The classic method of cooking in packets delivers intense flavor and elegant results.
Ingredients:
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic (1 minced)
- Grated zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 2 to 3 anchovies, rinsed and minced (about 1 tablespoon)
- 3 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Kosher salt
- 2 pounds extra-large shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails intact
- 1 pint grape tomatoes, halved
- 4 scallions, sliced
- 1 red jalapeno pepper, seeded and chopped
- 1/2 cup bottled clam juice
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 baguette, thinly sliced
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Whisk the olive oil, minced garlic, lemon zest and juice, anchovies, basil, parsley, paprika and 1 teaspoon salt in a large bowl. Add the shrimp, tomatoes, scallions and jalapeno; toss.
- Tear off eight 16-inch sheets of parchment paper. Make the packets (see photo gallery), using a double layer of parchment for each packet: Arrange about one-quarter of the shrimp mixture on a double layer, using a slotted spoon. Top with 2 tablespoons clam juice, 1/2 tablespoon butter and one-quarter of the liquid from the bowl. Seal as directed. Repeat to make 3 more packets; divide between 2 baking sheets.
- Transfer to the oven and bake until the parchment puffs and the shrimp are just cooked through, about 20 minutes. Let rest 5 minutes before opening.
- Meanwhile, toast the baguette slices in a grill pan until marked; rub with the remaining garlic clove. Carefully open the packets and serve with the grilled bread.
- Be careful when opening parchment packets – the steam is hot!
Photograph by David Malosh
Recipe courtesy of Food Network Magazine
