I love bacon and shrimp. It’s a classic combination that works really well in this Southwestern-inspired bistro dish.

　　

Ingredients

serves 4

　　

Tomatillo Salsa

6 tomatillos, husked, rinsed, and cut in chunks

　　2 avocados, peeled and cut in chunks

　　2 jalapeños, cut in circles

　　1/2 bunch fresh cilantro, coarsely chopped

　　1/2 red onion, diced

　　Juice of 3 limes

　　2 tablespoons canola oil

　　Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

　　

Tomato Vinaigrette

1 ripe tomato, halved, seeds squeezed out

　　1 canned chipotle pepper in adobo

　　1 garlic clove

　　Zest and juice of 1 lime

　　1 tablespoon sherry vinegar

　　1 teaspoon sugar

　　1/2 teaspoon sea salt

　　2 tablespoons canola oil

　　

Shrimp

20 large shrimp (about 2 pounds), peeled and deveined, tails on

　　10 bacon slices, halved

　　Extra-virgin olive oil

　　2 green onions, thinly sliced on the diagonal, for garnish

　　Chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish

　　

Step 1

For the tomatillo salsa, toss the tomatillos, avocados, jalapeños, cilantro, and onion together in a large bowl. Add the lime juice and canola oil, and turn to coat; season with salt and black pepper. Turn the mixture over a few times until the avocados are slightly mashed and the salsa is creamy. Cover and refrigerate while you prepare everything else.

　　

Step 2

Puree the tomato, chipotle, garlic, lime zest, lime juice, sherry vinegar, sugar, and salt in a blender until smooth. Pour in the oil and puree again until emulsified and slightly thickened. Refrigerate.

　　

Step 3

Wrap each shrimp in a piece of bacon, overlapping the ends so they stick together. Place a large skillet over medium heat, drizzle with a 1/2-count of oil, and heat just to the smoking point. Lay the shrimp in the pan (do this in batches if it’s crowded) and sauté until the bacon is crisp, tossing so the shrimp cook evenly. To serve, spoon a mound of the tomatillo salsa on each plate. Drizzle a pool of the tomato vinaigrette and top with 5 shrimp. Garnish with green onion and cilantro leaves. This shrimp dish also works well on the grill with margaritas and a lot of beer.

　　Reprinted with permission from Tyler Florence's Real Kitchen by Tyler Florence. © 2003 Clarkson Potter