Preparing the shrimp for the mousse
Line up the largest 16 shrimp on a small baking sheet or plate and cut off the lower tail pieces from them. Place the tails and the remaining 4 shrimp in the bowl of a food processor. Add the egg, garlic clove, and salt and pepper, and process until a smooth puree, about 20 seconds. Scrape down the sides of the bowl, add the parsley, and process for another 15 seconds. Transfer the mixture to a bowl; you should have about 1 cup of mousse.
Step 1: Preparing the shrimp for the mousse
- 20 extra-large shrimp (16/20 per pound), shelled, deveined and patted dry
- 1 large egg
- 1 small garlic clove
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon flat-leaf parsley leaves
Step 2: Preparing the shrimp patties
- 3 slices bread, about 2 ½ ounces, processed into crumbs
Divide the trimmed shrimp into four portions of four shrimp each, lined up tightly together to form 4 flat patties. Coat the top surface of each patty with mousse then with breadcrumbs and press gently into the mousse.
Using a spatula, gently turn the patties over so they are breaded-side down on the baking sheet. Spread the remaining mousse on the other side and coat with the remaining breadcrumbs.
Step 3: Cooking the shrimp patties
- 2 tablespoons canola oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
Heat the oil and the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the patties and cook gently until golden, about 3 minutes on each side.
While the patties cook, prepare the watercress salad.
Step 4: Preparing the watercress salad
- 1 tablespoon sherry vinegar
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 bunch watercress, thick stems removed
In a large salad bowl, combine the vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Just before serving, whisk the dressing together. Add the watercress and toss well to coat.
Step 5: Serving
Arrange the salad on a large platter or divide it between four plates. Slice each patty in half and place on top of the salad. Serve immediately.