Recipe of the Month

Coconut Lime Shrimp Skewers

photo by Thayer Allyson Gowdy

Summer is a time for seafood! With this Hawaiian flavor, shrimp never tasted better. A squeeze of lime adds zing and toasted coconut contributes crunch to this easy make-ahead, crowd-pleaser. You’ll need at least 24 wooden skewers (6 in).

Time: 30 minutes, plus marinating time.

Serves 12 or 8 if the group is hungry!

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon freshly grated lime zest
• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
• 1 can (14 oz.) coconut milk
• 2 pounds large uncooked shrimp (26 to 30 per lb.), peeled and deveined
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• Fresh lime wedges for squeezing
• 1/2 cup toasted, sweetened shredded coconut

Preparation
1. In a medium bowl, combine ginger, garlic, lime zest and juice, and coconut milk. Add shrimp, tossing to coat, and chill, covered, at least 1 hour and up to 1 day.

2. Meanwhile, soak skewers in water. Prepare a grill for high heat (450° to 550°; you can hold your hand 5 in. above cooking grate only 2 to 4 seconds). Push 2 or 3 shrimp onto each skewer in a “C” shape (through each end); cook, turning once, until flesh has just turned pink and is slightly charred, about 3 minutes on each side.

3. Arrange skewers on a serving platter and sprinkle lightly with sea salt, a squeeze of lime juice, and coconut. Serve with extra lime wedges on the side. Enjoy!

Consider a sweet rice made with extra coconut milk or sweet Hawaiian rolls as a side. Add to the menu with a fresh salad of butter lettuce, papaya, mango, and strips of avocado. Fresh pineapple cubes with maraschino cherries on a skewer adds to the tropical menu.

Recipe courtesy of Sunset Magazine, June 2009.

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