Crunchy Salt Shrimp with Ginger Sauce |
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Prep Time: 0 Minutes Cook Time: 0 Minutes |
Ready In: 0 Minutes Servings: 1 |
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While in Kenting, a fishing village in Taiwan, Jean Patterson was served just-caught shrimp crisp-fried in hot oil; to her delight, the shells were crunchy and edible, and the shrimp the most succulent she had eaten. Back home, she now cooks shrimp in the shell for adventurous guests; those less daring can shell the shrimp before eating them. You can also start with shelled shrimp. Ingredients:
1 pound (21 to 25 per lb.) shrimp in shells |
2 tablespoons sake or dry sherry |
2 tablespoons cornstarch |
2 tablespoons soy sauce |
2 tablespoons rice vinegar |
1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger |
about 1 1/2 cups salad oil |
1 tablespoon minced garlic |
1 teaspoon kosher or other coarse salt |
1/4 cup slivered fresh basil leaves |
Directions:
1. Devein shrimp in shells by pushing a toothpick perpendicular to each shrimp through a joint on the back shell and about 1/8 inch under the vein; pull up to lift out dark vein. If it breaks, repeat at another shell joint. If using shelled shrimp, slit shrimp backs and pull out vein. Rinse shrimp, put in a bowl, and add sake and cornstarch; stir to mix well.
2. In another small bowl, combine soy sauce, vinegar, and ginger.
3. Pour about 1 inch oil into a 14-inch wok or deep, narrow 3- to 4-quart pan over high heat. When oil reaches 375°, add half the shrimp; stir often until they turn pink and shells are crisp, about 2 minutes (about 1 minute for shelled shrimp). With a slotted spoon, transfer shrimp to towels to drain. Repeat to cook remaining shrimp.
4. Drain oil from wok; discard or save for other uses. Set wok over medium heat, add garlic and salt, and stir until pan is hot. Add shrimp; stir until shrimp are coated with garlic mixture and hot, 1/2 to 1 minute.
5. Pour shrimp onto a platter, sprinkle with basil, and serve with ginger dipping sauce. Eat shells, if desired, or peel shrimp.
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