Shrimp Charmoula

A flavorful Moroccan-inspired dish featuring succulent shrimp marinated in a vibrant sauce made with shallots, leeks, aromatic spices, lemon, and herbs. The charmoula sauce combines both sweet and tangy elements with a subtle heat that perfectly complements the seafood.

4 servings
8 hr 19 min

Ingredients

  • 1 pound large shrimp in shell (21 to 25 per pound), peeled, leaving tail fan attached, and deveined
  • 3 large large shallots, finely chopped (1 cup)
  • 6 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
  • 1 small small leek (white and pale green parts only), finely chopped
  • 1 clove garlic clove, minced
  • 1 whole fresh serrano chile (optional), seeded and finely chopped
  • ¼ teaspoon sweet paprika
  • teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • teaspoon turmeric
  • ½ teaspoon grated lemon zest
  • ½ cup fresh lemon juice
  • 2 teaspoons mild honey
  • 2 tablespoons chopped flat-leaf parsley or cilantro

Cooking Instructions

  1. 1.

    Cook shrimp in a large pot of boiling water until just cooked through, 1 to 2 minutes. Drain and cool.

    2 min

  2. 2.

    Cook shallots in 2 tablespoons oil in a heavy medium skillet over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, until very tender, about 8 minutes.

    8 min

  3. 3.

    Meanwhile, wash leek and pat dry.

    2 min

  4. 4.

    Add leek, garlic, and chile (if using) to shallots and cook, stirring frequently, until softened, 4 to 5 minutes. Add paprikas and turmeric and cook, stirring, 2 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in lemon zest and juice, honey, parsley, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and remaining 1/4 cup oil.

    7 min

  5. 5.

    Toss shrimp with sauce in a glass or ceramic bowl and marinate, covered and chilled, at least 8 hours. Season with salt and serve in sauce.

    480 min

  6. 6.

    Cape Mentelle Margaret River Chardonnay '05

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