Up Your After-School Snack Game with Shrimp

It’s 3 o’clock: doors slam, backpacks hit the floor, and the inevitable shouts of, “Mom! I’m home!” come blasting through your house. Mastering the art of the afterschool snack sets the rest of the day up for success. There’s still a lot to be done – music lessons, sports, homework—and your kids need fuel. Good afterschool snacks are interesting, flavorful, filling, and leave room for dinner. What’s the secret to feeling happy, productive afternoons? Shrimp.

Shrimp is a pocket of protein that cooks quickly and tastes great in various recipes. But most importantly, your kids love it. Here are two fast and easy snacks you can whip up to power your kids on even the busiest days.

After-School Shrimp Fried Rice

This afterschool shrimp fried rice recipe is a sure-fire winner. Using your air fryer to cook the shrimp makes this recipe especially quick to prepare. Keep some leftover rice in your fridge so you can always be ready to fix this favorite.

Ingredients

1 6-oz package frozen SeaPak® Shrimp Poppers

1 tbsp sesame or vegetable oil

4 cups cooked rice, cooled

1 cup frozen vegetables (peas and carrots work great)

1 Tbsp soy sauce

Directions

●       Prepare shrimp per package instructions using your preferred cooking method and keep warm.

●       Heat a large skillet or wok on high and add oil.

●       Stir in vegetables and cook for 2 minutes, stirring continually.

●       Add rice and cook and stir for another 2 minutes.

●       Add soy sauce and toss to coat.

●       Remove rice and veggies from heat and toss in cooked popcorn shrimp.

●       Serve immediately.

Popcorn Shrimp Nachos

These tasty shrimp nachos take minutes to prepare.

Ingredients

1 20 oz package frozen SeaPak Popcorn Shrimp

8 oz package white corn chips

8 oz package shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1/2 cup any brand of barbecue sauce plus more for serving

1/4 cup pickled, sliced jalapeños, roughly chopped (if desired)

1 large tomato, diced and lightly salted

4 scallions (both white and green parts), thinly sliced

Sour cream, for serving

Directions

●       Preheat your oven to 450°F.

●       Cook the shrimp according to package directions.

●       Pour chips into a 9″ x 13″ baking dish.

●       Sprinkle chips with half of the shredded cheese and drizzle with barbecue sauce.

●       Scatter shrimp and jalapenos over chips and top with the remaining cheese.

●       Bake until the cheese melts and is golden, about 10 minutes.

●       Serve immediately with additional BBQ sauce, fresh tomatoes, scallions, and sour cream.