BOWL SMOKED SHRIMP

Bowl Smoked Shrimp image

Provided by Alton Brown

Time 1h35m

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 20

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Ingredients

2 quarts wood chips
1/2 cup kosher salt
1/2 cup sugar
2 cups water
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 quart ice
2 pounds jumbo whole shrimp (21-25 count), rinsed thoroughly and drained
2 quarts all-natural chunk charcoal
Spicy Brown Mustard Dipping Sauce, recipe follows
1/4 cup brown mustard seed
1/4 cup dry mustard powder
2 tablespoons water
1/3 cup cider vinegar
1/3 cup white wine vinegar
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon brown sugar
1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon ground ginger
1/8 teaspoon ground allspice
1/4 cup olive oil

Steps:

Place the wood chips into a bowl and cover with cool water. Set aside and allow to soak for 1 hour.
In the meantime, place the salt, sugar, water and red pepper flakes into an electric kettle and heat just until the salt and sugar have dissolved. Turn the kettle off and add the ice. Stir until the brine has cooled. Place the shrimp into a 1-gallon ziptop bag and pour over the brine. Place in a container and set in the refrigerator until the wood chips are done soaking, approximately 45 more minutes.
While the shrimp are brining, heat about 2 quarts of charcoal in a chimney starter until the coals are covered with a white ash.
After the chips are done soaking, drain them and set aside. Drain the shrimp in a colander and thread on 4 to 6 rounded skewers.
Carefully transfer the charcoal to a large, 18-inch round, stainless steel bowl. Cover the charcoal with the wood chips. Lay the skewered shrimp directly atop the chips making sure that the shrimp do not come in direct contact with the charcoal and that the shrimp are in 1 layer. Turn another, smaller (13 to 14-inch) metal bowl upside down on top of the shrimp. Cook for 15 to 20 minutes or until cooked through. Serve warm or chilled.
In a small bowl whisk together the mustard seed, dry mustard and water.
Place the mustard and water mixture into a small saucepan and add the remaining ingredients. Bring to a simmer over high heat. Do not allow to boil. Remove from the heat and puree with a handheld blender for 5 to 10 seconds while drizzling with oil, leaving some of the seeds intact if desired. Pour into a glass jar or container, allow to cool, cover and allow to sit in refrigerator overnight before using. Store in the refrigerator for up to 1 month.
Yield: approximately 1 cup