Ingredients
- 8 jumbo shrimp, in the shell (about 1 1/4 pounds)
- 3 sprigs fresh thyme, leaves stripped
- Juice of 2 limes (about 1/4 cup)
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus additional for seasoning
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 1 clove garlic, chopped
- 1/2 large jalapeno, with seeds
- 2 scallions (white and green parts)
- 1 cup coarsely chopped fresh cilantro leaves
Directions
Prepare an outdoor grill with a medium-high fire. Without removing the shells, slit about 3/4 of the way through the shrimp down the ridged back and remove the vein that runs down the center. Rinse and pat the shrimp dry. Whisk thyme leaves, lime juice, 1 tablespoon of the olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon of the salt and black pepper, to taste, in a shallow nonreactive bowl or dish. Lay the shrimp cut side down in the lime mixture and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
In a food processor, pulse the garlic, jalapeno, scallions, remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil and remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt to make a coarse paste. Add the cilantro and pulse just enough to incorporate into the mixture. Spoon the mixture into the opening in the shrimp and close the shrimp. Grill the shrimp shell side down (to keep filling from falling out) for 3 minutes. Turn to the other shell side, cover, and grill another 2 minutes or until the shrimp turn pink and are slightly firm to the touch. Sprinkle with salt and serve.
Cook's Note: Shrimp cooked in the shells are more intensely flavorful. Leaving the shells on provides a buffer against overcooking, a misfortune many shrimp suffer. Shrimp, even these jumbos, continue to cook once removed from the grill. It's always best to cook them just until opaque and let the delicate shellfish finish cooking off the heat.
Jumbo shrimp in the shell can be a knife and fork sort of deal unless you're outside and it's summer and you are feeling very relaxed. Serve these with lots of napkins if your crowd is the peel-and-eat type.
Photo: Jumbo Shrimp Stuffed with Cilantro and Chiles Recipe

















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By Jim Scully
Benicia, CA
on June 15, 2012
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Followed the recipe exactly. Best Ever!
By Chef Striker
New Jersey
on May 31, 2012
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The FN kitchens nailed the flavors of this stuffed shrimp. I bought 8 colossal shrimp and followed the recipe to its direct specifications - Wow, great flavor. The cilantro is evident yet not overpowering. I thought the lime marinade was a great addition, however, I would recommend more time than 30 minutes, perhaps and an hour for the flavor to meld and soak the shrimp. I did kick up the garlic by 1 clove and added another scallion. I agree with keeping the shrimp shells in tact as suggested. I plated two servings of shrimp over 1/2 cup cooked rice to add to the appetizer.
By ERaeHarmon
Chicago, IL
on September 09, 2011
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Such an easy thing to make, would make a GREAT appetizer! Very messy to eat but still fun!
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