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Mastiha-Glazed Roasted Shrimp with Honey and Pistachio

A revolutionary Greek-inspired dessert where succulent shrimp are oven-roasted in a fragrant syrup of Chios Mastiha, wildflower honey, and citrus zest, served over a cloud of whipped Greek yogurt.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Mastiha Grinding 5 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 portions
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: European, Greek
Calories: 335

Ingredients
  

Candied Shrimp
  • 12 pieces shrimp High quality, fresh
  • 0.5 cup honey Wildflower or Thyme
  • 1 teaspoon Mastiha crystals Ground with a pinch of sugar
  • 1 tablespoon Ouzo Greek anise liqueur
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest Freshly grated
  • 1 teaspoon orange zest Freshly grated
  • 0.25 teaspoon sea salt Fine grain
Pistachio Crumble
  • 0.25 cup pistachios Unsalted
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar Light
  • 0.125 teaspoon cinnamon Ceylon preferred
Serving Base
  • 1 cup Greek yogurt 10% fat content
  • 1 tablespoon powdered sugar Sifted
  • 4 sprigs mint For garnish

Equipment

  • Baking Sheet Lined with parchment paper
  • Small Saucepan For the glaze
  • Mortar and Pestle To grind the Mastiha resin
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Whisk

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a shallow baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Using a mortar and pestle, grind the Mastiha crystals with a small pinch of sugar until it becomes a fine, aromatic powder.
  3. In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, combine the honey, ground Mastiha, Ouzo, lemon zest, and orange zest. Whisk gently for 3 to 4 minutes until the honey is liquid and the flavors have infused. Do not boil.
  4. In a medium mixing bowl, toss the cleaned shrimp with the warm honey-Mastiha syrup and sea salt until every shrimp is thoroughly coated.
  5. Arrange the shrimp on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Roast in the center of the oven for 8 to 10 minutes, basting once with the remaining glaze from the bowl halfway through, until the shrimp are pink, firm, and the glaze has thickened into a sticky, golden lacquer.
  6. In a small bowl, mix the crushed pistachios with the brown sugar and cinnamon. Set aside.
  7. In a clean bowl, whisk the Greek yogurt with the powdered sugar until light and creamy.
  8. To serve, place a generous dollop of the sweetened yogurt in the center of each plate. Arrange three warm, candied shrimp over the yogurt. Sprinkle the pistachio crumble over the top and garnish with a sprig of fresh mint. Drizzle any extra warm syrup from the baking sheet over the dish.

Notes

Mastiha is a unique resin from the island of Chios; its piney, cedar-like flavor is the soul of this dish. If unavailable, a drop of vanilla and extra orange zest can be used, though the authentic Greek character will differ.