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Baked Shrimp Scampi On Zucchini Carpaccio

Here’s a delicious twist on the classic scampi, with a beautiful and easy presentation. For the best impact, select a white or other solid-color square or rectangular salad plate. Then, trim the ends of the zucchini so it fits perfectly within the plate’s borders. Slice the squash paper-thin with a mandoline or a vegetable peeler; then arrange the slices, overlapping slightly, to fill the plate. Or, if you prefer, arrange the slices in a basket-weave pattern. Either way, it’s a great look!

SERVES 4 AS AN APPETIZER OR A LIGHT LUNCH

2 medium zucchini

5 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice

2 teaspoons grated lemon zest

1½ teaspoons sea salt

¼ teaspoon sugar

½ teaspoon plus 2 pinches of freshly ground black pepper

16 to 20 medium shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails on

1 tablespoon dry white wine

6 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon minced fresh flat-leaf parsley

1 tablespoon minced fresh basil, tarragon, or thyme

Pinch of red pepper flakes

1 large egg yolk

⅓ cup panko bread crumbs

Trim the ends from the zucchini. Using a mandoline or a vegetable peeler, cut the zucchini into paper-thin slices. Arrange 6 to 9 slices on each plate, in rows or in a basket-weave pattern. Reserve the leftover zucchini pieces for another use.

In a mixing bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons of the oil, 1 tablespoon of the lemon juice, 1 teaspoon of the zest, ¼ teaspoon of the salt, the sugar, and a pinch of pepper. Drizzle the vinaigrette over the zucchini and allow to rest for at least 15 minutes to soften and flavor the zucchini.

Heat the oven to 425°F.

In a mixing bowl, combine the shrimp with the remaining 2 tablespoons oil, the wine, 1 teaspoon of the salt, and the ½ teaspoon pepper; toss, and set aside to marinate for 15 minutes.

In a small bowl, mash together the butter, garlic, herbs, red pepper flakes, remaining 1 teaspoon zest, remaining 1 tablespoon lemon juice, the egg yolk, panko, remaining ¼ teaspoon salt, and remaining pinch of pepper. Set aside.

Remove the shrimp from the wine marinade. Nestle 4 to 5 shrimp together as if “spooning” and thread onto a bamboo skewer. Repeat with the remaining shrimp. Trim the skewers with scissors to fit on the serving plates.

Place the shrimp in a baking dish. Drizzle with the remaining marinade, and top with the butter mixture. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes.

Place 1 shrimp skewer atop each zucchini carpaccio, and serve.