SHRIMP ON SALT BED WITH BLACK PEPPER AND LEMON DRESSING

A simple and elegant shrimp dish where fresh whole shrimp are cooked gently on a bed of coarse salt, preserving their natural sweetness and texture. Finished with a zesty black pepper and lemon dressing, it’s perfect served warm with rustic bread.

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🕒 Prep Time: 10 min

🍳 Cook Time: 8 min
🍰 Servings: 2-3

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Ingredients

Shrimp:

• 20 fresh medium whole shrimp, unpeeled and uncleaned
• Coarse sea salt (preferably pickling salt without iodine)
• 1 lemon, cut into wedges

Dressing:

• 1 tsp black peppercorns
• Zest of ½ small organic lemon
• 1 large garlic clove, crushed or thinly sliced
• 5 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice

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Instructions

1. Prepare the dressing: crush peppercorns finely in a mortar. Add lemon zest, garlic, olive oil, and lemon juice. Mix thoroughly. Do not add salt—the shrimp will be salted during cooking.
2. Remove shrimp from the refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to reach room temperature. Pat dry thoroughly with paper towels. Leave heads and shells intact for better flavor and sweetness.
3. Spread a thick, even layer of coarse salt on the bottom of a wide cast-iron or grill pan to fully cover the base.
4. Heat the pan with salt on high for 5 minutes until the salt just begins to smoke lightly.
5. Arrange shrimp evenly over the hot salt bed without crowding.
6. Cook shrimp for 5 minutes on the first side, then flip and cook for 3 minutes on the other side. Some salt will adhere to shrimp naturally.
7. Remove shrimp to a bowl. Pour the prepared dressing over them and toss gently to coat.
8. Transfer shrimp to a serving platter, drizzle any remaining dressing on top, and squeeze additional lemon juice over them.
9. Serve warm with lemon wedges and rustic bread to soak up the juices. Don’t forget wet napkins!

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💡 Tips

• Do not clean shrimp before cooking to keep them juicy and sweet.
• Use coarse salt without iodine to avoid bitterness.
• The salt bed cooks shrimp evenly and prevents overcooking.

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🎉 Perfect For

• Simple yet impressive seafood meals
• Summer outdoor dining or gatherings
• Lovers of fresh shrimp and bright citrus flavors