Jumbo Shrimp Stuffed With Cilantro And Chiles Food

JUMBO SHRIMP STUFFED WITH CILANTRO AND CHILES

Steps:

• Prepare an outdoor grill with a medium-high fire. Without removing the shells, slit about 3/4 of the way through the shrimp down the ridged back and remove the vein that runs down the center. Rinse and pat the shrimp dry. Whisk thyme leaves, lime juice, 1 tablespoon of the olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon of the salt and black pepper, to taste, in a shallow nonreactive bowl or dish. Lay the shrimp cut side down in the lime mixture and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
• In a food processor, pulse the garlic, jalapeno, scallions, remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil and remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt to make a coarse paste. Add the cilantro and pulse just enough to incorporate into the mixture. Spoon the mixture into the opening in the shrimp and close the shrimp. Grill the shrimp shell side down (to keep filling from falling out) for 3 minutes. Turn to the other shell side, cover, and grill another 2 minutes or until the shrimp turn pink and are slightly firm to the touch. Sprinkle with salt and serve.
• Jumbo shrimp in the shell can be a knife and fork sort of deal unless you're outside and it's summer and you are feeling very relaxed. Serve these with lots of napkins if your crowd is the peel-and-eat type.

LEMON-BUTTER SAUCE WITH CHILES

Steps:

• Cook 1 thinly sliced chile de arbol in 1/4 cup olive oil in a pot over medium heat until toasted, 2 to 3 minutes. Add the grated zest of 1 lemon, the juice of 2 lemons and 6 tablespoons butter and stir until melted. Toss with 12 ounces cooked linguine, adding up to 1 cup pasta-cooking water to loosen the sauce. Stir in 1/2 cup grated parmesan and season with salt. Top with 1 more crumbled chile de arbol.

SHRIMP-STUFFED CHILES

Steps:

• Pour enough vegetable oil in a large heavy skillet to come 1/2 inch up the sides of the pan and heat to 350 degrees F.
• Add the chiles and fry, turning frequently, until golden brown on all sides, about 8 minutes. Transfer to paper towels to drain and set aside.
• In a separate pan, heat the olive oil. Add the chopped onions and saute until golden brown, about 8 minutes. Add the bell peppers and saute until soft, about 5 minutes. Add the shrimp and cook until pink and cooked through, about 8 minutes. Season the filling with salt and pepper.
• Cut a lengthwise slit in each chile and carefully scoop out the seeds, leaving the stem intact. (For milder heat, carefully cut out the ribs.) Divide the shrimp filling among the chiles, then close, overlapping the sides of each opening slightly.
• On a shallow serving platter, toss the cucumber, sliced onions, soy sauce and lime juice and spread out on the platter. Arrange the chiles, seam-side up, on top of the salad and serve.

JUMBO SHRIMP STUFFED WITH CILANTRO

Steps:

• Squeeze juice from 1 lemon into a small bowl. Add cilantro, garlic, shallot, 1/4 cup olive oil, salt, and pepper. Combine, and set aside.
• Using a paring knife, split each shrimp down the back, cutting just enough to expose the vein. Remove veins, leaving shells and tails intact.
• Fill the spaces between the shells and flesh with cilantro mixture.
• Cut second lemon into 8 wedges. Heat 2 teaspoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Arrange 8 shrimp and 4 lemon wedges in skillet; saute until shrimp is pink and opaque, about 3 to 4 minutes per side. Remove from pan, and set aside. Repeat with remaining shrimp and lemon, adding remaining 2 teaspoons olive oil. Pour white wine into empty skillet. Using a wooden spoon, scrape up any cooked-on bits; cook over medium-high heat until reduced by half, about 1 minute. Pour sauce over shrimp, and garnish with cilantro.