Less is more: Perfect 5-ingredient recipes

Photo by: Sarah Shatz
Shrimp a la Bittman-
A few months ago I wrote about how I like to poach shrimp (and other fish and shellfish) in olive oil. And I still do! But I also like to cook shrimp using a method I learned from Mark Bittman. He slathers shrimp in a loose green sauce and roasts them at 500 degrees (I do 450). The shrimp emerge, unscathed by the heat -- cooked through quickly enough that they remain delicate and plump, with a juicy snap. Recently, I pared down the recipe even more, giving the shrimp a slick of oil, and lemon and lime zest, showering them with the citrus juices at the table. - Amanda

Shrimp a la Bittman by Amanda

Serves 4

2 pounds medium or large shrimp, shelled and cleaned
Grated zest and juice of 2 small lemons
Grated zest and juice of 1 lime
1/4 cup olive oil
salt

1. Heat the oven to 450 degrees. If you're thinking ahead, earlier in the day, combine the zests with the olive oil -- if you're like me and doing this last minute, toss the shrimp with the zests and olive oil. Season with salt. Spread the shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet.

2. Squeeze a little lemon juice on top of the shrimp and place in the oven. Roast until the shrimp is just cooked through and still bouncy to the touch, 8 to 10 minutes.

3. Remov less