Description
A delicious twist on the classic shrimp cocktail, where grilled shrimp meet the fresh flavors of tomatillo, grapes and cilantro, and a zesty kick from Cambodian lemongrass and French Brandy.
Ingredients
Scale
For the salsa:
- 1 bunch fresh cilantro
- 1 small bunch red seedless grapes, halved
- 6 tomatillos, husked and chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, chopped
- 2 red chili peppers, chopped and seeded
- 1 shallot, chopped
- 1 fresh lime, juiced (reserve about 1 tsp for shrimp)
- 4 tbsp (59 ml) French brandy or cognac
- 1 tsp (5 ml) olive oil
- 1/2 tbsp (7.3 ml) Cambodian lemongrass curry seasoning
- 1/2 tbsp (7.3 ml) cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the shrimp:
- 12 raw colossal shrimp, peeled and deveined, tail on
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil
- Splash of French brandy
- 1 tsp (15 ml) lime juice
- 1–2 pinches cayenne pepper
- Pinch of salt
- 1 shallot
- 4 skewers
Instructions
Prepare the Salsa:
- Roughly chop the cilantro, tomatillos, garlic, chili peppers, and shallot.
- In a large food processor, add the chopped produce. If using dry chilies, reconstitute them in warm water until soft.
- Reserve a few halved grapes to add to the processed salsa if desired.
- Slowly add the lime juice, brandy, and olive oil while the processor is on, adding more if needed.
- Add cumin and Cambodian lemongrass curry seasoning, continuing to blend until fully incorporated.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside and stir occasionally.
Prepare the Shrimp:
- Preheat the grill to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the shrimp, olive oil, brandy, lime juice, cayenne, and salt. Toss until shrimp are well coated.
- Alternate between shrimp and shallot on skewers.
- Grill for about 4-5 minutes on each side or until the shrimp begin to char slightly and turn pink.
Notes
- If you can’t find Cambodian lemongrass curry seasoning, substitute with a mixture of ground lemongrass, ground ginger, lime zest, and mild chili powder.
- Ensure shrimp are fresh and properly deveined for the best texture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Latin American Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 200g
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 130mg