Grilled Shrimp
Scampi alla Griglia
Region: Italy
Category: Seafood-Grilled
Season: Summer
Difficulty: Easy but special equipment needed

Grilling shrimp is a very simple matter that can easily go wrong.  The difference between succulent shrimp grilled to golden orange perfection and dry, withered buttons of nothing is a matter of a minute or so.  When grilling shrimp it is best to stay by the fire and keep your eyes on them, turning often and poking them with your finger to test for doneness.   Use any size shrimp if the ones I call for are not available.  Skewer them for ease of turning.

[photo: Clifford A. Wright]

Yield: Makes 4 servings
Preparation Time: 30 minutes

16 super-colossal shrimp (about 10 to a pound), shells and/or heads left on

Olive oil for brushing or drizzling

Salt

Five 8-inch wooden skewers

A brush made of rosemary sprigs (optional)

Lemon wedges

1. Prepare a hot charcoal fire or preheat a gas grill for 15 minutes on high.

2. Skewer the shrimp in their shells through the top part of the body and the tail.  Brush the shrimp in olive oil and salt to taste.  Place on the grill and cook for 7 minutes, turning occasionally.  Remove from the grill and crush very lightly with a rolling pin or heavy object to make the shells easier to remove.

3. Continue grilling the shrimp for another 7 minutes, brushing or drizzling with olive oil when necessary, and using the rosemary brush if desired.  Serve the shrimp in their shells with lemon wedges.

Variation: 

Variation 1: For convenience, remove the shells before serving, if desired.

Variation 2: Before grilling, shell the shrimp and marinate for 2 hours in 1/4 cup olive oil, 2 finely chopped garlic cloves,2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley, 1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh sage, and salt and pepper to taste.  

Variation 3: Before grilling, shell the shrimp and marinate for 2 hours in 1/4 cup dry white wine, 3 tablespoons olive oil, 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley, and salt and pepper to taste.  Thread, interspersed with bay leaves, onto a skewer.

Note: 

Posted: 01/02/2007