Healthier Delicious Grilled Shrimp Tacos

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In time for Cinco De Mayo (or any day) here is a calorie friendly way to avoid the typical Shrimp Tacos that are deep fried and served with heavy cream sauces and mayonnaise laden Guacamole. Instead you can make delicious Grilled Shrimp Tacos with delicious Grilled Veggies to balance out your plate. Or go Vegan by serving the Grilled Veggie Tacos and Smoked Tortilla Chips without the Shrimp. Special Thanks to Luvafoodie.com for sponsoring this recipe with their Margarita and Seafood Lovers Spice Blends.

 

RECIPE (For 2-3 People)

Shrimp Taco Ingredients

Ingredients

1 lb Fresh Deveined and Tail Off Large Shrimp

1 Large White Onion

2 Roma Tomatoes

1 Head Iceberg Lettuce

1 Ripe Avocado

Fresh Rolled Tortillas

3 Tbsp Ground Cumin

Fresh Cilantro

Fresh Dill

Luvafoodie Margarita and Seafood Lovers Spices (or your favorite BBQ Rub)

Tortilla Chips

Wood Skewers

Optional- Mesquite Wood Chunks or Chips for Smoking

Instructions:

  1. Clean, Deshell Shrimp. Marinate in BBQ Rub (we used Margarita Lime Seasoning), 2 Tbsp (each) Chopped Fresh Dill, Chopped Fresh Cilantro, and 1 Tbsp Ground Cumin. Place Shrimp on soaked Wooden Skewers. Add to hot Grill for 10 minutes each side with dry Mesquite Chips (in foil pouch for Gas Grills) or soaked Mesquite Chunks (for Charcoal Grills).
  2. Peel and Slice Onion in thick 1 inch slices, peel and cut Avocado and Lettuce in half (lengthwise). Season with BBQ Rub (we used Luvafoodie Seafood Lovers Blend) plus Cumin. Place on grill for 10 minutes per side. Onions will take longer- 20 minutes per side.
  3. For Smoked Chips. Season with BBQ Rub (we used Luvafoodie Seafood Lovers Blend and Cumin), place in foil pouch and add to Smoker for 10-15 minutes.
  4. Grill Tortillas 3 minutes per side. Dice Onions, mix with fresh chopped Cilantro. Dice Tomato, Avocado and Lettuce.
  5. Make Tacos with Shrimp on bottom. Add Onions, Tomatoes, Grilled Onion/Cilantro Mix.  For Vegan, skip Shrimp and add Grilled Avocado instead.
  6. Add Chopped Avocado on top of Smoked Tortilla Chips along with Grilled Onion/Cilantro mix. Finish with final sprinkle of BBQ Rub (you know what we used).
  7. Enjoy.

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Special Thanks to Sponsor www.luvafoodie.com

luvfoodiespices

 

Ribs, Chicken, Pulled Pork,Hot Spot BBQ,Pensacola Fl.

Can People With Food Allergies Eat BBQ?

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by Chef Mick Brown

Courtesy of http://www.bbqrescues.org

Dr. Ruchi Gupta MD,Chef Elizabeth Falkner,Food Allergies,2018 World Food Championships,Orange Beach, AL.
Dr. Ruchi Gupta, MD and Chef Elizabeth Falkner presenting Addressing Food Allergies seminar at 2018 World Food Championships in Orange Beach, AL.

As long as you are not allergic to meat or fresh vegetables, there is no reason a person with allergies cannot eat BBQ. The important thing is to be conscious of all ingredients being used, and to guard against cross contamination. While judging my first World Food Championships last week, I got to attend a seminar called Addressing Allergies in Food Service. It was a half day program including experts: Dr. Ruchi Gupta, MD and Celebrity Chef Elizabeth Falkner (of Food Network’s Next Iron Chef and Bravo TV’s Top Chef Masters fame). The seminar was skillfully moderated by Tonya Winders, President & CEO of Allergy & Asthma Network.

Chef Elizabeth Falkner,Allergy Friendly Food,2018 World Food Championships
Chef Elizabeth Falkner prepares Allergy Friendly Menu at 2018 World Food Championships.

Of course the highlight was tasting food made by Chef Falkner, who is also known for her famous San Fransisco restaurant Citizen Cake. It was one of my favorite go-to places whenever I visited the city (the Short Ribs were amazing).  Unfortunately they closed in 2012, when the chef relocated to New York City. While preparing two dishes (plus dessert), Dr. Gupta, Chef Falkner and Tonya Winders gave us the scoop on cooking for people with Food Allergies.

Chef Mick Brown of BBQ RESCUES! Foundation attends Food Allergy seminar with Dr. Ruchi Gupta, MD at 2018 World Food Championships.
Chef Mick Brown of BBQ RESCUES! Foundation meets Chef Elizabeth Falkner at Food Allergy seminar at 2018 World Food Championships.

Yes, they kind enough to do Photo Ops, upon request.

Though Gluten Free foods have taken the public spotlight, the eight most common allergies are:

  • Tree Nuts
  • Peanuts
  • Eggs
  • Fish
  • Dairy
  • Soy
  • Shellfish
  • Wheat
  • Other common allergens include Chocolate, Mustard Seed, Sesame, Citrus, Onion/Garlic and Sulfites.

Allergy Friendly,Gluten Free,Roasted Pumpkin,Gnocchi,Chia,Herb,Pesto,Roasted Pumpkin Seeds,Chef Elizabeth Falkner
Allergy Friendly Gluten Free Roasted Pumpkin Gnocchi with a Chia Herb Pesto and Zesty Roasted Pumpkin Seeds prepared by Chef Elizabeth Falkner. Light and Delicious.

Most of us are fortunate to live without food allergies. However, people with allergies suffer from anaphylaxis, a condition that can go from causing discomfort to life threatening reactions. They depend on having Epinephrine available to combat these reactions. So if you are cooking anything, including BBQ, for someone with an allergy, please take it very seriously. To be safe, it is best to make everything from scratch instead of using processed foods- that can be manufactured in facilities with Nuts or Wheat. If you must use prepared foods, be sure to read the label carefully.

Collard Greens,Enchiladas,Salad,Corn,Black Beans,Chef Elizabeth Falkner,2018 World Food Championships.
Collard Green Enchiladas Salad with Corn, Black Beans and Rice prepared by Chef Elizabeth Falkner at the 2018 World Food Championships.

Sadly, some restaurants and other eateries will not accommodate those with allergies. They think allergic people are just picky eaters. Moderator Winders shared the sad story of she and her young daughter being kicked out of a restaurant that refused to alter their menu. If you are cooking for those with allergies, be sure to determine how sensitive they are to certain foods. For example, many Pizza places offer Gluten Free crusts, but there’s regular flour all over the place. Someone with severe Celiac disease would be wise to take a pass.

Chef Elizabeth Falkner,Dairy Free,Chocolate,Flax Seed,Mousse ,Carob,Mesquite Powder,Streusel,2018 World Food Championships
Chef Elizabeth Falkner’s Dairy Free Chocolate Flax Seed Mousse with Carob/Mesquite Streusel at 2018 World Food Championships.

Chef Falkner’s menu for the day included Gluten Free Roasted Pumpkin Gnocchi with a Chia Herb Pesto and Zesty Roasted Pumpkin Seeds. It was light and delicious. She also made a salad with components of her Collard Green Enchiladas dish. The original recipe uses whole Collard leaves as a substitute for Tortillas, but only chopped leaves were available that day. For dessert, the chef prepared a Chocolate Flax Seed Mousse with Carob/Mesquite Streusel. She somehow made the preparation of these Iron Chef worthy dishes look simple.

For more on Cooking BBQ (or anything) for People with Food Allergies, check out these links:

Allergy and Asthma Network (general information and resources) http://www.allergyasthmanetwork.org/

Allergy Safe Dining (free download of great info for food professionals) http://www.allergyasthmanetwork.org/outreach/publications/special-publications/allergy-safe-dining/

AllergyHome (emphasis on schools and kids) https://www.allergyhome.org/

Summer Barbeque Tips for Hosts and Guests (allergy safe suggestions) https://www.foodallergy.org/about-fare/blog/summer-barbeque-tips-for-hosts-and-guests

Have an Allergy Friendly Barbecue (more tips for people with allergies) https://blog.americanmedical-id.com/2017/07/allergy-friendly-barbecue/

Eating Safely at the Family BBQ (Gluten Free suggestions) https://www.allergicliving.com/2010/07/02/ask-the-celiac-expert/

More on Chef Elizabeth Falkner’s Books and Online Classes https://www.elizabethfalkner.com/books-television

The Food Allergy Experience (book by Dr. Ruchi Gupta with free links to allergy research) http://www.ruchigupta.com/the-food-allergy-experience-1/

Tasty Freedom- How We Mastered Fear, Illness and Foreign Travel with Severe Food Allergies (a charming little book by my friend Chef Jaquy Yngvason and hubby Josh Greenfield, available on Amazon, Barnes and Noble and other outlets) https://www.amazon.com/Tasty-Freedom-Mastered-Illness-Allergies/dp/0692982825

AllergyEats- website is like the Yelp for people all over the country for reviewing restaurants https://www.allergyeats.com/

#Sunday #KosherBBQ #Chicken #SantaMonicaKosherMarket # WestLosAngeles

Kosher Grilling Ideas & Local Eateries (Los Angeles)

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byChef Mick Brown

Courtesy of http://www.BBQRESCUES.org

#SmokedWhitefish #Lox #Salmon #BBQ RESCUES #KosherBBQ.
Some people may just call it Smoked Whitefish and Lox or Salmon. Here at BBQ RESCUES, we consider it Kosher BBQ.

Where can you find the Kosher BBQ in Los Angeles? If anyone has any favorites, feel to add them to our Comments below. On June 10, 2018, I was honored to be invited to the 26th Annual Breakfast Meeting at Congregation Bais Naftoli in Los Angeles. Along with Congregation President, the event was attended by high ranking city, county and federal officials. Check below for an online printable version of the Kosher Recipe handouts prepared by the BBQ RESCUES! Foundation. Feel free to reprint and share alike.

#chefmickbrown #andrewfriedman #BBQRESCUES #CongregationBaisNaftoli #LosAngeles
Was a true pleasure to meet Andrew Friedman, President of Congregation Bais Naftoli in Los Angeles.

For the Breakfast, they served delicious Scrambled Eggs, Lox Salmon, Smoked Whitefish, Banana Blintzes, as well as was an abundances of Salad, Bagels, Cream Cheese and Fresh Fruits (& Veggies). My favorite was chomping on the Blueberries that were refreshing and in season, among other dishes.

Fresh Fruit served at Congregation Bais Naftoli 26th Annual Breakfast in Los Angeles.
Chef Mick Brown at Congregation Bais Naftoli 26th Annual Breakfast in Los Angeles. Photo courtesy of http://www.BBQRESCUES.org

After the Breakfast, I attended to a meeting at the West Los Angeles Farmer’s Market. Upon leaving, I couldn’t resist the unmistakable aroma of smoking BBQ.  Venturing a bit further down Santa Monica Bl., was surprised to stumble upon my first ever Kosher Street BBQ at Santa Monica Kosher Market. A Coincidence? After having just prepared flyers on the subject? Who knows… Will say I was impressed to not have to request Fresh Veggies from the Grill. They already had me covered.

Grilled Veggies at Santa Monica Kosher Market “Tasty BBQ Sundays”.
Sunday Kosher BBQ Chicken at Santa Monica Kosher Market in West Los Angeles.
Sign at Santa Monica Kosher Market advertises “Tasty BBQ” every Sunday.

#KosherBBQ #Mesquite #Chicken #GrilledVeggies #SantaMonicaKosherMarket #BBQ #Sundays
KosherBBQ- Mesquite Grilled Chicken, Grilled Veggies from Santa Monica Kosher Market “BBQ Sundays”.

 

TIPS: How to incorporate BBQ and more Nutrition for your Home Kosher Dishes:

Matzo ball Soup– Try wood smoking Chicken for the Broth. Grill the Carrots, Celery and even the Matzo Balls before adding with Herbs to broth.
Kosher Vegan Soup Broth and Gluten Free Matzo Balls are available online and at selected Kosher Grocery Stores.
Smoked Salmon– Home Smoked Salmon contains up to 80% less sodium than most store bought cured salmon.
Smoked Brisket– Rather than the oven, try cooking your Brisket on the Grill to add nice smoky flavor.
Pastrami- Yes pastrami! Try grilling or smoking it at home to cut down on the heavily salty and sugared brines used in store brands and certain Deli’s.
Smoked Whitefish- Is much easier to smoke at home than you may think.

BREAKFAST 1PGjp

Copy and Downloadable version of BBQ RESCUES! Foundation’s Tips for Kosher BBQ.

LINKS:

Congregation Bais Naftoli– 221 S. La Brea Ave., LA 90036  https://www.guidestar.org/profile/95-4374061

RESOURCES: Some Kosher BBQ in Los Angeles:*

Santa Monica Kosher Market- Chicken, Kabobs, Grilled Veggies every Sunday. 11540 W. Santa Monica Bl., West LA

Ta-eem Grill— Kabobs, Grilled Chicken, Beef, Rib Eye Steak. 7422 Melrose Ave. LA. http://www.ta-eemgrillinc.com
Haifa Restaurant- Grilled Schnitzel, Chicken, Beef, Lamb, Trout. 8717 W. Pico Blvd. LA http://www.haifala.com
Harrisa/Got Kosher?– Grilled Chicken, Tofu, Pulled Brisket, Sausage, Steak, Lamb and Sunday BBQ Menu. 8914 W. Pico Bl., West LA http://www.harrisala.com
Osher Restaurant- Fun new Kosher place with BBQ Burgers and Jewish Soul Food. 8657 W Pico Blvd. LA http://www.osherla.com

*List is non-sponsored, always confirm Kitchens are Kosher