Ginger Shrimp Skewers

Ingredients

• 16  fresh or frozen large shrimp in shells (about 12 ounces)
• 1 1/2  cups water
• 1  teaspoon finely shredded orange peel
• 3  tablespoons orange juice
• 1  tablespoon white wine vinegar
• 1  teaspoon toasted sesame oil or olive oil
• 1  teaspoon grated fresh ginger or 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/8  teaspoon salt
• 1/8  teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1  clove garlic, minced
• 16  fresh pea pods
• 8  canned mandarin orange sections
•   Reduced-sodium soy sauce (optional)

Directions

Thaw shrimp, if frozen. Peel and devein shrimp, leaving tails intact (if desired). In a large saucepan, bring the water to boiling. Add shrimp. Cover and simmer for 1 to 3 minutes or until shrimp are opaque. Drain. Rinse shrimp with cold water; drain.

Place shrimp in a resealable plastic bag set in a shallow bowl. Add the orange peel, orange juice, vinegar, oil, ginger, salt, cayenne pepper, and garlic to bag. Seal bag; turn to coat shrimp. Marinate in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 hours.

Place pea pods in a steamer basket over boiling water. Cover and steam for 2 to 3 minutes or just until tender. Rinse with cold water; drain.

Drain shrimp, discarding marinade. Wrap each shrimp with a pea pod. On each of eight 6-inch skewers, thread two wrapped shrimp and one mandarin orange section. If desired, serve with soy sauce.

Make-Ahead Directions: Prepare as directed in Step 1. Place shrimp in an airtight container; seal. Chill for up to 24 hours. Continue as directed in Step 2 through 4.