GRILLED BRINED SHRIMP WITH GARLIC OIL

Grilled Brined Shrimp with Garlic Oil image

Provided by Tony Matranga

Yield Makes 8 appetizer or 4 to 6 main-course servings

Number Of Ingredients 10

8 cups ice water, divided
1/3 cup coarse kosher salt
1 cup dry white wine
6 Turkish bay leaves, divided
2 lemons; 1 chopped, 1 cut into wedges
1/2 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
2 pounds uncooked large shrimp with shells (about 32 shrimp)
3/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
4 garlic cloves, chopped
1 ciabatta bread, sliced

Steps:

Stir 1 cup ice water and 1/3 cup salt in small saucepan over high heat until salt dissolves, about 5 minutes. Transfer salt water to large bowl. Mix in wine, 2 bay leaves, chopped lemon, peppercorns, and remaining 7 cups water, then shrimp. Chill at least 15 minutes and up to 1/2 hour.
Meanwhile, prepare barbecue (medium-high heat). Whisk oil and garlic in small bowl to blend.
Drain shrimp, rinse, and drain well. Using kitchen scissors, cut shells down center of back side and devein, leaving shells intact. Grill shrimp in shells until charred and just opaque, 3 to 4 minutes per side. Grill bread until beginning to brown, about 2 minutes per side.
Transfer shrimp to another large bowl. Add half of garlic oil and toss to coat. Mound shrimp on platter. Garnish with remaining 4 bay leaves and lemon wedges. Serve with grilled bread and remaining garlic oil.