Dinner: Roasted Hot-Honey Shrimp With Bok Choy and Kimchi Rice

Recipe by /contributors/rhoda-boone We love the way this cooking method lightly chars the bok choy and intensifies the natural sweetness and juiciness of the shrimp. And roasting them together leaves you with plenty of time to whip up a gently spicy, sav

This recipe includes superfoods such as:

Sesame Seeds, Honey, Kimchi

Health benefits of Roasted Hot-Honey Shrimp With Bok Choy and Kimchi Rice

Sesame seeds help with progesterone balance. Lignans found in in sesame seeds help to prevent excess estrogen production.

Honey, often hailed as a superfood, possesses a wealth of nutritional benefits that make it a valuable addition to a balanced diet. With a glycemic index (GI) of 55 for one tablespoon, honey is considered a moderate GI food. This means it does not spike blood sugar levels as high or as quickly as high-GI foods, making it a better choice for maintaining steady energy levels and supporting overall health.

Rich in antioxidants, including phenolic acids and flavonoids, honey offers protective benefits against oxidative stress and inflammation. These antioxidants can help combat the damage caused by free radicals, which are linked to chronic conditions such as heart disease and cancer. Furthermore, the natural sugars in honey can provide a quick energy boost, making it an excellent option for a pre-workout snack or a natural sweetener in beverages and meals.

Honey's benefits extend beyond its nutritional profile. Its antimicrobial properties make it a natural remedy for wounds and burns, promoting healing by providing a moist environment and acting as a barrier to infection. Additionally, honey has been used for centuries to soothe sore throats and coughs, thanks to its ability to coat the throat and reduce irritation.

However, it's important to consume honey in moderation. While it is a healthier alternative to refined sugar, it is still a form of sugar and can contribute to weight gain and other health issues if consumed in large amounts. For individuals with diabetes or those monitoring their blood sugar levels, it's crucial to account for honey's GI and its effects on blood sugar.

Choosing raw, unprocessed honey can also maximize its health benefits. Raw honey is more likely to retain its antioxidants and other beneficial compounds that can be lost during processing. Incorporating honey into your diet can be as simple as adding it to yogurt, drizzling it over oatmeal, or blending it into smoothies. Its natural sweetness and health-promoting properties make honey a superfood worth including in a healthy, balanced diet.

Besides beneficial bacteria, kimchi is also a great source of beta-carotene, calcium, iron and vitamins A, C, B1 and B2. Kimchi and is full of probiotics which balance our pH level and ward off yeast infections and UTIs.

Ingredients

1 1/2 pounds baby bok choy (about 3 heads), halved lengthwise (quartered lengthwise if large)
3 tablespoons vegetable oil, such as grapeseed, divided
1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided
1/2 teaspoon red-pepper flakes
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce
1 1/2 pounds large tail-on shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
3/4 cup jasmine rice
3/4 cup kimchi, thinly sliced
1 scallion, thinly sliced
1 1/2 teaspoons toasted sesame seeds
4 lime wedges, for serving

Instructions

Preheat oven to 450 °F. Arrange racks in upper and lower thirds of oven and place a rimmed baking sheet on each rack. In a medium saucepan over high heat, bring water for rice to a boil according to package directions.
Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, toss bok choy with 2 tablespoons vegetable oil and 1/2 teaspoon salt and set aside. In another medium bowl, combine red-pepper flakes, honey, soy sauce, remaining 1 tablespoon vegetable oil, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Toss shrimp in mixture to coat.
Carefully remove the hot baking sheets from the oven; spread the boy choy mixture on one sheet and place on the lower rack; spread the shrimp mixture on the other sheet and place on the upper rack. Roast, tossing halfway through, until shrimp is pink and starting to caramelize (about 8 minutes) and bok choy is softened and lightly browned in spots (13 to 15 minutes).
While shrimp and bok choy are roasting, add rice and 1/2 teaspoon salt to boiling water. Cover and cook according to package directions. Once cooked, fluff rice with a fork and stir in kimchi.
To serve, divide kimchi rice among four wide bowls. Remove shrimp from the oven and drizzle with 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil; toss to combine. Top rice with shrimp and bok choy. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and scallions, and serve with lime wedges.