Ten Dollar Dinners with Melissa d'Arabian Season 3 Episode 4 Shrimpy Spending

In season 3, episode 4 of Ten Dollar Dinners with Melissa d'Arabian, titled Shrimpy Spending, Melissa presents a menu that is centered around one of the most popular seafood items- shrimps. As the name suggests, the aim of this episode is to create budget-friendly dishes using shrimp as the primary ingredient.

The episode starts with Melissa explaining the versatility of shrimps as they can be cooked in various ways and used in dishes such as salads, stir-fries, and pasta. She believes that shrimps are not only delicious but also nutritious as they are low in calories and high in protein. Melissa heads to the store to purchase some fresh shrimps and other ingredients for the menu.

First up on the menu is Shrimp Tacos with a homemade Avocado Crema. Melissa seasons the shrimps with a blend of spices and cooks them till they turn pink. She then blends avocados, sour cream, and herbs to make the creamy sauce. Melissa assembles the tacos, fills them with the cooked shrimps, and tops them with shredded lettuce, pico de gallo, and dollops of avocado crema.

Next dish on the menu is Shrimp Salad with Lemon-Pesto Dressing. Melissa boils the shrimps until they are just cooked, and combines them with fresh vegetables like cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and onion. She prepares a simple but tasty lemon-pesto dressing to make the salad more flavorful. The dish is topped with roasted pistachios for some crunch.

The third dish on the menu is Orzo Pasta with Shrimp and Feta Cheese. Melissa cooks orzo according to the package directions and tosses it with pan-seared shrimps and crumbled feta cheese. She finishes the dish with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of fresh parsley.

For the last dish, Melissa decides to make a classic with a twist- Shrimp Scampi with Zucchini Noodles. She uses a spiralizer to turn zucchinis into noodles and tosses them in a pan with olive oil, garlic, and red pepper flakes. She then adds the shrimps and a squeeze of lemon juice. The dish is a lighter version of the traditional pasta-based shrimp scampi.

Throughout the episode, Melissa stresses the importance of smart grocery shopping and planning to make the most of the budget. She also talks about how buying in-season produce can save money and keep the menu fresh.

In conclusion, Shrimpy Spending is a must-watch for anyone looking to create delectable shrimp dishes on a budget. From tacos to salads and pasta, Melissa's recipes are easy to follow and packed with flavors. The episode is a testament to the fact that one doesn't need to break the bank to eat well.