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Grilled Spot Prawns Marcus Nilsson

Simple preparations like this let the buttery flavor and langoustine-like texture of Santa Barbara spot prawns, a West Coast delicacy, shine. Feel free to substitute any jumbo American shrimp.

Ingredients

Makes 4 servings

2 pounds head- and tail-on Santa Barbara spot prawns or jumbo shrimp
5 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 teaspoon dried crushed red pepper flakes
3 tablespoons Pernod or ouzo
2 tablespoons chopped fennel fronds, divided, plus 1 fennel bulb, very thinly sliced crosswise
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
6 cups (lightly packed) baby arugula
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  1. Step 1

    使用小刀或厨房剪,蝴蝶hrimp from tail to base of head, leaving peel and head on; devein.

    Step 2

    Heat 3 tablespoons oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add garlic and pepper flakes; saut&eactue; until aromatic, about 30 seconds. Transfer to a medium bowl; stir in Pernod and 1 tablespoon fennel fronds. Season with salt and pepper. Add prawns; toss to coat. Marinate at room temperature, tossing occasionally,for 30 minutes.

    Step 3

    Prepare a grill to high heat. Grill prawns, brushing with marinade from bowl, until bright pink and just opaque in center, about 2 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate. Mix sliced fennel bulb and arugula in a large bowl. Drizzle lemon juice and remaining 2 tablespoons oil over; toss to coat. Season with salt and pepper.

    Step 4

    Arrange salad on a plate. Top with shrimp, garnish with 1 tablespoon chopped fronds.

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  • Easy and delicious. I think the pernod is worth buying because it has a wonderful flavor and keeps a long time. Also after making this many times I tried peeling the shrimp first and prefer this since it holds the flavor better. You do have to make sure you don't dry out the shrimp by overcooking.

    • seattlejpm

    • Seattle, WA

    • 4/16/2020

  • Made with shrimp and served with Mango Gazpacho in place of pickled shrimp. Easy and fantastic! Can't wait to make again...

    • carokel

    • Chicago, IL

    • 5/4/2015

  • Huge hit at my dinner party! I could not find spot prawns, or even any prawns with heads on where I shot, but very large shrimp worked just fine. For 2 pounds, though, I needed to add more oil to get adequate coverage with the marinade. Also, did not want to buy Pernod or ouzo for just this, so substituted Chinese 5 Spice blend (2 Tbs) for that, and it was delicious. Next time I might use a little less than that. Will definitely make this again, great and easy for festive occasions.

    • ninahaft

    • 5/14/2013

  • This was just terrific. Ran to the fish market for jumbo shrimp, had sambuca at home and everything else that was needed. Followed everything to a tea...superb!

    • franzna

    • 10/23/2011

  • Very nice, flavorful yet light. Easy to make and I will make it again!

    • Anonymous

    • Dartmouth MA

    • 10/18/2011

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