Spicy Salmon, Sweet Potato and Pineapple Kebabs – Healthy Game Day Grub

Today was the official start of college football season and I had some hungry fans to feed over here.  Go team and I’m so diplomatic, I’m not telling which one! But, I will share with you our football party food – Spicy Salmon, Sweet Potato and Pineapple Kebabs! They were a little spicy, a little sweet and a lot sizzling damn delicious -very healthy and balanced, even the fake-cheese, nacho-loving guys gave me a high-five at halftime.

Spicy Salmon Sweet Potato Pineapple Kebabs is an easy, balanced dinner with a kick of sweet heat!

Oh, and did I mention how easy to make? Super easy, especially with spices and sauces from Stubb’s Legendary Bar-B-Q to save me some precious party time while keeping my ATX food game going strong.Used that simple yet magical jar Bar-B-Q Spice Rub on everything I skewered and mixed some Stubb’s Sticky Sweet Bar-B-Q Sauce into plain yogurt to make a Creamy BBQ Dressing to use on a side salad and drizzle over the kebabs – I even used the leftovers for snacking with chips! Shaking stubbs on salmon kebabs

I highly recommend Stubb’s Legendary Bar-B-Q sauce, rubs, marinades and cooking sauces – not just because they are a homegrown Austin company that tastes great and makes life easy, but also because they don’t use artificial flavors, sweeteners, colors or preservatives often found on the condiment aisle.

SizzleFish Sockeye Salmon

Also, SizzleFish.com is another company that keeps my healthy best interests in mind with their flash-frozen seafood collections. These assortments of high-quality fish, shrimp and other seafood are mindfully sourced from the best the world has to offer and shipped straight to my front door in perfectly –portioned, individually vacuum-sealed pouches.  For this recipe, I used their Alaskan-caught Sockeye Salmon, a great source of Omega 3 fats.

salmon sweet potato kebabs toes

stubb's sticky sweet bbq sauce on shrimp kebabsPair this easy grilled fish recipe with your favorite whole grains and vegetables for a balanced-healthy meal! You can also make them “half-sized” on shorter skewers and serve as an appetizer at a tailgate. If you like the idea of barbeque seafood skewers, check out my BBQ Shrimp Kebabs with Kumquats & Pineapple.  

What are you grilling for Labor Day or the big football game? Tell me your favorite football team, collegiate or NFL? Please share in the comments below – XOXO, Jennifer 

This post was sponsored by Stubb’s Legendary Bar-B-Q, however all opinions, recipes and enthusiasm are my own! 

 

 

Spicy Salmon, Sweet Potato and Pineapple Kebabs
Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
8 mins
Total Time
18 mins
 
Cuisine: American
Servings: 2 servings
Ingredients
  • 1 medium sweet potato, cut into large cubes
  • 2 teaspoons olive oil
  • 8 oz fresh pinapple chunks
  • 4 large jalapeno peppers, seeded and cut in large chunks
  • 8 oz Sockeye Salmon filets  (I used 2 4-oz packages from SizzleFish.com)
  • 2 tablespoons Stubbs Bar-B-Q Spice Rub
  • 1/4 cup Stubb’s Sticky Sweet Bar-B-Q Sauce
  • 1/4 cup plain unsweetened Greek yogurt
Instructions
  1. Use 4 metal skewers or soak 4 bamboo sticks in water for 10 minutes.
  2. Place sweet potato chunks in microwave safe bowl and par cook in microwave for 1 to 2 minutes until no longer crunchy, but not too soft. Toss with olive oil, set aside.
  3. Use filet knife to cut skin off bottom of fish. Cut into 12 pieces total (6 each filet)
  4. On each skewer, thread on salmon, pineapple, jalapeno and sweet potato in alternating pattern.  Generously sprinkle with spice rub on both sides.
  5. Place skewers on grill heated to approximately 400 F degrees, cook for approximately 4  minutes, then flip and grill for 3 to 4 additional minute or until salmon is medium doneness. Transfer to platter.
  6. In small bowl, mix together BBQ sauce and yogurt. Serve with kebabs as a dip or drizzle.

Lemony Lamb Loin Chops with Gremolata #GoForTheBOLD

This post is sponsored by Mountain States, however all comments, opinions and enthusiasm are my own. Lemony Lamb Loin Chops with Gremolata -- a tangy sauce and grilled lemon slices will lift this lamb dish to the top of your favorites. Grills in less than 10 minutes and an excellent source of lean protein.

I had a wonderful weekend with my family cooking up new memories – well, grilling them up, to be exact! Sitting down together to a simple yet super flavorful lamb dinner was the perfect exclamation point to the end of our summer together (as school started back up Monday and our oldest left the nest again for 2nd year in college). Until recently, my three teen boys didn’t have many memories centered on lamb, but I sure had some recollections – and they mostly involved around stuffy Sunday dinners of yore at a relative’s home wearing uncomfortable clothes, shoes that pinched and being forced to “politely” clean my plate of mushy vegetables and an old-school prepared lamb roast.

Grilling lamb for our last summer weekend together!

Grilling lamb for our last summer weekend together!

After hearing various friends, from Paleo diet devotees and flavor-centric foodies, rave about the virtues of this red meat that’s been enjoyed across various cultures for century upon century, I penciled lamb onto my “things to grill sometime” list – oh, you how I like to grill everything! When Mountain States (producers of Shepherd’s Pride and Cedar Springs lamb, raised right here in the U.S.) sent some delicious looking lamb loin chops my way, they were bumped to the top of the to-do list – it was time to give ‘em my modern, fit foodie spin. If the speed at which my guys devoured dinner is any indication, you are going to LOVE my recipe for Grilled Lemony Lamb Loin Chops with Spinach Gremolata Sauce. #GoForTheBOLD

Grilled Lemony Lamb Loin Chops are a quick and healthy meal solution, only 8 minutes to grill and packed with lean protein and other important nutrients.

Lemony Lamb Loin Chops

After marinating for 1 hour, lamb loin chops are ready for the grill!

The loin chops couldn’t have been any easier to prepare with a simple marinade, less than 10 minutes on the grill, and an easy no-cook sauce. When meal-making is a no-brainer, there is more precious time to spend with family and friends – mine will be seeing this lamb recipe again soon at my backyard Labor Day cookout.

Wow, my lamb chops and lemons grilled up in 7 to 8 minutes!

Wow, my lamb chops and lemons grilled up in 7 to 8 minutes!

If the weather turns too cool this fall season to barbeque al fresco, these lamb chops easily translate to an indoor grill or stove top grill pan. And, the bright lift of lemon will remind you of a beautiful, never-ending summer! You can see them here served with grilled Shishito Peppers (that recipe posted tomorrow).  Lemony Lamb Loin Chops with Shishito peppers

While these lamb chops are delicious served unadorned, I prefer to drizzle them with a gremolata sauce prepared with olive oil, lemons and spinach (another twist on tradition).  I get so excited when this tangy, flavorful gremolata runs off my chops and into my grilled veggies, potatoes or pasta– it’s a versatile sauce to dress nearly every main dish, side dish, pasta and salad.

Protein-lovers, let me tell you a little more why lamb should make it onto your menu weekly rotation.  First of all, a 3.5 ounce serving contains approximately 25g protein, the optimal amount for your body to process at any one “eating experience.”  How many times have you heard me stand on my soapbox and tell y’all to eat 25g to 30g of protein at every meal – you need this amount for sustained energy, muscle management, healthy aging and more! Mountain States lambs roam pastures, grazing on grass, herbs and alfalfa, making it a great source of omega 3s (especial alpha-linolenic acid) and is also rich in iron, zinc, selenium, vitamin B-12 and niacin. If you want to try cuts other than lamb loin, every choice (which the exception of ground) is classified as “Lean” or “Extra Lean” by the USDA. Get more lamb nutrition information here. Mountain States Lamb Loin Chops - a lean, grass-fed protein choice

Shepherd's Pride Lamb - Raised without antibiotics or hormonesBecause I love feeling connected directly to the ranchers, I will keep getting my lamb from Mountain States. Mountain States (sold as the brands “Shepherd’s Pride” or “Cedar Springs American”) is a co-op owned by more than 150 hardworking families across the US who have been ranching for generations. These Shepherd’s Pride ranchers are committed to producing a clean, complete protein given no hormones or antibiotics, raised just the way nature intended. Additionally, it is the only lamb that carries the third-party Where Food Comes From ® source-verified label.  This means, with a scan of the label, I know exactly where my food comes from, where it was raised, and who handled it. Now THAT is some detailed data that will satisfy even the cleanest of clean eaters! Wondering where to buy lamb from Mountain States? When I used their Store Locator, I discovered (yay) my neighborhood H.E.B. grocery store carries it – or, you can ask your butcher!

For additional details on cooking and food safety information regarding lamb, please visit MountainStatesRosen.com.Go For the Bold US Lamb Giveaway

Check out this sweepstakes and enter for a chance to win US lamb and a patriotic dinner wear set perfect for your Labor Day party! #GoForTheBOLD

When is the last time you’ve tried lamb? Do you grill year-round? Any exciting Labor Day plans? Please share in the comments below! XOXO, Jennifer

Lemony Lamb Loin Chops with Gremolata
Prep Time
40 mins
Cook Time
8 mins
Total Time
48 mins
 
1 tablespoon minced garlic 1 cup packed baby spinach leaves ½ teaspoon white pepper ½ teaspoon salt
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: American, Italian, Mediterranean
Servings: 4 Servings
Ingredients
for chops
  • 6 Shepherd's Pride or Cedar Springs American Lamb chops (approx.1 ½ lbs.)
  • 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons lemon zest
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic
  • 1 tablespoon Herbs de Provence
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper
  • 2 large lemons, sliced to ¼” thickness
for gremolata
  • 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1/3 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon finely minced garlic
  • 1 cup tighly packed fresh baby spinach
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground white pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
Instructions
  1. Add lamb chops, oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, herbs, salt and pepper to heavy-duty plastic zip-top bag. Move the chops around in the bag until well-coated with marinade. Marinate for 1 hour to overnight in the refrigerator, no longer than 12 hours.
  2. After marinating, remove chops from marinade and discard remaining liquid. Season to preference with salt and pepper.
  3. Heat gas or charcoal grill to approximately 400F degrees. Grill chops with the lid up, flipping once, for 3 to 4 minutes per side or until internal temperature reaches 145 degrees (medium-rare).
  4. While lamb is grilling, also grill lemons for several minutes per side, or until beginning to lightly char. Transfer chops and lemon slice to platter and rest for at least three minutes before serving or slicing.
  5. While lamb is resting, place all ingredients for gremolata in food processor or blender and pulse until partially smooth but with small spinach pieces.
  6. Serve chops with a grilled lemon sauce and drizzle of gremolata.

Molasses & Pepper Crusted Steaks + Iron-Boosting Salad

Molasses Marinated Flat Iron Leftover steak from the grilling makes the BEST next day salad. Tossing a few extra steaks on the grill is my little secret to putting together a quick meal when life just starts getting too crazy to cook. Since we are now officially “Back to School,” my recipe for Molasses & Pepper Crusted Steak and the next-day “Super Iron Boosting” Steak Salad with Dates, Pistachios and Peppers will most likely be in my weekly lunch and dinner rotation until soup season hits (which is still months away in Texas).

pinners conference pic 1I’ll be showing these two recipes (along with a couple others) in my “Empowered Meal Prepping – Protein for Fitness” class line-up for the Pinner’s Conference in the Dallas area on Sept 9th.  Sign up for my class; I’ll also have beef swag and lots of tasty samples!  Use the discount code FITFORK at online registration to save 10% on the very reasonable cost that allows you access to 100+ classes on food, fitness, crafts, home décor and more! Or, if you just want General Admission to shop and see the sights (no classes), you can get a free pass ($7 at door) using FREESHOPPINGRESISTER HERE

So, let’s start with the steak . . . since you need steak leftovers to make the salad! The beef cut I’ve used is the very tender and quite economical Flat Iron steak, but Top Sirloin, Tenderloin or Strip steaks would all work equally well.   The natural sugars from the molasses in this recipe caramelize along with the pepper to make a deliciously crispy crust on the outside of a mouthwatering and juicy center.  I like to pair this steak with Maple Pecan Raisin Butternut Quinoa Molasses and Pepper-Crusted Grilled Steak is a quick dinner to grill up and the leftovers can be used in salads, tacos, breakfast hashes and more.

Make sure to save some steak so you can use the leftovers to make my “Super Iron Boosting” Steak Salad with Dates, Pistachios and Peppers.  Almost everything about this salad is iron-boosting from the red meat and molasses, to the dates, pistachios (highest iron nut), and spinach.  All of us, especially athletes, need iron, a mineral that helps red blood cells get oxygen to the muscles, thusly improving energy, athletic performance and mental functioning.

uper Iron Boosting Steak Spinach Salad with Dates, Pistachios and Peppers is a quick and easy meal-solution made with leftover beef. Nearly every ingredients is an abundant source of iron, making it perfect for athletes or those with anemia.

Molasses Steak Salad with Dates Blue Cheese toesThe salad isn’t a “recipe” per se, just pile fresh baby spinach on a plate and add 3 ounces of leftover steak cut in bite-sized pieces. Top that with other veggies you love, like yellow pepper strips, and a couple tablespoons each of sliced dates, blue cheese and pistachios. I’ve served with my favorite store-purchased Organic Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing from Litehouse Foods.

How to Layer a Jar Salad

Above are some useful tips for prepping your salad in a jar, if taking to school or work.

Brazilian Beef and Plantain Breakfast BowlAnother recipe in my class, and so delicious with these steak leftovers is a Brazilian Beef & Plantain Breakfast Bowl (with Coconut and Honey).

 

 

 

 

 

What is your favorite cut of steak to grill? Do you like your salads savory, sweet or both? Do you go back and make recipes from pins you’ve saved? Please share in the comments below – XOXO, Jennifer 

Molasses & Pepper Crusted Steak
Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
15 mins
Total Time
1 hr
 
Course: Main Dish, Salad
Cuisine: American
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
  • 1/2 cup backstrap molasses
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons coarsly ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons minced garlic
  • 2 teapsoons fres grated ginger
  • 2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh thyme
  • 2 teaspoons dried red pepper flakes
  • 1 1/2 lbs flat iron, top sirloin, tenderloin or strip steaks
Instructions
  1. Whisk together molasses, vinegar, oil, pepper, garlic, ginger, thyme, and red pepper flakes, and pour into plastic zip-top bag containing steaks. Seal tightly and flip a few times to evenly distribute marinade.
  2. Set in refrigerator to marinate for 30 minutes to 2 hours, flipping bag occasionally.
  3. Preheat gas or charcoal grill to 400 F degrees. Remove meat and discard marinade. Season with salt and more pepper to taste.
  4. Place steaks on oiled grates and grill for approximately 7 to 9 minutes on one side, or until moisture starts to pool on the top and beef releases easily from grates with tongs. Flip once, grilling on the other side for 6 to 8 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 135 F degrees with instant-read meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of steak
  5. Transfer plates to platter and let rest for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing against the grain.
  6. *Double recipe if you’d like to have leftovers to make steak salad and beef breakfast bowl.

Mango Flat Iron Steaks + Fruity Jicama Slaw + Weber Grill #Giveaway

This post and giveaway is sponsored by Litehouse Foods and Weber. However, all comments, opinions and enthusiasm are my own.

Ladies . . . and gentlemen, it’s time to get your grill on! While I exercise my freedom to grill year ‘round, the entire month of July is specifically designated as National Grilling Month.  That means you need to be cooking outdoors at least on the weekends and, preferably, every chance Monday through Friday that you can.

Mango Marinated Steak with Fruity Jicama Ginger Slaw

My recipe for Mango Marinated Flat Iron Steaks with Fruity Jicama Ginger Slaw is a quick and easy recipe for the work week – it’s ready in just about 30 minutes and gives you an excuse to sit out on the patio for a little deserved rest and relaxation.  Sitting there next to the grill with your beverage of choice in hand (might I suggest a pina colada), smelling the delicious island-inspired aromas wafting from the grill will destress you almost as quickly as a tropical vacation.

Mango Marinated Steak is made with the flat iron cut, the second most tender cut of beef! A tropical inspired recipe for the grill that takes only 30 minutes to make.

This recipe, developed for Litehouse Foods & Weber (GRILL GIVEAWAY AT BOTTOM OF POST), uses one of my all-time favorite cuts of beef – a flat iron steak. If you’ve not yet thrown a flat iron steak before, you’re in for a real treat! While I’d like to keep this somewhat lesser known hush-hush, I’ve decided to share the “grate” news with y’all! This steak, cut by the butcher from a top blade roast,is second only in tenderness to tenderloin yet is so much more economical, typically a third the price per pound! It can be thrown on the grill “as is” or given a quick dry rub or 15 minute marinade for flavor, meaning dinner can be on the table chop-chop! Plus, the uniform shape and thickness and succulent taste are making this steak an up-and-coming grill season superstar. I’ve got to thank Beef Loving Texans for turning me on to this cut, which is one I now demonstrate time and time again in Grilling 101 classes.

Mango Jicama Ginger Slaw is a tropical take on a summer bbq side dish -- serve with grilled beef, chicken or seafood!

Y’all know I love bright and colorful side dishes made with seasonal produce just as much as my beef – the two go hand-in-hand (or, hand-in-mouth is more like it)!  I tossed together a quick slaw made from jicama (a Mexican root vegetable), mango, grated ginger and other fresh produce, finishing it with Litehouse Food’s traditional Coleslaw Dressing whisked up with some lively ingredients to add to the island-vibe.

flat irone mango slaw grill close upNow, the fun part! I get to giveaway the really cool little Weber grill I made these steaks on (well, it’s actually a brand new one, of course).  The Weber Q 1200 is so ready to ignite your grilling creativity in the backyard or on any number of off-site food adventures – I’ve used it for camping and food demos.  Smaller in size than my full-sized grill, yet not at all flimsy, this portable gas grill offers the same blazing badassery you’d expect from a Weber grill.  Things I love about it – 1) perfect for those nights when just grilling for two, and not the entire family; 2) no-fuss electric ignition and 14-oz. screw-on propane tank; 3)  two generous-sized, fold-down trays ready to accommodate all my serving trays, spatulas and other such grilling superfluities; and 4) it’s available in a rainbow array of seven color choices to match any outdoor décor (although, I’m giving away the BLUE to one of YOU).

win weber grill

Check out Weber Nation for tons of ideas and inspiration for grilling that will keep you busy (and full) all seasons.

weber grill 2

To enter, follow the Rafflecopter instructions below.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Mango Marinated Flat Iron Steaks with Fruity Jicama Ginger Slaw
Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
15 mins
Total Time
1 hr
 
Make waves with this island-inspired grill recipe for tender flat iron steaks with a juicy sweat-heat slaw featuring jicama, ginger and mango! It's like a vacation for your taste buds! Also, enter to win a Weber Grill!
Course: Main Dish, Side Dish
Cuisine: Caribbean
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
Marinade & Steaks:
  • 1/4 cup mango juice
  • 2 tablespoons grated lime zest
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried red pepper flakes
  • salt to season
  • 1 1/2 pounds flat iron steak(s)
Fruit Ginger Jicama Slaw:
  • 3 cups peeled jicama that has been julienned, grated or spiralized
  • 2 large mangos, peeled and sliced thinly
  • 1 bunch green onions, bulbs and tops
  • 1/3 cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves
  • 2 teaspoons dried red pepper flakes, more or less to taste
Dressing:
  • 1/2 cup prepared coleslaw dressing I prefer Litehouse Foods brand from produce section
  • 1/4 cup mango juice
  • 1 tablespoon lime zest
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger
  • 1 teaspoon Sriracha red pepper sauce
Instructions
  1. For Marinade and Steaks: Combine mango juice, lime juice, lime zest and olive oil in bowl .Whisk in garlic, chili powder and red pepper flakes.. Pour mixture in zip-top plastic bag and add steak, turning to coat. Let marinate for 30 minutes, turning occasionally.
  2. Heat grill to approximately 400 F degrees. Remove steak from marinade; discard marinade. Season steak on both sides with salt, to personal preference. Add steak to grill and grill approximately 5 to 6 minutes, before flipping once to cook another 4 to 5 minutes. For medium-rare, remove steak from grill when instant-read thermometer registers 135F degrees. Allow to rest 5 minutes.
  3. For Dressing and Slaw: In large bowl, toss together jicama, red onion, mangos, green onions (cross-wise sliced bulbs and length-wise sliced tops), cilantro and red pepper. Set aside.
  4. In small bowl, whisk together Coleslaw Dressing, mango juice, lime juice, lime zest, vinegar, ginger, green onion and sriracha. Pour over slaw and stir gently to evenly coat. Serve cold.

Spicy Shrimp & Watermelon Kebobs – Summer on a Stick!

Summer on a stick! My recipe for Spicy Shrimp & Watermelon Kebabs is a salute to so many things I love about the warm-weather season – grilling, shrimp, watermelon, being outside and enjoying my family.

summer shrimp and watermelon

It’s also featured in the upcoming August/September issue of Simple & Delicious magazine (available on newstands July 12th). . . I just got an advance copy!

spicy shrimp and watermelon simple delicious magazine

watermelon cutting tipIn the magazine, I mention how much my three boys love watermelon.

It never fails that every time I’m cubing the watermelon for this recipe, the kids start circling around like flies – I swear, they can eat it faster than I can prep it!

That’s fine by me, though — watermelon is such a healthy and hydrating treat for the summer! By the way, here’s a handy way to slice up a watermelon that makes it easy to eat – it’s not your traditional wedge!

This is the perfect, light meal to make for the 4th of July weekend – guests will marvel that you grilled watermelon, and it’s so easy!Wild Caught Gulf Shrimp shipped straight to your door.

By the way, I like to use Wild Caught Gulf Shrimp from www.sizzlefish.com They are already peeled, de-veined and frozen with no additives – plus all their products are healthy, high-quality perfectly portioned and have an athlete’s lifestyle in mind! These little babies are shipped right to my door in vacuum-sealed in individual serving size packets (8 shrimp per packet) – that allows me to tweak the recipe based on how many people will be joining for dinner!

What are you grilling this weekend? Big 4th of July plans? Running a race? Please share in the comments below – XOXO, Jennifer 

 

 

 

 

Spicy Shrimp & Watermelon Kabobs
Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
6 mins
Total Time
21 mins
 
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: American
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
  • 1 tablespoon reduced sodium soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Sriracha sauce I prefer Fixx brand
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 4 cups cubed, seedless watermelon
  • 1 lb wild caught gulf shrimp (or 4 packets of shrimp from SizzleFish.com)
  • 1 medium red onion, cut into 1" pieces
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • minced fresh cilantro
Instructions
  1. For glaze, puree the soy sauce, sriracha, honey, garlic and 2 cups of watermelon in blender. Bring to a boil in small saucepan. Cook uncovered, until reduced by half.
  2. On four soaked wooden skewers, thread shrimp, onion and remaining melon. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
  3. On oiled grill race over medium heat, grill kabobs, covered or until shrimp turn pink. Brush with half the glaze during the last 2 minutes. Sprinkle with cilantro and serve with remaining glaze.