Chile-Smothered Shrimp Skewers
- 1 1/2 pounds large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/3 cup Red Chile Paste (page 100)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and black pepper
- 2 limes, each cut into 4 wedges
- Cilantro sprigs, for garnish
- Start by soaking eight wooden skewers (see Cooking Notes).
- Thread the shrimp onto the skewers, leaving a small gap between each shrimp, which will allow them to cook evenly.
- You should be able to fit about four shrimp per skewer.
- Place the shrimp skewers in a large plastic freezer bag and spread the chile paste over the shrimp.
- Seal the bag, making sure to remove as much air as possible.
- Work the bag to evenly distribute the paste and rub it onto the shrimp.
- Place the bag in the refrigerator and allow the shrimp to marinate for 30 minutes.
- Remove the shrimp skewers from the freezer bag.
- Drizzle both sides of the shrimp with 2 tablespoons oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Preheat a grill to medium-high for 10 minutes or preheat a grill pan over medium-high heat.
- Oil the grill pan or grill grates with the remaining oil.
- Grill the shrimp for 5 minutes on each side.
- If sauteing, place a large saute pan over medium-high heat and add the remaining oil.
- Add the shrimp skewers and cook for 5 minutes on each side.
- If the skewers do not fit in a single layer, saute them in batches.
- Spear a lime wedge onto the tip of each skewer.
- Place the shrimp skewers on a serving platter and top with sprigs of cilantro.
- TECHNIQUES
- Soaking Wooden Skewers
- In order to prevent the skewers from burning, its important to soak them in water before theyre exposed to heat.
- Place the skewers in a tall glass and fill with water.
- Allow them to soak for 10 minutes.
- If they are not completely submerged, flip the skewers over and soak for another 10 minutes.
- If you are planning on sauteing, its best to use 6-inch skewers.
- Longer ones will be difficult to fit comfortably in a saute pan.
- Marinating the Shrimp
- I find that the most efficientnot to mention easiest and most space-savingway to marinate is by using a plastic freezer bag.
- Make sure to let out as much air as possible before sealing the bag and placing it in the refrigerator.
- Freezer bags are best because they are thicker and less likely to get punctured by the skewers.
- ADVANCE PREPARATION
- The Red Chile Paste can hold almost indefinitely in the refrigerator.
- The shrimp (or meat of choice) can be left to marinate for up to 24 hours.
- SERVING SUGGESTIONS
- An alternative recipe is to eliminate the skewers and saute the marinated shrimp in olive oil.
- After sauteing, add 1/4 cup chicken broth and a tablespoon of butter to the pan to create a chile sauce.
- Serve with white rice.
shrimp, red chile paste, olive oil, salt, wedges, cilantro
Taken from www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/chile-smothered-shrimp-skewers-380178 (may not work)