Give This Unexpected Seafood A Bright And Juicy Lift With Grapefruit

It might sound weird, but that sour, juicy grapefruit actually helps shrimp taste even better. The juice from grapefruit boasts enough citric acid to balance out the flavors of shrimp. It even starts to cook the shrimp a little, just like in a dish called ceviche, where seafood "cooks" in citrus juice instead of heat. Grapefruit also has the antioxidant lycopene, while shrimp has protein and selenium. So, not only is this meal yummy, it's good for you too!

Want to make a fun and fast dinner? Cook your shrimp for about 10 minutes so they're soft and tasty, with a nice crispy outside. Then, mix the cooked shrimp, juicy grapefruit pieces, and avocado. Put it all on top of crunchy lettuce and cabbage, then pour some grapefruit dressing on top. It'll taste like a fancy meal from a restaurant in just 20 minutes.

For a different twist, grab a jar and layer cooked shrimp, grapefruit slices, baby spinach, and cooked quinoa. At lunchtime, shake it up with grapefruit dressing and enjoy. You can even make your own shrimp dip by swapping ketchup for a zesty grapefruit and jalapeño sauce, or prepare Vietnamese shrimp summer rolls with grapefruit slices and peanut sauce. There are no limits to making some quick and easy shrimp-grapefruit recipes.

Grapefruit isn't just for cold salads or foods. There are a number of meals that you can prepare in the kitchen by heating up some shrimp. For a savory skillet glaze, mix half a cup of grapefruit juice, a teaspoon of honey, a splash of soy sauce, and some grated ginger. Sear the shrimp in some oil, add the mixture, and cook for two minutes until it thickens to a shiny glaze, perfect to spoon over rice. 

If you're in a grilling mood, thread shrimp and grapefruit wedges onto bamboo skewers that have been soaked. That's all the prep you'll need: a light drizzle of oil and some cracked pepper sprinkled on top. While they're grilling, the shrimp get nicely browned and the grapefruit caramelizes, creating a sweet-smoky combo ideal for taco nights. For a quick and tasty sheet-pan dinner, mix shrimp, wedges of grapefruit, and broccoli with olive oil, garlic, and rosemary. Roast this concoction at 425 degrees Fahrenheit until the shrimp are pink and the citrus is lumpy at the edges.

If your grapefruit is especially tart or bitter, a spoonful of honey or brown sugar in the marinade or dressing will balance out its effects. Salt works too, in a pinch. And finally, use ruby or pink grapefruit whenever you can; they're usually sweeter and bring a bright, gem-colored color to any dish.