AIP grilled curry shrimp - Core-rebuilt curry marinade, grill or air fryer

Fifteen minutes in the marinade is the outer edge for this one. Any longer and the lime starts to firm up the shrimp before it ever reaches the grill, which tells you something about how fast this whole dinner moves. 2 minutes a side, a curl into a loose C shape, and it is done. On a day when you have almost nothing left to give the kitchen, that speed is the whole point.

Shrimp is a source of selenium and zinc, both involved in immune regulation, and selenium is also part of how the thyroid converts its hormones day to day. Skip the jarred curry powder here. Cumin, coriander, and chili sit in most blends, and none of them belong on the elimination list, so the warmth instead comes from turmeric and ginger, with just a pinch of cinnamon whisked in by hand.

Ask where the shrimp came from if that is an option where you shop, and thread the skewers with a little care so the plate looks intentional. A wedge of lime, a few minutes of heat, and something good is on the table.

Ingredients

• 1 lb raw shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails on
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Juice and zest of 1 lime
• 1 lime, cut into wedges, for serving

For the Core curry blend (replaces curry powder):

• 1 tsp ground turmeric
• 1/2 tsp powdered ginger
• 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp sea salt

Method

Stir the turmeric, ginger, cinnamon, garlic powder, and salt together in a bowl. Whisk in the olive oil, lime juice, and lime zest to make a loose marinade.

Add the shrimp and turn to coat. Let them sit in the marinade for 15 to 20 minutes while you heat the grill. Do not marinate much longer, since the lime acid will start to firm up the shrimp.

Heat a grill or grill pan to medium-high. Thread the shrimp onto skewers, curving each one so it threads through both ends.

Grill for about 2 minutes per side, until the shrimp turn pink and opaque and curl into loose Cs. They cook fast, so stay close. Serve warm with the lime wedges.

Air fryer variation

Skip the skewers if you like. Lay the marinated shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket, not crowded, and cook at 400 F for about 6 to 8 minutes, shaking the basket once halfway, until pink and opaque (time is a sensible estimate, flagged for kitchen testing). Work in two batches rather than piling them in.

*Adapted from gutsybynature*