Ginger Lime Shrimp~by Laura Parisi
Ginger Lime Shrimp
Serves 4–5
Happy and successful cooking doesn’t just rely on know-how—it comes from the heart. Food made from the heart is also food that nourishes the heart.
When I was studying integrative nutrition, I had the opportunity to learn about the Five Element Theory from traditional Chinese medicine. We explored the importance of eating with the seasons and choosing foods in alignment with the macrobiotic calendar—not only for the health of the planet, but also to bring balance to our internal organs.
Each element has its own taste, color, and purpose. Summer is known as the Fire Element, which governs circulation, the heart, and small intestines. Bitter foods, red foods, and foods that resemble hearts all belong to this element. Shrimp, too, is considered a Fire food—perhaps because it invokes a feeling of joy and laughter.
This light and flavorful dish combines shrimp with bright lime, ginger, and garlic. It’s quick to prepare and versatile: serve it over a bed of greens, add it to a Zen Bowl, or tuck it into a wrap with avocado.
Ingredients
1 pound medium or large wild-caught domestic shrimp, peeled and deveined
3 tablespoons tamari or coconut aminos
2 tablespoons avocado oil
Juice of 1 juicy lime (about ¼ cup)
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons fresh ginger, minced
Directions
Peel and devein the shrimp.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the tamari (or coconut aminos), avocado oil, lime juice, garlic, and ginger. Add shrimp and stir to coat.
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add shrimp along with the marinade mixture.
Sauté until shrimp turn opaque, about 2–3 minutes.
Serve warm—over greens, in a Zen Rice Bowl, or tucked into a wrap with avocado.
A Note on the Five Elements
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), we are surrounded by five energy fields—fire, earth, metal, water, and wood. Each corresponds with certain organs and a season of the year:
Fire → summer (heart, small intestines, circulation)
Earth → late summer (spleen, stomach)
Metal → autumn (lungs, large intestines)
Water → winter (kidneys, bladder)
Wood → spring (liver, gall bladder)
These elements interact and depend on one another, creating balance in our bodies and in the world around us. By eating foods associated with each element, we can invite harmony into our daily lives.
Laura Parisi is a Food Alchemist, Holistic Health Coach, Gardener, Artist, and Reiki Master. She is known as an extraordinary teacher, spiritual nutritionist, energy healer, and co-creative partner with nature. Through the eyes of the spirit, she combines her knowledge of food and plants as medicine, along with her love of cooking, tending the land, and gratitude for what Mother Earth has provided for us. Laura is committed to helping individuals live vibrantly healthy, happy, and balanced lives. She is the founder of Rooted Angel LLC and Rooted Angel Cooking School.
