Finished Mystical Shrimp recipe, plated and garnished with burnt eggplant cream

Inspired by Mediterranean flavors and the thrill of open-flame cooking, this Mystical Shrimp Recipe is a dish of contrasts. This bold, flavorful dish blends smoky burnt eggplant cream with spiced, flambéed shrimp, creating a mystical fusion of flavors. Whether you're making it for a romantic dinner or an adventurous meal, this dish will awaken your senses.

Want more bold flavors? Explore our Cucina Migrante Cookbook for authentic recipes from around the world!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔ Bold Mediterranean Flavors – Smoky eggplant, fragrant curry, and rich whiskey flambé.
✔ Simple Yet Sophisticated – A restaurant-worthy dish made with easy-to-find ingredients.
✔ Flambé Like a Pro – Impress your guests with a fiery cooking technique!
✔ Hands-On Eating – No forks needed! Dip, grab, and savor every bite.
✔ Versatile – Pairs beautifully with warm pita, couscous, or a crisp white wine.

Mystical Shrimp with Burnt Eggplant Cream

A bold and smoky Mediterranean dish featuring curry-marinated, flambéed shrimp over creamy burnt eggplant purée.

Ingredients

12 large shrimp (cleaned & deveined, tails on)
1 handful basil leaves, chopped
1 tbsp curry powder
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (EVOO)
1 shot whiskey or brandy
Salt & pepper, to taste
2 medium eggplants
1 clove garlic
3 tbsp tahini
Juice of ½ lemon

Instructions

Marinate shrimp with curry powder, basil, and EVOO. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
Char eggplants over an open flame until the skin is completely blackened. Let them cool, then peel.
Blend eggplant flesh with garlic, tahini, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Cook shrimp in a hot skillet with marinade for 2 minutes per side.
Add whiskey or brandy, then flambé until the flame dies down.
Serve shrimp over the burnt eggplant cream, garnished with pan juices and a drizzle of EVOO.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

Calories: 360
Protein: 30g
Fat: 20g
Carbs: 18g
Fiber: 5g
Sugar: 4g

Looking for more bold Mediterranean flavors? Check out the Cucina Migrante Cookbook!

Pro Tips & Hacks

✅ Marinate for at least 2-3 hours for the best flavor.
✅ Use an open flame for a true burnt eggplant effect.
✅ Flambé properly! If using an electric stove, ignite the alcohol with a lighter.
✅ Choose medium-large shrimp for a juicier bite.
✅ Save the pan drippings for extra flavor when plating.

Substitutions & Variations

Make It Spicier: Add red chili flakes or harissa to the marinade for extra heat.
Vegan Version: Swap shrimp for vegan shrimp, oyster mushrooms, or super-firm tofu, marinated the same way and pan-seared.
Different Alcohol for Flambé: If you don’t have whiskey or brandy, try rum, bourbon, or cognac for a different depth of flavor.
Extra Creaminess: Mix Greek yogurt or coconut yogurt into the burnt eggplant cream for a richer texture.
Pairing Ideas: Serve with warm pita, couscous, or saffron rice to soak up the eggplant cream.

Tried this recipe? We’d love to hear from you! Comment below and let us know how it turned out. Did you make any fun modifications? Share your experience with us!