Valerie Bertinelli Just Shared a High-Protein Appetizer, and Drew Barrymore Loves It

Valerie Bertinelli Just Shared a High-Protein Appetizer, and Drew Barrymore Loves It

Valerie Bertinelli is the newest addition to the "Drew Crew" on The Drew Barrymore Show, and her first recipe to share has already become a fan favorite. The star of the show, and a regular contributor to Eating Well, shared a unique appetizer recipe that her family loves. In this article, we’ll break down the recipe, make some adjustments to turn it into a main course, and explore what makes this dish so special.

The Recipe

The first recipe Valerie shared on The Drew Barrymore Show is Shrimp and Veggie Cups. It’s an easy-to-make appetizer that’s high in protein and packed with fiber. In her demo, Valerie shared that the recipe is also featured in her new cookbook, Indulge. Here’s the basic recipe:

• Start by sautéing the shrimp in coconut oil until pink.
• Add fresh sugar snap peas, green onions, water chestnuts, and pineapple to a separate pan.
• The recipe suggests adding jicama or sunchokes to the mix for added crunch and flavor.
• For the sauce, combine ginger and grated garlic with chili crisp, sesame oil, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, and tamari. Grate the garlic for a smooth and flavorful sauce.
• Add the sauce to the veggie mixture and mix in before adding the shrimp.
• Presentation is key – scoop the shrimp and veggie sauté onto butter lettuce leaves and add cilantro, carrots, and Thai basil for "some nice crunch."

The Adjustments

Valerie mentioned that she forgot to add cornstarch to the sauce, but typically includes it as a thickener. We made the recipe with and without cornstarch, and both options worked well. The first time, we added an extra tablespoon of cornstarch to thicken the sauce, while the second time, we omitted it and let the sauce develop its natural thickening process.

What Makes it Special

Valerie stresses that this dish is incredibly easy to make and refreshingly light, despite its high protein content. It’s a perfect option for a light lunch or dinner main course when paired with a side salad. With its abundance of veggies, this dish is also incredibly nutritious and fibrous, making it an excellent addition to any meal.

Drew’s Reaction

The Drew Barrymore Show co-hosts can’t get enough of Valerie’s Shrimp and Veggie Cups. Ross Mathews raves about the dish, calling it a "game-changer." Drew Barrymore herself is a big fan, too, taking too big of a bite before exclaiming, "I love it!"

Conclusion

Valerie Bertinelli’s Shrimp and Veggie Cups are a simple yet impressive dish that can be easily elevated to a main course by adding extra protein or swapping out veggie options. With its high protein and fiber content, this dish is an excellent choice for health-conscious diners. Be sure to try it out and adapt it to your taste buds!

FAQs

1. What are the most important ingredients in this recipe?
   • Shrimp, coconut oil, and the sauce made with ginger, garlic, chili crisp, sesame oil, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, and tamari.
2. Can I customize this recipe to my taste preferences?
   • Absolutely! Substitute different veggies or add spices to suit your taste preferences.
3. Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
   • Yes, the recipe does not contain any gluten-based ingredients. Just be mindful of the brand of rice vinegar and soy sauce you use.
4. How do I adjust the protein content of the dish?
   • You can easily add more shrimp or include other protein sources like tofu or chicken breast.
5. Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
   • Yes, prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in an airtight container for up to a week in the fridge.

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