Salt-cured Ouzo Shrimp
Photo: Sunset
Another secret to perfectly grilled shrimp: Rub them with salt and sugar before cooking to seal in their juiciness and sweetness. We love the shrimp with a two-punch licorice hit of anise seeds and ouzo. Prep and Cook Time: 15 minutes, plus 45 to 60 minutes for salt-curing.
How to Make It
Step 1
1
In a bowl, mix sugar, salt, and 3/4 tsp. anise seeds. Add shrimp and stir gently to coat. Cover and chill 45 minutes to 1 hour. Rinse both the shrimp and the bowl well and drain.
Step 2
2
Meanwhile, soak 6 wooden skewers at least 30 minutes, or use metal skewers (no need to soak).
Step 3
3
Return shrimp to bowl. Add remaining 3/4 tsp. anise seeds, the olive oil, 2 tbsp. ouzo, and the garlic; mix to coat. Thread shrimp onto skewers through each end so they look like the letter C, dividing them equally among skewers.
Step 4
4
Prepare a charcoal or gas grill for high heat (450° to 550°; you can hold your hand 5 in. above cooking grate only 2 to 4 seconds).
Step 5
5
Lay shrimp on cooking grate and cook, turning once, until shrimp are bright pink and opaque but still moist-looking in center (cut to test), 2 to 3 minutes total. Transfer to a platter. Drizzle more ouzo over shrimp if you like.
Step 6
6
Note: Nutritional analysis is per serving.
Ingredients
1 1/2 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon kosher salt
1 1/2 teaspoons anise seeds, divided
1 1/2 pounds jumbo shrimp (16 to 20 per lb.), peeled, deveined, and with tails on
1 tablespoon olive oil
About 2 tbsp. ouzo or other anise-flavored liqueur
1 1/2 teaspoons minced garlic
Directions
Step 1
1
In a bowl, mix sugar, salt, and 3/4 tsp. anise seeds. Add shrimp and stir gently to coat. Cover and chill 45 minutes to 1 hour. Rinse both the shrimp and the bowl well and drain.
Step 2
2
Meanwhile, soak 6 wooden skewers at least 30 minutes, or use metal skewers (no need to soak).
Step 3
3
Return shrimp to bowl. Add remaining 3/4 tsp. anise seeds, the olive oil, 2 tbsp. ouzo, and the garlic; mix to coat. Thread shrimp onto skewers through each end so they look like the letter C, dividing them equally among skewers.
Step 4
4
Prepare a charcoal or gas grill for high heat (450° to 550°; you can hold your hand 5 in. above cooking grate only 2 to 4 seconds).
Step 5
5
Lay shrimp on cooking grate and cook, turning once, until shrimp are bright pink and opaque but still moist-looking in center (cut to test), 2 to 3 minutes total. Transfer to a platter. Drizzle more ouzo over shrimp if you like.
Step 6
6
Note: Nutritional analysis is per serving.
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