasting sesame seeds: Heat a dry skillet over medium heat and add the sesame seeds. Cook, stirring often, until golden brown.

- Glazing shrimp: Cook the shrimp in a hot skillet with the orange chili glaze until they are opaque and coated with the sauce.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use mango instead of papaya for a different tropical flavor.

- Substitute the feta cheese with goat cheese or blue cheese for a different taste.

Make Ahead Tips

Prepare the dressing and orange chili glaze ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to use. Cook the shrimp and assemble the salad just before serving for the best results.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the spinach salad on a large platter and top with the glazed shrimp for an elegant presentation. Garnish with fresh herbs or additional sesame seeds for a finishing touch.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this Spinach Salad with Orange Chili-glazed Shrimp with a crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, to complement the flavors of the dish. A light and fruity rosé would also be a good choice.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat the shrimp in a skillet over low heat until warmed through, being careful not to overcook them.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories per serving: 350

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 24g

Fats

Total Fat: 14g

Saturated Fat: 5g

Proteins

Protein: 20g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 120%

Vitamin C: 80%

Calcium: 25%

Iron: 15%

Alergens

Contains: Shellfish, Dairy

Summary

This Spinach Salad with Orange Chili-glazed Shrimp is a nutrient-rich dish that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and essential vitamins and minerals. It is a flavorful and satisfying meal option for those looking to eat healthily.

Summary

This Spinach Salad with Orange Chili-glazed Shrimp is a flavorful and nutritious dish that is perfect for a light and satisfying meal. With a balance of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation.

How did I get this recipe?

I have a clear recollection of the first time I saw this recipe for Spinach Salad with Orange Chili-glazed Shrimp. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl learning the ins and outs of cooking from my own grandmother. I remember being mesmerized as she deftly chopped, stirred, and sautéed her way through meals that always seemed to have just the right balance of flavors and textures.

One day, as I sat at her kitchen table watching her work her magic, she pulled out a worn and stained recipe card from the depths of her recipe box. She explained to me that this particular recipe had been passed down through generations in our family, originating from a distant cousin who had traveled to exotic lands and brought back culinary treasures.

The recipe for Spinach Salad with Orange Chili-glazed Shrimp captured my imagination immediately. The combination of tender shrimp, tangy orange, and spicy chili seemed like the perfect marriage of flavors. I watched as my grandmother carefully followed each step, adding a pinch of this and a dash of that with the precision of a seasoned chef.

I was eager to learn more about the origins of this recipe, so I asked my grandmother to tell me the story behind it. She smiled warmly and began to recount the tale of how it came to be a beloved family favorite.

Many years ago, when my grandmother was just a young bride, she met a neighbor who had recently returned from a trip to the Caribbean. This neighbor, a vibrant and adventurous woman named Isabella, had a passion for cooking and a knack for collecting recipes from the places she visited.

Isabella had learned to make the most delectable dishes during her travels, and she generously shared her culinary discoveries with anyone who showed an interest. My grandmother was immediately captivated by Isabella's tales of exotic spices, fresh seafood, and vibrant produce.

One day, Isabella invited my grandmother over for a cooking lesson. She had recently returned from a trip to the Bahamas, where she had sampled a mouthwatering dish of orange-glazed shrimp served over a bed of tender spinach. She was eager to recreate the dish and share it with her new friend.

As they worked together in Isabella's sunny kitchen, my grandmother watched in awe as Isabella expertly prepared the shrimp, tossing them in a sticky-sweet glaze made from fresh orange juice, spicy chili peppers, and a hint of garlic. The aroma that wafted through the kitchen was intoxicating, and my grandmother knew she was in for a treat.

When the dish was finally ready, Isabella plated it up on a bed of fresh spinach leaves, the vibrant colors and aromas mingling together in a tantalizing display. My grandmother took her first bite and was instantly transported to a tropical paradise, the flavors exploding on her tongue in a symphony of sweet, spicy, and savory notes.

From that moment on, the recipe for Spinach Salad with Orange Chili-glazed Shrimp became a staple in my grandmother's repertoire. She made it for special occasions, family gatherings, and quiet nights at home with my grandfather. It was a dish that never failed to impress, and one that always brought back fond memories of her dear friend Isabella.

As I grew older and began to explore the world of cooking on my own, my grandmother passed down the recipe to me, along with the stories of its origins. I have made it countless times since then, each time savoring the memories of my grandmother's kitchen and the lessons she taught me about the joys of good food and good company.

Now, as I stand in my own kitchen preparing the Spinach Salad with Orange Chili-glazed Shrimp, I can't help but feel a deep sense of gratitude for the culinary traditions that have been passed down through my family. The flavors and aromas that fill the air bring back memories of lazy afternoons spent watching my grandmother work her magic, and I know that this recipe will always hold a special place in my heart.