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Crystal Shrimp

3.4

(4)

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Crystal ShrimpPornchai Mittongtare

Repeated salting and rinsing give this shrimp a firm texture that's said to be crystal-like. Serve with steamed rice.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    Makes 4 servings

Ingredients

1 pound uncooked medium shrimp, peeled, deveined
2 1/4 teaspoons salt, divided
1 large egg white
1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon cornstarch
1/4 cup low-salt chicken broth
2 tablespoons Shaoxing wine (Chinese rice wine) or dry Sherry
1 teaspoon Asian sesame oil
1/4 teaspoon ground white pepper
4 cups peanut oil or vegetable oil
1/2 cup (1-inch-long pieces) green onions
4 quarter-size slices peeled fresh ginger, crushed with side of heavy large knife
3/4 cup frozen green peas, thawed

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Place shrimp in colander; rinse under cold running water. Drain. Sprinkle 1 teaspoon salt over shrimp; stir 1 minute. Rinse under cold running water again; drain. Repeat with shrimp and 1 teaspoon salt. Rinse and drain well. Transfer shrimp to several layers of paper towels and pat dry. Whisk egg white, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, and remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt in medium bowl; stir until shrimp are coated with batter. Cover and chill at least 1 hour and up to 3 hours.

    Step 2

    Whisk broth, rice wine, sesame oil, white pepper, and remaining 1 teaspoon cornstarch in small bowl; set aside.

    Step 3

    Attach deep-fry thermometer to side of 14-inch-diameter flat-bottomed wok or heavy large deep saucepan. Pour 4 cups oil into wok or saucepan and heat over medium-high heat until thermometer registers 375°F. Using slotted spoon, add shrimp (with batter clinging to surface) in batches of 5 or 6; cook just until shrimp turn pink, stirring and separating any that stick together, about 30 seconds. Using slotted spoon, transfer shrimp to plate. Transfer 1 tablespoon oil from wok to small bowl and reserve. Carefully pour remaining oil from wok into metal bowl (reserve for another use). Wash and dry wok.

    Step 4

    Heat same wok or heavy large skillet over high heat until drop of water evaporates on contact. Add reserved 1 tablespoon oil and swirl. Add green onions and ginger; stir 10 seconds. Add shrimp and peas. Stir in broth mixture; stir-fry until shrimp are just opaque in center and sauce coats shrimp, about 30 seconds. Transfer to bowl and serve.

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