Chili and Garlic Shrimp

Quick and easy, mildly spicy, deeply flavorful. Guajillo chiles can be easy purchased in most markets or online.

Equipment

• 12-inch nonstick skillet
• Kitchen shears
• Blender or food processor

Ingredients

• 30g (1oz) dried guajillo chiles
• 120ml (½ cup) water
• 1/2 tablespoon soy sauce
• 6 cloves garlic; 2 chopped, 4 sliced thin
• 1 teaspoon salt, divided
• 907g (2 lbs) extra-large shrimp (21 to 25 per pound); peeled, deveined, and tails removed
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut in two pieces
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro

Preparation

Chiles

1. Using kitchen shears, stem guajillos- cut in half lengthwise and discard seeds.
2. Cut guajillos into 1-inch pieces.
3. Place guajillos in 12-ounce nonstick skillet and cook over medium heat, stirring often, until fragrant; 3 to 5 minutes.
4. Transfer guajillos to a food processor or blender and process until finely ground, about 2 minutes.
5. Add water, soy sauce, chopped garlic, and 1/2 teaspoon salt.
6. Blend until smooth; set aside.

Shrimp

1. Pat shrimp dry with paper towels.
2. Sprinkle with cumin, cayenne, and remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt.
3. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in now-empty skillet over high heat until just smoking.
4. Add half the shrimp in an even layer and cook, without stirring, just until shrimp begin to brown on the bottom, but tops are still raw- about 2 minutes.
5. Transfer to bowl.
6. Repeat with 1 tablespoon oil and remaining shrimp.
7. Transfer second batch to bowl with first batch.

Combine

1. Reduce heat to low.
2. Add remaining 1 tablespoon oil and sliced garlic to now-empty skillet.
3. Cook until garlic is fragrant and golden brown; about 2 minutes.
4. Stir in reserved chili sauce.
5. Add shrimp.
6. Cook until shrimp are just cooked through; about 1 minute.

Finish

1. Off heat, stir in lime juice and butter until butter is melted.
2. Transfer to serving dish.
3. Sprinkle with cilantro and serve.