Seared shrimp with basil oil

4 servings

Ingredients

QuantityIngredient
½cupPacked fresh basil leaves
1teaspoonMinced shallots
1teaspoonMinced fresh garlic
½teaspoonSalt
Black pepper
¾cupOlive oil
24largesShrimp, peeled and deveined
(about 1 1/2 pounds)
1tablespoonCreole Seasoning
Garnish: 1/4 cup finely
Chopped red bell peppers,
¼cupFinely chopped
Green onion

Directions

Make basil oil: PurJe basil, shallots, garlic, salt, 3 turns of pepper and olive oil in a food processor, about 1 minute. Scrape into a small bowl and set aside. Oil can be prepared up to 1 week in advance and stored in an airtight container in refrigerator.

Toss shrimp with Creole seasoning until well-coated. Heat a large, heavy, ungreased skillet over high heat. When very hot, add shrimp and sear each side for 3 minutes.

Spoon 2 tablespoons basil oil onto each warmed dinner plate. Arrange 6 shrimp on top and drizzle with another tablespoon of oil. Sprinkle with red pepper and green onion before serving.

Yield: 4 servings

ESSENCE OF EMERIL SHOW#EE13