question for PatNoCal please regarding your grilled shrimp skewers

emtd

Well-known member
Hi: I am looking for a simple, fast appetizer for Saturday evening and thought I would try your grilled shrimp skewers. Sorry to be thick - but regarding the preparation instructions - do I add the oil and breadcrumbs and shrimp all in a bowl - then add the parsley and toss it all together?? Can I then skewer them and have them ready in the refrigerator? I am hoping to cook them on the BBQ so the house doesn't smell of fish. Would that work?

Thank you for any help.

Betty

Grilled Shrimp Skewers

2 lbs. medium (or small) shrimp

3-1/2 tbsp olive oil

3-1/2 tbsp vegetable oil

2/3 cup fine, dry breadcrumbs

1/2 tsp garlic, chopped very fine (P’s note: I used more)

2 tsp fresh parsley, chopped very fine

salt and black pepper

skewers

Shell the shrimp and remove their dark vein. Wash in cold water and pat dry.

Put the shrimp in a roomy bowl. Add as much of the oils, in equal parts, and of the bread crumbs as you need to coat the shrimp evenly but lightly all over. You may not require all the oil indicated in the ingredients list, but if you have a large number of very small shrimp, you may need even more. When you increase the quantity, use olive and vegetable oil in equal amounts.

Add the chopped garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper, and toss thoroughly to coat the shrimp well. Allow them to steep in their coating a minimum of 20 to 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours, at room temp.

Preheat the broiler at least 15 minutes before you are ready to cook, or light the charcoal in time for it to form white ash before cooking.

Skewer the shrimp tightly, curling one end of each shrimp inward so that the skewer goes through at three points, preventing the shrimp from slipping as you turn the skewer on the grill.

Cook the shrimp briefly, close to the source of heat. Depending on their size and the intensity of the fire, about 2 minutes on one side and 1-1/2 minutes on the other, just until they form a thin, golden crust.

Source: Marcella Hazan

Marcella Hazan says: "There is no other way I have ever come across that produces grilled shrimp as juicy as these. The coating of olive-soaked bread crumbs is what does it. When preparing it, bear in mind that there should be enough oil to film the shrimp, but not so much to drench them, enough bread crumbs to absorb oil and keep it from running, but not so much to bread them and form a thick crust."

Pat’s notes: These are delicious, easy and perfect for serving either as an appetizer or main course. Great served hot with lemon wedges on the side. Romesco sauce works too as a yummy dipping sauce. Can use jumbo shrimp (leaving tail on if you like) and not skewer them...just lay them straight on the grill.

 
Hi emtd, I've made this recipe several times, it's an excellent recipe...

I don't think Pat will see this in time to give you an answer, so I'll help as much as I can.

I got the recipe from a different source and while the ingredients are the same, the instructions are a little different and perhaps clearer. I've copied them below.

I usually just mix all the oils, bread crumbs, parlsey and garlic together and toss the shrimp with it. Be sure the shrimp are dry before adding them to the mixture. We always grill them, using a gas grill. I've always used large shrimp, either 16-20 or 21-25 count.

Unfortunately, I don't have an answer for whether they could be made in advance, except for the couple of hours mentioned in the recipe, as I've never done that.

I wish I could be more help, here are the instructions from my recipe...

1. Rinse the shrimp thoroughly in cold water and pat completely dry. Put the
shrimp in a large bowl and add the bread crumbs and both oils; toss lightly
to evenly coat the shrimp. Add the parsley and garlic, season with salt and
pepper and toss again. Set aside to marinate at room temperature for at
least 30 minutes and up to 2 hours.

2. Light a charcoal grill or preheat the broiler. Curl each shrimp around
its feathery tail and thread onto a skewer; be sure to pierce each shrimp at
three points to anchor it securely and prevent it from sliding around when
you turn the skewers.

3. Grill or broil the shrimp as close to the heat source as possible,
turning once, until a thin, golden crust forms on both sides, about 3 1/2
minutes. Be careful, don't over cook them. Serve immediately. (With lemon
wedges to squeeze on them, if desired.)

Cooking Tip: When shelling the shrimp, separate the three little tail shells
and snap each one slightly, then wriggle the shrimp out with the deep pink,
feathery portion of the tail intact.

 
Thank you Curious1 - for clarifying those instructions for me.

I'm sure the confusion was on my part.
I appreciate you taking the time to reply.
Betty

 
These turned out wonderfully, thank you.

I used panko crumbs - will definitely make again.

Betty

 
Was out of town and missed your request, Betty, so glad Curious popped in

with the details...that's how I do mine as well. So happy you liked them. Like Curious, I too make them with the larger shrimp...they turn out succulent and tasty. Will give the panko a try next time as well. Did you end up making them very far in advance? If so, I can see how they might hold up made a little further in advance when using panko.

 
Pat - I tossed them with the ingredients and skewered them

about an hour before grilling them. You're right they were very moist inside.
Our guests loved them and asked for the recipe.
Thank you for posting it.

Betty

 
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