(Family Features) Adding salmon to your weekly menu can take dinnertime from drab to delicious. Combining it with bright, fresh veggies heightens the savory experience even more for a burst of seafood flavor.

Loaded with salmon and shrimp, this Salmon and Shrimp Coconut Curry is a perfect option for putting together a quick yet delicious meal.

Fast becoming a leading source of seafood worldwide, aquaculture is similar to typical agriculture but with fish, shellfish and seaweeds. Farmed seafood can be raised and harvested in either fresh or seawater, where natural conditions are recreated.

However, not all seafood you find in the grocery aisles is the same. Despite industry advances, aquaculture still faces challenges with fraud, mislabeling and questionable conditions. That’s why it’s important to look for responsible seafood products that are labeled by a trusted certification process.

For example, the Aquaculture Stewardship Council is a non-profit certification program that has created and enforced the world’s strictest and highest standards for seafood farming since 2010. Today, it is transforming the seafood industry with a new level of certification for farmed seafood. This “new way to seafood” includes:

• Seafood that can be traced all the way from the farm to the store, ensuring the seafood you buy is what it claims to be
• The strictest combination of requirements to protect the environment, workers and communities on the farms where seafood is raised
• Improving farmed seafood quality and safety

Visit NewWaytoSeafood.com to find more information about the certification process.

Watch video to see how to make this recipe!

Salmon and Shrimp Coconut Curry

Recipe courtesy of MOWI on behalf of the Aquaculture Stewardship Council
Servings: 2

• 2          pieces of MOWI Pure portions salmon
• 1          cup wild rice
• 1          tablespoon coconut oil
• 1          clove garlic, sliced
• 1/4       cup red onion, diced
• 1          cup pumpkin or butternut squash, diced
• 1          tablespoon lemongrass, finely chopped
• 1 1/2    tablespoons red curry paste
• 1/2       cup coconut milk
• 1          tablespoon fish sauce
• 1/4       cup tomatoes
• 4          shrimp
• 1          lime, quartered
• 2-3       cilantro leaves, for garnish

1. Cut salmon into 1/2-inch cubes. Cook rice according to package instructions.
2. In large skillet, heat coconut oil over medium-high heat. Add garlic, onion and pumpkin or squash; saute 5 minutes, or until onions are translucent. Mix in lemongrass and curry paste. Cook 2-3 minutes, or until fragrant.
3. Add coconut milk, fish sauce and tomatoes; mix thoroughly. Add shrimp and salmon; cook until done.
4. Serve with rice and lime quarters. Sprinkle with cilantro.

Source: Aquaculture Stewardship Council

(Culinary.net) If you’re looking for a dinner or lunch combination that is wholesome, filling and, of course, easy, you’re not alone. Meal prepping is a popular trend for many people (and families) who are working on healthy eating habits but are constantly on the go.

No matter if you’re searching for a healthy family dinner, a quick lunch at home or an easy idea to meal prep for the week ahead, this Orange Shrimp Quinoa Bowl is perfect for seafood lovers who also enjoy a hint of spice. It’s fresh, healthy and full of deliciously prepared shrimp and veggies, including mushrooms, peppers and cucumbers.

The sauce is light and has a sweet yet spicy vibe. Everything rests over 1 cup of steamy quinoa – a filling base that also serves as an easy way to add some healthy grains to your diet.
To make this quick and easy recipe, prepare the quinoa according to the package directions and set aside.

Next, combine orange juice, hot sauce, honey, soy sauce, vegetable oil, lime juice and miso in a medium bowl and whisk together.

Pour about one-fourth of the liquid into a separate bowl and set aside the smaller portion.

In the medium bowl, add shrimp to marinate for about 15 minutes.

Add butter to a hot skillet, along with the shrimp mixture. Cook shrimp for 2 minutes on each side then add mushrooms and cook until tender.

Now it’s time to assemble your bowls. Start with quinoa then top with bell peppers, cucumbers, green onions, avocado and the perfectly pink shrimp. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and cilantro for some extra texture. Drizzle bowls with the remaining sauce.

Find more wholesome and healthy recipes at Culinary.net.

Watch video to see how to make this recipe!

Orange Shrimp Quinoa Bowls

Serves: 2

• 1          cup quinoa
• 1          cup orange juice
• 1          tablespoon hot sauce
• 1          tablespoon honey
• 1          tablespoon soy sauce
• 4          tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1          tablespoon lime juice
• 1          tablespoon white miso
• 1/4       cup butter
• 1 1/2    pounds shrimp, peeled, deveined and tails removed
• 1/4       teaspoon salt
• 1/8       teaspoon pepper
• 1          cup mushrooms, sliced
• 1          red bell pepper, diced
• 1          cucumber, sliced into half moons
• 5          green onions, sliced
• 1          avocado, sliced
• 1          teaspoon sesame seeds
• 2          tablespoons cilantro, chopped

1. Cook quinoa according to package instructions. Set aside.
2. In medium bowl, whisk orange juice, hot sauce, honey, soy sauce, vegetable oil, lime juice and miso until combined. Pour one-quarter of liquid into separate bowl. Set aside.
3. Add shrimp to remaining mixture and marinate 15 minutes.
4. Heat large skillet over medium heat with butter. Add shrimp, salt and pepper. Cook 2 minutes on each side until pink. Add mushrooms and cook until tender.
5. In two serving bowls, divide quinoa, bell pepper, cucumber, onions, avocado and shrimp. Sprinkle sesame seeds and cilantro over both bowls.
6. Drizzle with reserved dressing.

(Family Features) Taking care of your heart health requires a commitment to the right routines and smart decisions, such as adopting a heart healthy diet. Foods you might already have in your kitchen can offer powerful vitamins, minerals and beneficial plant compounds that may help contribute to heart health.

Decades of research shows that each 8-ounce serving of 100% orange juice, such as Florida Orange Juice, is packed with key nutrients and valuable plant compounds, which may play a beneficial role in helping lower blood pressure and other risk factors for heart disease. Consider these additional heart health benefits of 100% orange juice:

• While many people associate vitamin C with its ability to help promote a healthy immune system, it’s also been shown to support cardiovascular health. Orange juice is an excellent source of vitamin C providing more than 100% of the recommended daily value in an 8-ounce glass.
• In several research studies, higher intakes of the flavonoids typically found in citrus were associated with reduced risk for cardiovascular disease and stroke.
• In one 8-ounce serving, 100% orange juice provides 10% of the daily value of potassium, which is an electrolyte that helps maintain fluid balance affecting blood pressure. Diets containing foods that are good sources of potassium and low in sodium may reduce the risk of high blood pressure and stroke.
• Some studies found folate and vitamin B6, both water-soluble vitamins, may help protect against heart disease by lowering homocysteine levels in the blood, an amino acid believed to cause damage to the arteries and increase the risk of blood clots when elevated. One 8-ounce glass of orange juice contains 15% of the daily value of folate and 8% of the daily value of vitamin B6.

“Drinking Florida Orange Juice is not only delicious, it delivers a powerful combination of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and beneficial plant compounds,” said Dr. Rosa Walsh, director of scientific research at the Florida Department of Citrus. “From helping to reduce hypertension to fighting inflammation, it is an excellent choice to include in a heart-healthy diet.”

You can add the heart health benefits of 100% orange juice to your diet with the powerfully nutritious punch of Orange Juice Shrimp Quinoa Bowls, the perfect mixture of textures with tangy, spicy and sweet flavors. Or start the day strong with a Florida Sunshine Grapefruit Smoothie for a breakfast beverage that requires just a few minutes of prep and blending.

Find more heart healthy inspiration at floridacitrus.org.

Orange Juice Shrimp Quinoa Bowls

Servings: 2

• 2          cups water
• 1          cup quinoa
• 1          cup Florida Orange Juice
• 1          tablespoon hot sauce
• 1          tablespoon honey
• 1          tablespoon soy sauce
• 6          tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
• 2          tablespoons lime juice
• 1          tablespoon white miso
• 1 1/2    pounds shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1/4       teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/8       teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1          bell pepper, diced
• 1          English cucumber, sliced into half moons
• 3          scallions, sliced
• 1          avocado, sliced
• 1          teaspoon sesame seeds
• 2          tablespoons cilantro, chopped

1. In pot, bring water to boil.
2. Add quinoa, reduce to simmer, cover and cook 15 minutes. Fluff with fork.
3. In bowl, whisk orange juice, hot sauce, honey, soy sauce, 4 tablespoons vegetable oil, lime juice and miso. Remove half and set aside.
4. Add shrimp to remaining half and marinate 15 minutes.
5. Heat large skillet over medium-high heat and add remaining oil.
6. Season shrimp with salt and pepper then add shrimp to wok and saute, cooking approximately 2 minutes per side until pink and cooked through.
7. Place 1/2 cup quinoa in bowl and top with bell pepper, cucumber, scallions, avocado and shrimp.
8. Drizzle with dressing that was set aside and garnish with sesame seeds and cilantro.

Florida Sunshine Grapefruit Smoothie

Servings: 1

• 1          cup Florida Orange Juice
• 1/2       cup Florida Grapefruit Juice
• 1          ripe banana
• 1/2       cup low-fat vanilla yogurt
• 1/2       teaspoon vanilla extract

1. In blender, blend orange juice, grapefruit juice, banana, yogurt and vanilla extract until smooth. Serve immediately.

 Photo courtesy of Getty Images (smoothie)

Source: Florida Department of Citrus

(Family Features) As families ponder Lenten recipes fit for the season with flavorful seafood as a filling protein, one important aspect to take into account is the kid-friendliness of the dish. Offer up a dinnertime delight the whole family can enjoy with shrimp-based options that provide familiar flavors in appetizing ways.

For example, you can take your taste buds on an international trip with tasty Cuban Shrimp and Rice Tacos for an easy-to-prepare meal bursting with the flavors of citrus and herbs for a winning weeknight dinner. You can even increase the fun by serving with toppings like salsa, guacamole, sour cream, shredded cheese and shredded lettuce to allow kids to garnish their tacos however they’d like.

Lime-Ginger Shrimp Fried Rice is an Asian-inspired option with additions of bok choy, lime juice, fresh ginger root and mango for zesty flavor. Both dishes require half an hour or less in the kitchen, leaving more time for family fun in the evenings.

Plus, you can add to the convenience of these meals by incorporating an option like Success Rice with its taste, texture and quality that help make mealtime a cinch. With its “Boil-in-Bag” cooking process that provides a satisfying shortcut, simply add water to a saucepan, drop the BPA-free bag into the water, boil for 10 minutes and remove with a fork for a no measure, no mess timesaver that pairs perfectly with sauteed shrimp for Lent-inspired dinners.

Find more family-friendly Lenten meal ideas at SuccessRice.com.

Lime-Ginger Shrimp Fried Rice

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4

• 2          bags Success Jasmine Rice
• 2          tablespoons canola oil
• 1          pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails removed
• 8          baby bok choy, trimmed and quartered
• 1/2       cup diced fresh mango
• 1          tablespoon minced fresh ginger root
• 1/4       teaspoon salt
• 3          tablespoons soy sauce
• 2          tablespoons lime juice

1. Prepare rice according to package directions. Let cool completely.
2. In wok or large skillet over medium-high heat, heat oil. Cook shrimp, bok choy, mango, ginger and salt, stirring, 3-5 minutes, or until shrimp start to curl and bok choy starts to wilt.
3. Stir in rice. Cook 2-3 minutes, or until well coated. Stir in soy sauce and lime juice. Cook 2-3 minutes, or until rice is heated through.

Cuban Shrimp and Rice Tacos

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Servings: 4

• 1          bag Success Jasmine Rice
• 2          tablespoons olive oil
• 1          pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails removed
• 2          cloves garlic, minced
• 1          teaspoon chili powder
• 1          teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2       teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2       teaspoon salt
• 1/4       teaspoon black pepper
• 1          can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1/2       cup orange juice
• 3          tablespoons lime juice
• 8          corn tortillas, warmed
• 1          ripe avocado, halved, pitted, peeled and sliced
• 1/4       cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves

1. Prepare rice according to package directions.
2. In large skillet over medium heat, heat oil. Add shrimp, garlic, chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt and pepper; saute 2-3 minutes, or until shrimp start to curl.
3. Stir in rice, black beans, orange juice and lime juice. Cook 5-8 minutes, or until shrimp are cooked through and liquid is mostly absorbed.
4. Serve shrimp and rice in warm tortillas garnished with avocado and cilantro.

Source: Success Rice

(Family Features) Cooler weather calls for comfort foods, and it’s hard to top soups, risottos and strata for heartwarming dishes to share with the family on chilly days.

To achieve delicious taste without ditching your healthy eating plan, consider nutritionally balanced one-pot recipes like those from “Whole in One” by Ellie Krieger, several of which call for dairy to help fuel your loved ones’ meals. Milk is commonly viewed as a versatile staple to have on-hand for cooking and a nutritious beverage for families with essential nutrients such as calcium that promote bone health in children and teens.

“I’m always trying to create recipes that make it easier for people to cook and eat well,” Krieger said. “As a food lover and dietitian, I’m always looking for that amazing balance between health and taste. Dairy really can help get you there because it provides you not only great nutrition, but also great taste, texture and satisfaction.”

Turn to dairy-fueled comfort foods with recipes from Krieger like vegetarian-friendly Broccoli Cheddar Skillet Strata, nutrient-dense Cauliflower Risotto with Shrimp and Peas or easy-to-make Mushroom Stroganoff Soup. These dishes offer balanced, health-conscious ways to enjoy flavorful meals while delivering essential nutrients found in dairy.

“Milk, cheese and yogurt all contain protein, and I think most people don’t realize that a cup of milk has 8 grams of high-quality protein, which is more than an egg,” Krieger said. “When I tell people that, it’s really news to them. Protein really is key in many ways because people are often looking to get more protein into their diets.”

Find more family meal solutions at milkmeansmore.org.

Cauliflower “Risotto” with Shrimp and Peas

Recipe courtesy of “Whole in One” by Ellie Krieger on behalf of Milk Means More
Servings: 4

• 2          tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2       cup chopped shallot
• 3          cups cauliflower rice
• 1/4       teaspoon salt, plus additional, to taste
• 1/4       teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 2          tablespoons, plus 1 teaspoon, all-purpose flour
• 1 3/4    cups 1% low-fat milk
• 3/4       cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, divided
• 1          pound medium shrimp (26-30 count per pound), cleaned and tails removed
• 1 1/2    cups fresh or frozen peas
• 2          tablespoons fresh basil leaves, cut into ribbons

1. In large, nonstick skillet over medium heat, heat oil. Add shallot and cook until softened, 2 minutes. Stir in cauliflower rice, 1/4 teaspoon salt and pepper; cook 2 minutes.
2. Sprinkle flour over cauliflower and stir to incorporate then add milk and cook, stirring occasionally, until it comes to gentle boil. Stir in 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese until incorporated then add shrimp and peas.
3. Return to simmer. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until shrimp are pink and no longer translucent and sauce has thickened, about 5 minutes. Season with additional salt, to taste, then garnish with basil and remaining Parmesan cheese.

Broccoli Cheddar Skillet Strata

Recipe courtesy of “Whole in One” by Ellie Krieger on behalf of Milk Means More
Servings: 4

• 2          tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 3          cups whole-wheat baguette or other crusty bread, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
• 1          small onion, diced
• 3          cups chopped broccoli (about 1/2 head), chopped into 1/2-inch pieces
• 6          large eggs
• 3/4       cup low-fat or whole milk
• 1 1/2    teaspoons Dijon mustard
• 1/2       teaspoon salt
• 1/2       teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2       cup packed, shredded extra-sharp cheddar cheese

1. Preheat oven to 450 F. In 10-inch ovenproof skillet over medium heat, heat 1 tablespoon oil. Add bread to skillet and cook, tossing frequently, until golden brown, about 6 minutes. Transfer bread to plate and carefully wipe crumbs out of pan.
2. Add remaining oil to skillet then add onion and cook until softened slightly, 2 minutes. Add broccoli and cook, stirring frequently, until it begins to soften, 3 minutes.
3. In medium bowl, whisk eggs, milk, mustard, salt and pepper. Add cheese and bread; toss to combine then pour bread mixture over vegetables in skillet.
4. Cover with foil and bake 10 minutes then uncover and continue baking until strata is set in center, 5-8 minutes. Remove from oven and let sit 5 minutes.
5. To serve, scoop out portions with large spoon or cut into wedges.

Mushroom Stroganoff Soup

Recipe courtesy of “Whole in One” by Ellie Krieger on behalf of Milk Means More
Servings: 4

• 2          tablespoons olive oil
• 2          medium shallots (about 2/3 cup), chopped
• 1          package (10 ounces) white button mushrooms, trimmed and sliced
• 1          package (10 ounces) cremini mushrooms, trimmed and sliced
• 2          garlic cloves, minced
• 4          cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
• 1          tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1          teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 3/4       teaspoon salt, plus additional, to taste
• 1/4       teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1          cup whole-wheat egg noodles
• 1          cup 1% low-fat milk
• 2/3       cup sour cream, divided
• 2          tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2          tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

1. In soup pot over medium heat, heat oil. Add shallots and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, 2 minutes. Add button mushrooms and cremini mushrooms, increase heat to medium-high and cook, stirring occasionally, until mushrooms release liquid and begin to brown, about 8 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds. Add broth, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, 3/4 teaspoon salt and pepper; bring to boil. Add egg noodles and boil gently, uncovered, until noodles are nearly tender, 5 minutes.
2. In pitcher or medium bowl, whisk milk, 1/3 cup sour cream and flour until flour dissolves. Ladle 1/2 cup broth from pot into milk mixture and whisk well then pour milk mixture into pot. While stirring, bring to gentle boil then lower heat and simmer until thickened, 2 minutes. Season with additional salt, to taste.
3. Serve garnished with dollop of remaining sour cream and parsley.

Source: United Dairy Industry of Michigan

(Family Features) As families continue to adjust their meal routines amidst a worldwide pandemic, there are trends you and your loved ones can follow to improve your general health, maintain a budget and spend more time together.

Home cooking: According to a study conducted by Hunter Public Relations on how COVID-19 has changed home cooking, 54% of Americans are cooking more and 50% have more confidence in the kitchen. Many, perhaps for the first time, found that cooking at home and learning cooking techniques could be a fun family activity.

Trusting frozen: Frozen foods have seen a renaissance in 2020. Many families discovered that new technologies allow frozen foods to deliver innovations in flavors, recipes, authenticity and affordability without compromising taste. For example, Aqua Star’s frozen Cutting Board Meal Kits are available at grocers nationwide and feature full chef-inspired meals like Chipotle Shrimp Street Tacos and Southwest Chili-Lime Tilapia.

Saving money: It’s common knowledge for many consumers that eating at or ordering takeout from a restaurant is more expensive than cooking at home. Eating at home showed families just how much they could save, and this trend is likely to continue. According to a Simon-Kucher Restaurants Survey, 26% of consumers who ate meals from casual restaurants before the pandemic anticipate eating meals primarily at home for up to a year after lockdown.

More seafood: According to a national survey by Aqua Star, one of the country’s largest seafood companies, 75% of Americans want to eat more seafood. Seafood provides nutritional benefits for a multitude of recipes, but many people don’t know how to prepare it. One of the easiest ways to introduce your family to seafood is through familiar comfort food recipes and convenient one-pan meals.

Online grocery shopping: Nearly daily trips to the grocery store can be an expensive habit since impulse buying is a bane to healthy eating and saving money. As online grocery shopping grows in popularity, it provides families with a convenient, time-saving way to keep must-haves on hand without overspending at the store.

Dinners with family: After years of families grabbing meals on the run, sheltering in place has brought many back to the dining room table. For a simple family meal that focuses on frozen seafood and pantry staples, try this recipe for Shrimp Scampi that involves just a few steps of preparation that can even allow kids to help in the process. If you don’t have time to cook, Aqua Star’s Shrimp Scampi MicroSteam Bowl is a simple way to enjoy the same flavors in minutes, from the microwave, with no clean-up required.

Find more at-home seafood solutions at aquastar.com.

Shrimp Scampi

Cook time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4

• 8          ounces pasta linguine
• 2          tablespoons butter
• 2          tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 4          garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2       cup dry white wine or seafood broth
• 3/4       teaspoon kosher salt
• 1          dash crushed red pepper flakes
• 1/4       teaspoon black pepper
• 1 1/2    pounds large or extra-large Aqua Star shrimp, shelled
• 1/3       cup parsley, chopped
• 1/2       lemon, juice only

1. Cook pasta according to package directions.
2. In large skillet, melt butter and oil. Add garlic and saute until fragrant. Add wine or broth, salt, red pepper flakes and black pepper. Bring to simmer and reduce by half.
3. Add shrimp and saute until shrimp turn pink and opaque, approximately 2-4 minutes depending on size. Stir in parsley, lemon juice and cooked pasta. 

Photo courtesy of Getty Images (family dinner)

Source: Aqua Star

(Family Features) Cooking with your kids is a fun way to bond while teaching basic culinary skills. It provides practical lessons like counting ingredients and dividing portions. Plus, meals cooked together offer kids something to look forward to during lunchtime. They can enjoy the food they helped prepare, and you’ll be able to check at least one meal off your to-do list while teaching valuable life lessons.

One way to make cooking more exciting for the family is to prepare food for a bento box using pantry staples. Bento boxes are considered an act of love in Japan and are a fun way to get your family involved in the kitchen. Bento boxes are similar to single-portion lunchboxes except they feature small compartments for each element of your meal, making it easy to encourage kids to eat fresh fruits and veggies. They also offer a whimsy visual appeal that can make mealtime more entertaining.

Next time you plan a meal with loved ones, try incorporating authentic Japanese recipes like a Simple Teriyaki Bowl, a Miso-Glazed Salmon Bento or Garlic Shrimp with Jasmine Rice. These dishes call for simple preparations, short cook times and pantry basics, making it easy to involve your family in the process.

To create a taste-tempting family meal with genuine Japanese flavors, try Mizkan premium sauces and rice vinegars. For more than two centuries, the vinegars have helped chefs and families around the world delight in the flavors of Japan. Now the taste can be at your table, helping you create authentic meals your whole family can enjoy.

Find more tips and ideas for creating flavorful and authentic Japanese recipes at mizkanflavors.com.

Garlic Shrimp with Jasmine Rice

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Servings: 6

Ponzu Rice:

• 1          cup jasmine rice
• 1/2       cup Mizkan Ponzu Citrus Seasoned Soy Sauce
• 1 1/2    cups water

Stir Fry:

• 2          tablespoons Mizkan Organic Rice Vinegar
• 1/4       cup Mizkan Ponzu Citrus Seasoned Soy Sauce
• 1/4       cup brown sugar
• 1          teaspoon sesame oil
• 1/2       cup vegetable stock
• 1          teaspoon cornstarch
• 2          tablespoons oil
• 1          pound (about 21-25) raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1/4       cup red onion, large chopped
• 2          teaspoons garlic, minced
• 1          cup red bell pepper, chopped
• 1/2       cup carrots, shredded
• 1          cup sugar-snap peas
• 1          cup broccoli florets
• 2          scallions, sliced
• 2          teaspoons sesame seeds

1. To make ponzu rice: In small saucepan, combine jasmine rice, ponzu and water; cook according to rice directions.
2. To make stir fry: In bowl, whisk rice vinegar, seasoned soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, vegetable stock and cornstarch to combine. Set aside.
3. In large saute pan over high heat, heat oil; add shrimp and cook 2-3 minutes until pink.
4. Add red onion and cook 1 minute. Add garlic, red bell peppers, carrots, snap peas and broccoli; cook 3 minutes until tender.
5. Add reserved sauce and cook 2 minutes until thickened.
6. Divide rice among six bowls and top with shrimp stir fry. Garnish with scallions and sesame seeds; serve.

Miso-Glazed Salmon Bento

Prep time: 20 minutes, plus marinating
Cook time: 6 minutes
Servings: 2

• 1/4       cup miso paste
• 2          tablespoons Mizkan Mirin Sweet Cooking Seasoning
• 1          tablespoon sake
• 2          skinless center-cut salmon fillets (6 ounces each)
• 1          cup thinly sliced seedless cucumbers
• 1          teaspoon kosher salt
• 2          tablespoons Mizkan Seasoned Rice Vinegar
• 2          cups cooked short-grain sushi rice, cooled
• 1          tablespoon thinly sliced green onions
• 1          teaspoon toasted sesame seeds
• 6          cherry tomatoes
• 2          lemon wedges

1. In medium bowl, whisk miso paste, mirin and sake. Add salmon, turning to coat evenly. Marinate 10-30 minutes. Discard remaining marinade.
2. Heat large nonstick pan on medium-high heat. Cook fish 2-3 minutes on each side, or until internal temperature reaches 145 F. Cut each fillet into four small pieces.
3. In strainer or colander, toss cucumbers with salt; let stand 5 minutes. Squeeze out excess liquid; toss with rice vinegar.
4. Pack each bento box evenly with rice, pickled cucumbers and salmon. Sprinkle with green onions and sesame seeds. Garnish with tomatoes and lemons.

Substitutions: If ingredients are unavailable or difficult to find: Use 1/4 cup soy sauce to glaze salmon in place of miso paste; use low-carb rice such as cauliflower or broccoli rice in place of sushi rice.

Tip: To prevent sogginess, separate wet components like cucumber pickles by using aluminum foil or silicone muffin liners inside bento box.

Simple Teriyaki Bowl

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 35 minutes
Servings: 2

• 1          large boneless chicken thigh
• 2          tablespoons soy sauce
• 3          tablespoons Mizkan Mirin
• 3          tablespoons Mizkan Natural Rice Vinegar
• 1/2       scallion
• 1          tablespoon cooking oil
• 2          servings hot, cooked rice
• 1          teaspoon dried seaweed sheet (nori), sliced (optional)

1. Slice chicken thigh meat into bite-size pieces. In bowl, mix soy sauce, mirin and rice vinegar; marinate chicken pieces in seasoning mix 10 minutes.
2. Cut scallion into 2-inch pieces. In frying pan, saute until soft, about 1 minute. Set aside.
3. In frying pan, heat oil and cook chicken until browned.
4. When meat is browned, pour marinade over chicken and continue cooking on low heat until sauce thickens.
5. Place hot, cooked rice in individual bowls. Spread sliced dried seaweed pieces over rice, if desired, and top with chicken and scallions to serve.

Photo courtesy of NPDstock/Shutterstock (Simple Teriyaki Bowl)

Source:  Mizkan

(Family Features) A distinctive and unexpected ingredient like rice vinegar is an easy way to bring faraway flavors to your favorite summer dishes. This pantry staple adds an Asian-inspired flavor to recipes of all kinds, from marinades to high-end meals.

Explore a new way to enjoy steak this summer with a recipe for zesty, marinated beef paired with crisp broccolini and peppers to give a familiar dish a fresh makeover using flavors from another origin. Give fajitas an Asian makeover with shrimp seared in a decadent hoisin-ginger sauce or try a fresh take on a crunchy salad with this Mexican-meets-Asian layered approach that’s perfect for lunch.

Include seasonal produce like cucumbers, bell peppers and tomatoes to enhance your summer flavor fusions. Pantry staples like black beans and canned corn also offer accessible ways to make elevated summer classics.

Capture Asian flavors with ingredients like NAKANO Rice Vinegar, which has perfected its rice vinegars over eight generations to offer unique and delicious flavors perfect for making mouthwatering Asian-inspired recipes at home.

Pro Flavor-Fusion Tips

• The key to a successful stir-fry is to use high heat to quickly cook meats and vegetables in stages without overcrowding the pan. This ensures that veggies stay slightly crisp, and meats develop a delicious sear instead of steaming.

• Avocado oil has one of the highest smoke points, making it a great choice for high-heat cooking like stir-frying.

• Hoisin sauce, which you can find in the Asian section of most grocery stores, is used frequently in Chinese and Vietnamese cuisine. It’s a salty, fermented soybean paste often combined with garlic, chiles and five-spice powder, which adds a sweet, umami-rich, aromatic flavor to the dish.

• Shishito peppers are slender, mild, green Japanese peppers available in the produce section of well-stocked grocery stores or Asian markets. If shishito peppers are unavailable, substitute with multicolored mini peppers.

• To accommodate those who love a lot of spice and those who prefer less spice, serve mild-to-medium-spicy foods with additional chili sauce on the side.

• Swap out heavy, high-calorie salad dressings for a splash of additional flavor with NAKANO rice vinegar.

Find more flavorful ways to put an Asian twist on your summer dishes at nakanoflavors.com.

Sizzling Shrimp Fajita Stir-Fry

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Servings: 6

• 1 1/2    pounds large, raw shrimp, peeled and deveined (21-25 shrimp total)
• 2          tablespoons soy sauce, divided
• 4          teaspoons cornstarch, divided
• 1/4       cup NAKANO Roasted Garlic Rice Vinegar
• 3          tablespoons hoisin sauce
• 2          teaspoons grated fresh ginger
• 3          tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
• 1          red onion, cut into thin slivers
• 1          red bell pepper, cut into thin strips
• 1/2       pound shishito peppers, stemmed
• 6          warmed corn or flour tortillas
• 1/2       cup finely shredded red cabbage
• 1/4       cup thinly sliced green onions

1. In medium bowl, combine shrimp, 2 teaspoons soy sauce and 2 teaspoons cornstarch; let stand 5 minutes to marinate.
2. In separate bowl, whisk remaining soy sauce, remaining cornstarch, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce and ginger until blended.
3. In large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat, heat 1 tablespoon oil until shimmering. Add half of shrimp; cook 1 minute on each side. Transfer to clean bowl; repeat with remaining shrimp. Wipe out skillet with paper towel.
4. In same pan, heat remaining oil until shimmering. Add red onion, bell pepper and shishito peppers. Cook, stirring, 2-4 minutes until peppers begin to blister. Add vinegar mixture; cook, stirring, 1-2 minutes, or until sauce is slightly thickened. Add shrimp to pan. Cook, tossing well until shrimp and vegetables are coated with sauce.
5. Fill tortillas with shrimp mixture, cabbage and green onions.

Spicy Steak and Broccoli

Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Servings: 6

• 1          beef tenderloin (1 1/2 pounds), cut into 2-inch cubes
• 1          tablespoon soy sauce
• 1          tablespoon cornstarch
• 1/2       teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/2       teaspoon garlic powder
• 3          tablespoons avocado oil, divided
• 2          cups multicolored, mini sweet peppers, cut into thin rings
• 1/4       pound broccolini, cut into 3-inch sections
• 2          large shallots, chopped
• 1/4       cup NAKANO Seasoned Rice Vinegar
• 1          tablespoon sugar
• 1          teaspoon sambal oelek (Asian-chili garlic sauce) or sriracha
• 1/4       teaspoon kosher salt
• 2          teaspoons grated fresh ginger

1. In medium bowl, combine beef, soy sauce, cornstarch, black pepper and garlic powder.
2. In large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat, heat 1 tablespoon oil. Add peppers, broccolini and shallots; cook 3 minutes, or until tender crisp. Transfer to clean bowl.
3. In same skillet over high heat, heat 1 tablespoon oil until shimmering. Add half of beef in single layer. Cook undisturbed 2 minutes, or until bottoms are browned. Stir. Cook 1 minute, or until outer surfaces are no longer pink. Transfer to bowl with vegetables. Repeat with remaining oil and beef. Return beef and vegetables to skillet over medium-high heat.
4. In small bowl, combine rice vinegar, sugar, sambal oelek, salt and ginger. Add mixture to pan. Cook 2 minutes, or until sauce is slightly thickened.

Glass Jar Layered Taco Salad

Prep time: 10 minutes
Servings: 1

• 1/2       avocado
• 1/4       teaspoon serrano pepper
• 1          tablespoon cilantro
• 2          tablespoons NAKANO Organic Seasoned Rice Vinegar
• 2          tablespoons sesame oil
• 1          teaspoon lime juice
• 1/3       teaspoon salt
• 1/2       cup corn
• 1/2       cup red cabbage, shredded
• 1/2       cup jicama, diced
• 1/2       cup black beans, rinsed
• 1/2       cup shredded green cabbage
• 1/2       cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2       cup extra-firm tofu, diced
• 1/2       cup corn chips, crushed
• 1/2       cup spinach
• 1          tablespoon queso fresco

1. In bowl, mash avocado and add serrano pepper, cilantro, rice vinegar, sesame oil, lime juice and salt. Stir to combine.
2. Build salad in layers of corn, cabbage, jicama, black beans, cabbage, tomatoes, tofu, corn chips, spinach and queso fresco while adding drizzles of dressing between layers.

Source: NAKANO

(Family Features) Grilled meals provide a summer escape for many families by offering opportunities to spend moments together while enjoying flavorful dishes. As Americans face uncertainty in many aspects of life, one place they should be able to turn to for normalcy is food.

One option that checks boxes including comfort, fun, taste and variety: seafood. As a nutritious protein available across the country, it is versatile and can be paired with a variety of cuisines and flavors. Options range from salmon and shrimp to crab, tuna and more.

To encourage hungry Americans to enjoy the many benefits of eating seafood, the “Eat Seafood America” campaign offers these reasons to add fish, shrimp and more to your menu:

• Whether you order online, head to a store or purchase fresh from a local fisherman, seafood is widely available.
• Seafood works for a variety of dishes and cooking methods, such as these recipes for Easy Shrimp Skewers, a light and hassle-free family meal, or Seared Salmon with Mediterranean Salsa, a fun spin on cowboy caviar.
• Seafood provides essential nutrients that support immune health, such as omega-3s that may even help reduce anxiety, according to research published by “The Journal of the American Medical Association.”
• Purchasing seafood supports 2 million American jobs for men and women who follow high levels of food safety practices to provide sustainable seafood.
• Seafood offers an escape as a way for families to enjoy a favorite meal that reminds loved ones of vacation memories from oceanside paradises.

Find more ways to add seafood to your summer menu at eatseafoodamerica.com.

Easy Shrimp Skewers

Recipe courtesy of Annessa Chumbley, RDN, on behalf of the Seafood Nutrition Partnership
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Servings: 5

• 10        wooden skewers
• water
• 2          medium zucchinis, cut into large chunks
• 2          medium bell peppers (any color), cut into large chunks
• 2          red onions, cut into large chunks
• 1          cup cherry tomatoes
• 10-12   ounces cooked shrimp, peeled, deveined, tails on
• olive oil
• sea salt, to taste
• 1          lemon, juice only

1. In bowl, soak skewer sticks in water at least 10 minutes to prevent burning on grill). Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. Build skewers by alternating zucchinis, bell peppers, onions, tomatoes and shrimp, pushing ingredients closely together on each skewer. Brush each with olive oil and sprinkle with sea salt, to taste.
3. Cook skewers about 9 minutes, rotating every 3 minutes until veggies and shrimp are seared but not overcooked. Remove and place on large platter.
4. Drizzle with lemon juice and serve.

Seared Salmon with Mediterranean Salsa

Recipe courtesy of Annessa Chumbley, RDN, on behalf of the Seafood Nutrition Partnership Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Servings: 4-6

• 2          tablespoons olive oil
• 4-6       salmon filets (each about 1-inch thick)
• sea salt, to taste
• 1          can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1          can quartered or chopped artichoke hearts, drained
• 1          cup diced cucumber
• 1          cup diced cherry tomatoes
• 1/3       cup diced red onion
• 1/2       cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1          handful fresh spinach, chopped
• balsamic glaze

1. In skillet over medium-high heat, heat olive oil. Sear salmon filets 4 minutes. Sprinkle tops of each salmon filet with sea salt, to taste. Flip and cook 4 minutes until barely done. Remove to serving platter.
2. In medium bowl, make salsa by gently folding together chickpeas, artichoke hearts, cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, feta and spinach. Sprinkle with sea salt, to taste. Drizzle with balsamic glaze and spoon salsa over each salmon filet.
3. Refrigerate leftover salsa.

Source: Seafood Nutrition Partnership

(Family Features) Seafood can make for a healthy addition to diets, particularly for children. It improves body and brain function, and studies conducted by “Pediatrics” and the “American Journal of Clinical Nutrition” have linked seafood to reduced risks of heart disease and allergic conditions like asthma.

In fact, the United States Department of Agriculture suggests making seafood part of healthy diets and its 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend putting it on menus at least twice a week.

While there are common complaints, such as “my kids won’t like it” or “I don’t know how to prepare it,” these tips can help make it quick, easy and affordable to add nutritious seafood to your family’s menu.

• Start with shrimp. Shrimp is one of the most popular types of seafood in the United States. Try shrimp warm or cold as a snack, appetizer or main course. It’s versatile and can be sauteed, broiled, boiled, grilled or baked.
• Make it fun. Consider putting healthy fish like wild cod, salmon or pollock into fun foods like tacos or burgers.
• Buy frozen. Fish is now flash frozen at sea to lock in freshness. Frozen seafood meals add convenience and help cut down on waste because what you don’t use can go back in the freezer.
• Cook with your kids. If your kids don’t think they like seafood, have them help with dinner. Cooking with kids can help develop healthier long-term habits and a more adventurous palate. It also helps improve motor functions and confidence. In fact, a study published in “Pediatrics” shows getting children involved in meal preparation may increase their enjoyment of healthy foods.
• Pick the right products. To create a family-friendly menu, consider an option like Aqua Star’s Cutting Board meal kits, a selection of 10 recipes that include everything a family needs to prepare a tasty, healthy meal. Selections include tacos, flatbreads and comfort favorites. With pre-portioned ingredients for quick preparation and cleanup, they make it easy for parents and kids to create their own restaurant-quality meals.
• Eat at home. Eating out often can drive unhealthy eating habits and strain family budgets. Seafood is easy and convenient to make, whether you use a simple recipe like these Chipotle Shrimp Street Tacos or choose a convenient meal kit, and can help you spend more time together at the dinner table.

Find more tips and recipes to add seafood to your family’s table at aquastar.com.

Chipotle Shrimp Street Tacos

Total time: 20 minutes
Servings: 2

• 1          Aqua Star Chipotle Shrimp Street Tacos Meal Kit, including:
• creamy ancho chili sauce
• Aqua Star shrimp
• chipotle seasoning
• spinach
• corn
• roasted tomato
• white corn tortillas

• 2          teaspoons cooking oil, divided

1. Submerge unopened sauce packet in bowl of water to thaw.
2. In large skillet, heat 1 teaspoon oil; add shrimp and cook 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fluid and add chipotle seasoning.
3. In medium skillet, heat remaining oil; add spinach, corn and roasted tomato. Cook 4-5 minutes until water is evaporated; set aside.
4. In microwave, warm tortillas in moist paper towel 30 seconds.  
5. To build tacos, fill two tortillas with shrimp and vegetables then top with sauce.

Photo courtesy of Getty Images (family eating)

Source:  Aqua Star