Fantail Shrimp Recipes

FANTAIL SHRIMP

Steps:

• The shrimp should be headless with the shells on, but make sure they are not deveined with the backs cut open. In order to butterfly the shrimp, the back of the shrimp should be intact. It will hold both sides of the butterflied shrimp together. You'll also keep the shrimp tails in place for the final dish.
• Peel the shrimp, only leaving the small segment of shell that connects to the tail. If you like, you can scrape the tails to remove the liquid inside the tails, since we are deep-frying the shrimp.
• Place the shrimp on its side with its underbelly facing you. Holding the shrimp with one hand, use the tip of your knife to split the tail shell.
• Next, use a steady, yet light pressure to push the knife into the shrimp, splitting it evenly down the middle until it just reaches the outer membrane. Be sure to remove any sand tracts and give the shrimp a quick rinse if needed.
• Pat the shrimp dry on both sides and use ¼ teaspoon of salt to lightly salt them (or salt to taste).
• Mix 3/4 cup all purpose flour and the rest of the dry ingredients together in a bowl. Add ice water and vegetable oil. Mix until a batter is formed, and set aside for 5 minutes.
• In a small saucepan over medium heat, add 1 teaspoon oil and add the ketchup. Fry for 30 seconds on low heat until it just begins to caramelize, and stir in white vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, white pepper, and the cornstarch mixture.
• Continue to stir the sauce until it is simmering. Once it is thick enough to coat a spoon, remove to a serving bowl and set aside.
• Heat 3-4 cups of oil in a small pot to 325 degrees F (the oil level should be about halfway up the pot).
• Place ¼ cup of all-purpose flour on a small plate, and lightly dredge the shrimp, shaking off any excess. Dip the shrimp into the batter, and let any excess batter drip off. You can use your own discretion here on how much batter to use. Some like a light batter and some like it heavier.
• Carefully place the shrimp into the hot oil. Let the shrimp fry on one side and after 1 minute, turn the shrimp over. Once the shrimp is golden brown on all sides, transfer to a plate lined with paper towel to drain. Serve!

BEST EVER BATTER-FRIED SHRIMP

Steps:

• Preheat oil to 350 degrees. Combine ½ cup oil and egg; beat well. Add remaining ingredients except oil for frying and stir until well blended.
• Dip shrimp into batter to coat. Drop shrimp into hot oil and fry for 30-60 seconds or until golden brown. Remove with slotted spoon; drain on paper towel.

FRIED BUTTERFLIED SHRIMP

Steps:

• Preheat deep fryer or skillet with oil to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
• In a large bowl, pour in water and mix in cornstarch and eggs.
• Dip the shrimp into the mixture allowing them to be completely coated. Then roll the shrimp in the breadcrumbs. Coat the shrimp well with the breadcrumbs. Mix up the cornstarch batter again. Dip the breadcrumbs coated shrimp back into the cornstarch batter. Roll the shrimp in the breadcrumbs for a second time. Repeat for each shrimp.
• Drop shrimp, one at a time, into the hot oil and cook shrimp until they are golden brown.

SHRIMP WITH GARLIC AND BASIL OIL

Steps:

• Cut the shrimp in half lengthwise. Mince the garlic. Shred the basil leaves. Toss together with the shrimp halves and the olive oil in a glass bowl. Cover and let sit in the fridge for about 1 hour. Remove 30 minutes before cooking.
• Heat the oven to broil. Spread the shrimp over a baking sheet, dribbling over any basil oil that stays behind in the bowl. Broil 5 minutes until the flesh is cooked. Serve immediately.

FANTAIL SHRIMP

Steps:

• Rinse, dry, shell, and devein the shrimp if necessary, but leave the tails on. Split the shrimp along the inner curve, but do not cut all the way through. Spread each shrimp out flat and tap with the broad of a cleaver or knife. (Cutting along the inner curve prevents the shrimp from curling out of shape during the cooking.)
• Make the marinade by combining in a bowl the ginger, garlic, and oil. Season shrimp with the marinade, cover and chill 30 minutes.
• Make the batter by measuring out the dry ingredients into a mixing bowl and then adding the liquid ones, singly and little by little, stirring until the mixture is a smooth, thick batter. Fold in the sesame seeds last. Place the batter by the shrimp near the stove.
• Heat the wok or heavy, deep pot; then add and heat the oil until a drop of batter foams instantly, about 375 degrees F. Lower the heat a little. Then hold 1 shrimp by its tail and dip it into the batter to coat evenly; slip it into the hot oil. Repeat rapidly with the rest of the shrimp and deep-fry them for 3 minutes. Turn the shrimp constantly, with a gentle motion, after they're all in the oil. When they are golden brown, remove them with chopsticks, a skimmer, or a slotted spoon to paper towels to drain.
• Arrange the shrimp on a serving platter and sprinkle a little roasted salt-pepper on top. The shrimp may be done 10 to 15 minutes in advance and kept hot and crisp in a 200 degree F oven. Or decrease the frying time by 30 to 45 seconds; then drain on paper towels. When ready to serve, refry until brown and crisp, about 30 seconds.