Indulge your senses in the vibrant flavors of this crispy fried shrimp with a tangy tamarind sauce recipe. This dish offers a perfect balance of sweet, sour, and savory, creating an explosion of taste in every bite. Imagine succulent, golden-brown shrimp, perfectly crisp on the outside and tender within, generously coated in a rich, complex sauce that tantalizes the taste buds. The combination of the crunchy shrimp and the subtly sweet and sour tamarind sauce is a culinary masterpiece that's surprisingly easy to recreate at home.
This irresistible recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, you'll find this recipe straightforward and enjoyable to follow. Ready to create this delicious dish? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions to guide you through the process of making your own unforgettable crispy fried shrimp with tamarind sauce.
Tools Needed
- Food Scissors
- Mortar and Pestle
- Large Frying Pan
- Plate
Ingredients
- Fresh Shrimp: 1/2 kg
- Garlic
- Coriander Root
- Shallots
- Chili
- Salt
- Fish Sauce
- Palm Sugar
- Tamarind Juice
- Cooking Oil
- Water
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Shrimp and Aromatics
- Drain the water. Cut off the shrimp heads using scissors. Remove the stomach and black veins. You can choose to leave the shell on or off.
- Pound garlic and coriander root. Thinly slice shallots and chili.
Step 2. Fry the Shrimp and Aromatics
- Heat oil in a pan. Add sliced shallots and a pinch of salt. Fry until golden brown and crispy. Drain and set aside.
- Add oil (from frying shallots) to the pan. Add chili. Fry until fragrant and crispy. Drain and set aside.
- Heat a large pan with plenty of oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully add shrimp and fry until golden brown and crispy, ensuring the shrimp meat is cooked through.
Step 3. Make the Tamarind Sauce
- Heat the same pan over medium-low heat. Add the fried garlic and coriander roots and fry until fragrant. Add fish sauce, palm sugar, and tamarind juice. Stir well and gradually add water to adjust the consistency. Simmer until the sauce thickens and tastes sour, sweet, and salty.
Step 4. Combine and Serve
- Add the fried shrimp to the sauce and mix well. Garnish with fried shallots and chili. Serve hot.
Read more: Crispy Garlic Green Beans: A Mom's Recipe
Tips
- Leaving the shell on the shrimp during frying adds extra flavor and crispiness.
- Use high heat to fry the shrimp quickly to ensure a crispy shell and tender meat.
- Add tamarind juice gradually to control the sourness of the sauce.
- Adjust the consistency of the sauce by adding water as needed.
Nutrition
- Calories: approximately 600-700
- Fat: 35-45g
- Carbs: 30-40g
- Protein: 30-35g
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, just be sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before breading and frying to ensure they crisp up properly.
2. What can I substitute for tamarind paste?
You can try using lime juice mixed with a little brown sugar and a pinch of salt for a similar tangy-sweet flavor, but the tamarind paste provides a unique depth of flavor.
3. How do I prevent the shrimp from becoming rubbery?
Don't overcook the shrimp! Fry them until they turn pink and opaque, and avoid overcrowding the pan, which can lower the oil temperature and lead to overcooking.
This Crispy Fried Shrimp with Tamarind Sauce recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, offering a delightful balance of textures and flavors that will leave everyone wanting more. From the satisfying crunch of the shrimp to the tangy sweetness of the sauce, this dish is a perfect blend of comfort food and culinary excitement. So gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and prepare to be amazed by the delicious results!