Crispy Shrimp Balls (Sara Moulton) |
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Prep Time: 0 Minutes Cook Time: 0 Minutes |
Ready In: 0 Minutes Servings: 30 |
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Ingredients:
2/3 pound medium shrimp, peeled, scored down the back, deveined, rinsed, and patted dry |
1/2 cup water chestnuts, blanched in boiling water for 10 seconds, refreshed in cold water, drained, and patted dry |
1 1/2 tablespoons minced fresh ginger |
1 1/2 tablespoons minced scallions |
1 1/2 tablespoons chinese rice wine or sake |
1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil |
3/4 teaspoon salt |
1 large egg white, lightly beaten |
2 tablespoons cornstarch |
1/4 pound thin rice stick noodles ( vermicelli) |
safflower or corn oil for deep-frying |
plum or duck sauce and hot mustard for dipping |
Directions:
1. In a food processor fitted with a steel blade, process the shrimp to a paste. Transfer to a large bowl; add the water chestnuts, seasonings, egg white, and cornstarch. Stir vigorously until a stiff paste forms. Chill thoroughly. 2. With a towel draped over the hand that holds a sharp knife, cut the noodles into 1/2-inch lengths. The towel prevents the noodles from flying around. Spread evenly on a cookie sheet. 3. Shape scant teaspoonfuls of the shrimp mixture into balls, then roll in the noodle pieces, pressing lightly to coat. Set on a cookie sheet. 4. Heat a wok or a deep skillet or saucepan until very hot. Add the oil and heat to 375 degrees. Deep-fry the shrimp balls in batches, turning them constantly, until golden brown, 3 to 4 minutes. Remove with a handled strainer or a slotted spoon, drain briefly in a colander, then transfer to paper towels. Between batches, skim the oil with a fine strainer, and reheat until hot. Serve the shrimp balls warm with sauce and mustard. To reheat, warm on a cookie sheet in a 375 degree oven about 10 minutes. |
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