Ohana Shrimp Recipe

Ohana shrimp, often associated with the popular Disney restaurant ‘Ohana’ at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, is known for its delicious Polynesian-inspired flavors. While the exact recipe from the restaurant is proprietary, you can create a similar dish at home with a sweet and savory marinade. Here’s a simple recipe for Ohana-style shrimp:

Ingredients:

For the Marinade:

– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
– 2 tablespoons pineapple juice
– 1 tablespoon minced garlic
– 1 tablespoon grated ginger
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil
– 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for some heat)
– 1-2 pounds large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– Pineapple chunks (optional, for skewering with shrimp)

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, pineapple juice, minced garlic, grated ginger, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes (if using). This will be your marinade.
2. Place the shrimp in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish and pour half of the marinade over them. Reserve the remaining marinade for later. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the shrimp to marinate.
3. If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 30 minutes to prevent them from burning during cooking.
4. Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
5. Thread the marinated shrimp onto skewers, alternating with pineapple chunks if desired.
6. Grill the shrimp skewers for 2-3 minutes per side or until they are opaque and cooked through. Baste the shrimp with the reserved marinade during grilling.
7. Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes.
8. Serve the Ohana shrimp over rice or your favorite grain, drizzling any remaining marinade over the top. Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds if desired.

Enjoy your homemade Ohana-inspired shrimp dish!

Here’s a brief FAQ for the Ohana shrimp recipe:

Q: Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

A: Yes, you can use frozen shrimp, but it’s best to thaw them before marinating to ensure they absorb the flavors properly. Thaw the shrimp in the refrigerator before starting the recipe.

Q: Can I make the marinade in advance?

A: Absolutely! You can prepare the marinade a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just remember to give it a good stir before using it to coat the shrimp.

Q: Can I use a different type of protein instead of shrimp?

A: Yes, you can try this marinade with other proteins like chicken or even tofu. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Q: What if I don’t have a grill?

A: If you don’t have a grill, you can use a grill pan on the stovetop or bake the shrimp in the oven. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake for about 10-12 minutes or until the shrimp are cooked through.

Q: Is the pineapple necessary?

A: The pineapple adds a sweet and tropical flavor to the dish, but it’s optional. You can skip it or substitute it with other vegetables like bell peppers or cherry tomatoes.

Q: Can I use low-sodium soy sauce?

A: Yes, you can use low-sodium soy sauce if you’re looking to reduce the sodium content. Adjust the quantity according to your taste preference.

Q: How do I prevent wooden skewers from burning on the grill?

A: Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before threading the shrimp. This helps prevent them from burning during grilling.