SEAFOOD ESSENTIALS: MULTIUSE SHRIMP MARINADE/SAUCE

Steps:

• PREP/PREPARE
• If you have a blender, use it to mix the ingredients; if not; use a good whisk, and a wee bit of elbow grease.
• Storage Of Homemade Condiments, Spices, and Sauces Because homemade spices and condiments do not contain any preservatives, it is important to store them properly. Non-reactive (glass) containers with tight-fitting lids are a must. If I am making a dry spice, I love to use old spice bottles that I have run through the dishwasher. If I am doing homemade sauces, I love using Weck jars. They are all glass, come in all sizes and shapes, and have excellent leakproof lids. If you shop online, you can go to Amazon, and type in "Weck Jars" and you will find a ton of them. Dry spices should be kept in a cool space, away from sunlight (spice cabinet), and sauces, in most cases, should be stored in the fridge. If properly stored, this marinade should last several weeks in the fridge.
• Baked Garlic I love what baking does to garlic... it mellows the flavor and creates an awesome ingredient that enhances so many diverse dishes. I use it so much in catering that I usually bake 15 or more bulbs of garlic at a time, and then save them for when needed. If you do not wish to use baked garlic, you can use regular minced cloves, but cut the amount in half. Here is the recipe that I use... it is easy/peasy: https://www.justapinch.com/recipes/sauce-spread/seasoning-mix/cooking-essentials-baked-garlic.html?r=4 Note: Because baking the garlic mellows its flavor, if you decide to use raw garlic, then cut the amount in half. In this recipe it would mean cutting it from 4 baked cloves to 2 raw cloves.
• Gather your ingredients (mise en place).
• Whisk all the ingredients together (including optional ones, if using) in a bowl until completely combined.
• I do recommend a blender if you have one.
• Properly store in the refrigerator until needed.
• Since this marinade contains a lot of olive oil, when you put it into the fridge it will solidify, like lard. Simply take it out about 30 - 60 minutes before using, and it will revert to a liquid/oil state.
• To use, place the marinade into a bowl or Ziploc bag and add the shrimp. The amount of marinade this recipe makes will work with a pound (0.45kg) of shrimp.
• Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or up to 8 hours. This particular marinade does not contain any citrus juice, only lemon zest from the lemon/zest spice. If you are working with a marinade that contains citrus juice, you will not want to marinate over 2 hours, because the citrus juice can actually cook the shrimp. I usually go about six hours.
• Because the marinade needs to get to the shrimp, you need to peel them before beginning the marinade process. However, for presentation's sake, I would leave the tails on. But do not throw those shells away, stick them into a Ziploc bag and toss them into the freezer. Pull them out and use to flavor things like a fish stock, or sauce. Waste Not, Want Not. That's the way.
• Once they come out of the marinade, you can choose your cooking method; anything from the stovetop, grill, or oven will work brilliantly.
• PLATE/PRESENT
• Here are a few mouth-watering ideas for you. Enjoy.
• Served with linguini in a creamy garlic/parmesan sauce.
• Pan blackened.
• Basted on a stovetop grill.
• Oven fried and served with some sauce on the side.
• Keep the faith, and keep cooking.