Title: Flavorful Cajun Fried Shrimp: A Savory Delight for Weight Watchers

Introduction: Satisfying cravings for fried seafood while staying on track with your Weight Watchers journey may seem like a daunting task, but fear not! Our recipe for Cajun Fried Shrimp offers a delicious solution that’s low in SmartPoints without sacrificing any of the bold flavors you love. With a crispy golden coating infused with zesty Cajun spices, these shrimp are sure to become a favorite in your meal rotation. Let’s dive into the details of creating this mouthwatering dish.

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound of large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 cup of whole wheat flour
  • 2 tablespoons of cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon of paprika
  • 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon of onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon of dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 eggs
  • 2 tablespoons of water
  • Cooking spray or olive oil spray

Instructions:

  1. Start by preparing the shrimp. Ensure they are cleaned, peeled, and deveined, with tails intact for easy handling.
  2. In a shallow dish, combine the whole wheat flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, dried thyme, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well to evenly distribute the spices throughout the flour mixture.
  3. In another shallow dish, whisk together the eggs and water to create an egg wash.
  4. Heat a non-stick skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. Lightly coat the skillet with cooking spray or olive oil spray.
  5. Take each shrimp and dip it first into the egg wash, ensuring it is fully coated, then dredge it in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing gently to adhere the coating to the shrimp. Repeat this process for all the shrimp.
  6. Once coated, carefully place the shrimp in the preheated skillet, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the coating is golden brown and the shrimp are cooked through. Be mindful not to overcook the shrimp to maintain their tenderness.
  7. As the shrimp cook, you may need to work in batches, adding more cooking spray or olive oil spray to the skillet as needed.
  8. Once the shrimp are cooked to perfection, transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
  9. Serve the Cajun Fried Shrimp hot and fresh, accompanied by your favorite dipping sauce or a squeeze of lemon for an extra burst of flavor.

Nutritional Information (per serving):

  • Calories: 200
  • Total Fat: 5g
  • Saturated Fat: 1g
  • Cholesterol: 260mg
  • Sodium: 450mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 15g
  • Dietary Fiber: 2g
  • Sugars: 0g
  • Protein: 22g

Smart WW Points: 4 per serving

Conclusion: In conclusion, our Cajun Fried Shrimp recipe offers a delightful fusion of crispy textures and bold Cajun flavors, all while remaining mindful of your Weight Watchers goals. By using whole wheat flour and a minimal amount of oil for frying, we’ve created a lighter version of this classic dish without compromising on taste. Whether served as an appetizer, a main course, or even tucked into a po’boy sandwich, these shrimp are sure to satisfy your cravings while keeping you on track towards your wellness journey. Treat yourself to a taste of indulgence without the guilt with our Cajun Fried Shrimp recipe today!