SPICED SALT-BAKED SHRIMP

SPICED SALT-BAKED SHRIMP image

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 12

3 pounds rock salt
1/4 cup whole green cardamom pods
2 tablespoons black peppercorns
1 cinnamon stick
4 bay leaves
3 star anise
1 lemon, cut into four wedges
10 sprigs of thyme
2 jalapeño peppers, cut into thick slices
1 head of garlic, outer skin removed and smashed into several pieces
2 pounds medium or large shrimp, about 20 to 25 pieces, with shells and tails on
Cocktail sauce, tartar sauce or melted butter, for serving

Steps:

1. Heat oven to 475 degrees. In a bowl, add salt, cardamom, peppercorns, cinnamon, bay leaves, anise, two lemon wedges, the thyme, the jalapeños and the garlic and mix well. 2. In a large shallow baking dish, add half the salt mixture. Place in oven for 10 to 12 minutes. 3. Carefully remove pan from oven and set shrimp in a single layer on salt and then cover with remaining, cool salt mixture. 4. Return to oven. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes more, or until shrimp are just cooked through. 5. Serve shrimp in the salt, or remove to a platter. Garnish with remaining lemon. Serve with cocktail or tartar sauce or melted butter.