Olive Oil Poached Shrimp with Ginger-Tomato Sauce

Orzo flecked with fresh basil makes a delicious accompaniment to these tender shrimp. It's important to let the shrimp sit at room temperature for about an hour before poaching; straight-from-the-fridge shrimp will dramatically lower the temperature of the oil and throw off the cooking time.

For the shrimp

• 1-1/2 lb. jumbo shrimp (16 to 20 per lb.), peeled and deveined
• 1/2 tsp. finely grated orange zest
• 1/2 tsp. freshly grated ginger
• 1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
• Kosher salt
• 4 to 6 cups extra-virgin olive oil

For the sauce

• 2 Tbs. extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped (about 3/4 cup)
• Kosher salt
• 2 medium cloves garlic, minced
• 1 Tbs. freshly grated ginger
• 1/2 tsp. finely grated orange zest
• One 14.5-oz. can diced tomatoes
• 1 Tbs. fresh orange juice
• 1/2 tsp. granulated sugar

Poach the shrimp

In a mixing bowl, toss the shrimp with the orange zest, ginger, pepper flakes, and 3/4 tsp. salt. Let sit at room temperature for about an hour.


Position a rack in the center of the oven and heat the oven to 225°F.


Pour 1 inch of oil into a medium (10-inch) straight-sided sauté pan. Heat over low heat until the oil reaches 120°F, 2 to 3 minutes.


Slide the shrimp into the oil and immediately transfer the pan to the oven. Poach until the shrimp are opaque throughout (cut into one to check), 25 minutes. With a slotted spoon, transfer to a wire rack and blot on both sides with paper towels to remove excess oil.

Make the sauce

While the shrimp poach, heat the oil in a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion and a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring frequently, until soft and translucent, about 4 minutes. Add the garlic, ginger, and orange zest and cook, stirring, until fragrant, 1 minute more. Add the tomatoes and their juices, orange juice, and sugar and simmer for 5 minutes to meld the flavors. Purée the sauce in a food processor. Return to the pan, season to taste with salt, and keep warm over low heat until the shrimp are ready. Distribute the tomato sauce among 4 serving plates, arrange the shrimp on top of the sauce, and serve.