Plumped Ginger-caramel Shrimp

Total Time: 35 mins Preparation Time: 30 mins Cook Time: 5 mins

Ingredients

• Servings: 4
• 1/2 cup kosher salt (not iodized)
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 1/3 cup medium chili powder
• 2 quarts warm water
• 1 1/2 lbs large frozen shrimp (in or out of their shells)
• 1/4 cup canola oil
• 4 garlic cloves, coarsely chopped
• 4 inches piece fresh ginger, coarsely chopped
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper (to taste)
• salt
• 4 teaspoons sugar

Recipe

• 1 for brine: in a medium bowl, combine the salt, sugar, chili powder, and warm water.
• 2 add the shrimp and set aside for 20 minutes.
• 3 for saute: drain the shrimp, peel off their shells, if necessary, and pat the shrimp dry.
• 4 in a large deep skillet, heat the oil over high heat. add the garlic, ginger, pepper, and a pinch of salt. cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute.
• 5 blend in the sugar and continue stirring until the garlic is pale gold; do not let it get dark brown.
• 6 drop in the shrimp and cook, stirring constantly, for 1 to 2 minutes or until they are bright pink and barely firm.