Simple Grilled Shrimp
When it’s 100 degrees outside, I make dinner one of two ways. I either make something like a cold main course salad that requires no actual cooking or I go outside and grill. Our utility bill is running high right now and turning on the stove and/or the oven just heats up the house further.
This year we’ve been grilling a bunch. We have a gas grill, which makes things super quick and easy. Eric likes it when we grill because it keeps the kitchen clean and really cuts back on his time spent doing the dishes after dinner, which means he has time to relax before we start the hour-plus ritual required to put Neko to bed each night.
Mark Bittman is a cookbook author and food writer for the New York Times, and he is the king of quick, simple meals. He recently wrote an article entitled “101 Fast Recipes for Grilling,” and it was just what I needed to inspire me enough to continue cooking dinner through the dog days of summer.
I’m not sure if all kids like shrimp like Neko does or if I’m just lucky. She had her first taste of shellfish right before her first birthday at a sushi restaurant. Eric and I watched her closely for signs of an allergic reaction, but none ever came, and she’s been tearing up shrimp and scallops ever since.
When most people crank up the grill, they use it to prepare burgers, hot dogs, maybe some chicken. But cooking shrimp on the grill is so ridiculously easy that everyone should do it. Shrimp cook so quickly it almost feels like cheating. With school being back in session, I’m sure a lot of parents are looking for ways to make dinner in 15 minutes or less. And shrimp are robust little creatures—they don’t have the flakiness issues that can make grilling fish a bit nerve-wracking.
And maybe if your kid gets used to eating shrimp, she won’t grow up to be like the woman who once actually said “Ew.” to me when I mentioned I was making shrimp for dinner (a dinner she wasn’t even invited to.) Of course, even if your kid hates shrimp, he or she hopefully won’t ever be so rude.
Simple Grilled Shrimp
adapted from Mark Bittman
Rub peeled, deveined shrimp with olive oil, salt and cumin. Grill shrimp until done, about 5 minutes. Serve with grilled lemon halves and fresh chopped marjoram or parsley.