Rick Bayless Recipes

MEXICAN-STYLE SHRIMP COCKTAIL

Steps:

• Bring 1 quart (1L) of salted water to a boil. Add the shrimp and let the water return to a simmer and poach for an additional minute or two. Scoop the shrimp out and place onto a rimmed baking sheet and chill 30 minutes. The shrimp can be made a day in advance and chilled until ready to serve.
• For the sauce, stir together the ketchup, lime juice, the Mexican hot sauce, olive oil and cilantro in a large bowl. This step can be completed a day in advance, stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container.
• In a small strainer, rinse the onion under cold water, then shake off the excess liquid, and add to the sauce. Peel, dice and add the jicama; dice and add the cucumber. Stir in the chilled shrimp and the avocado right before serving.
• Garnish with lime and serve with tostadas, chips, or saltine crackers.

RICK BAYLESS SHREDDED BEEF

Steps:

• In a medium saucepan set over medium heat, combine the meat with 2 quarts salted water, about 1/3 of the onions, and half of the garlic and simmer until the meat is very tender, about 1 1/2 hours. Strain, reserving the broth for another use. When the meat is cool enough to handle, shred it into coarse strands with your fingers or 2 forks--don't worry that there are bits of onion and garlic mixed with the meat.
• Wash and dry the saucepan, set it over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon oil. When the oil is hot, add half of the remaining onions and cook until golden, about 6 minutes, then stir in the remaining garlic and cook for another minute. Add the tomatoes and chiles and cook until most of the juice has evaporated, about 3 minutes. Stir in the shredded meat and simmer for a few more minutes, then taste and season with about 1/2 teaspoon salt. Remove from the heat.