Salt-cooked Shrimp (gambas A La Sal)

Total Time: 16 mins Preparation Time: 4 mins Cook Time: 12 mins

Ingredients

• Servings: 4
• 1 1/2-2 cups coarse salt (kosher or sea)
• 1 lb large unshelled shrimp, preferably with the heads on, patted dry
• fragrant extra virgin olive oil, for serving (optional)
• lemon wedge, for serving (optional)

Recipe

• 1 spread the salt evenly on the bottom of a heavy 12-inch skillet, preferably cast iron. heat the skillet over medium-high heat until the salt is very hot and almost beginning to smoke. place half of the shrimp on the salt and cook for 3 to 4 minutes. using tongs, turn the shrimp over and continue cooking until the shrimp are just cooked through, about 3 minutes longer. transfer the shrimp to a plate and cook the remaining shrimp in the same way. the second batch may take less time to cook, since the salt will be very hot.
• 2 let the shrimp cool just enough to handle, then gently wipe off any excess salt with paper towels. serve the shrimp with olive oil and lemon wedges if desired.