PEEL-AND-EAT SPICED SHRIMP WITH CHIPOTLE REMOULADE

Peel-and-Eat Spiced Shrimp with Chipotle Remoulade image

Provided by Melissa McClure

Yield Makes 12 servings

Number Of Ingredients 13

6 quarts water
1/2 cup coarse kosher salt
6 tablespoons whole black peppercorns
1/4 cup mustard seeds
2 tablespoons whole allspice
2 tablespoons whole cloves
2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme
4 dried chiles de árbol
4 Turkish bay leaves
36 uncooked large shrimp, unpeeled
2 quarts ice cubes
Chipotle Remoulade
Ingredient info: Chiles de árbol are thin, red, very hot chiles available at supermarkets, specialty foods stores, and Latin markets.

Steps:

Combine 6 quarts water and next 8 ingredients in large pot. Bring brine to rolling boil, stirring until salt dissolves. Turn off heat. Cover; let stand 5 minutes.
Return brine to boil. Add shrimp; boil 3 minutes. Pour off most of brine, leaving enough to cover shrimp. Mix in ice; let cool 10 minutes. Arrange shrimp in large bowl. Serve shrimp with Chipotle Remoulade .
What to drink:
Champagne is a great pairing for this entire menu. One to try: the fruity, toasty Philippe Gonet NV Brut Reserve Champagne (France, $30).