Plumped Ginger-Caramel Shrimp

evelyn/athens's Note:

From the Splendid Table's How to Eat Supper.

• Total Time: 35 mins
• Prep Time: 30 mins
• Cook Time: 5 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 4

Brine

• ½ cup kosher salt (not iodized)
• 1⁄3; cup sugar
• 1⁄3; cup medium chili powder
• 2 quarts warm water
• 1 ½ lbs large frozen shrimp (in or out of their shells)

Saute

• ¼ cup canola oil
• 4 garlic cloves , coarsely chopped
• 4 inches piece fresh ginger , coarsely chopped
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper (to taste)
• salt
• 4 teaspoons sugar

Directions:

1. For Brine: In a medium bowl, combine the salt, sugar, chili powder, and warm water.
2. Add the shrimp and set aside for 20 minutes.
3. For Saute: Drain the shrimp, peel off their shells, if necessary, and pat the shrimp dry.
4. In a large deep skillet, heat the oil over high heat. Add the garlic, ginger, pepper, and a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute.
5. Blend in the sugar and continue stirring until the garlic is pale gold; do not let it get dark brown.
6. Drop in the shrimp and cook, stirring constantly, for 1 to 2 minutes or until they are bright pink and barely firm.

Reviews

[misscain]

Loved it. I cooked it stove top but think I will like it even more charcoal grilled. Several friends I had over also loved it.

[Belinda in Austin, TX]

My mom's been telling me how great this recipe is, for quite a while. (She copied it from the cookbook, for me) Well, I finally tried it, last night, and wow, was she right! I did not use quite as much salt (about 1/4 cup) for the brine, because I have high blood pressure; and, I may leave it out, altogether, next time (or cut it down, even more) I didn't add any extra salt, after cooking, either. The cookbook says to be sure that you don't cut down on the chili powder (even though it sounds like a lot), because it really needs that much, to infuse it with some flavor. I think it's the fresh ginger that really adds to this dish. Whatever the reason, it's FANTASTIC, and so easy! Thanks for posting, so I could pass this on! :-)

[alligirl]

Beautiful recipe, that goes together so quickly! Great meal, if you want to impress someone; I can't wait to share with my friends this summer! The brining method imparts a subtle flavor that comes through in the final dish. This is easy peasy to make, and the end result is succulent! Thanks for sharing a great recipe, Evelyn; I'll be making this again, and soon! Made for ZWT.