Coconut Shrimp with Crispy Shallot, Basil, and Sesame Sprinkle
These are very hot little firecrackers from the orient. They can be used to add spice to almost any oriental dish. They dry very easily and can be stored and used this way for a long time.
Ingredients:
2 large shallots, thinly sliced crosswise
2 Tbsp. vegetable oil
3/4 cup shredded sweetened coconut (2 oz.)
2 Tbsp. sesame seeds
1 cup chopped basil
3 Tbsp. minced candied ginger
2 red or green chiles with seeds, such as Thai chiles or jalapenos, thinly sliced
1 cup unsweetened coconut milk
1-1/2 pounds shelled and deveined medium shrimp
2 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice
salt and freshly ground pepper
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 450F. On a large rimmed baking sheet, separate the sliced shallot into rings and toss with the oil. Spread the shallots on the baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes, stirring once, until most of the rings are deeply browned. Transfer to a medium bowl.
Meanwhile, in a medium skillet, toast the coconut over moderately high heat, stirring, until lightly browned, about 2 minutes. Transfer to the bowl with the shallots and wipe out the skillet. Add the sesame seeds and toast over moderately high heat, shaking the pan, until golden, about 30 seconds. Transfer to the bowl with the shallots and coconut. Stir in the basil, ginger and chiles.
Add the coconut milk to the skillet and bring to a boil over moderately high heat. Add the shrimp and simmer, stirring, until just cooked through, about 3 minutes. Stir in the lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper. Spoon the shrimp into bowls, top with the shallot and sesame seed sprinkle and serve.
Serve with steamed rice.
Notes:
The shallot, basil and sesame seed sprinkle can also be served over Asian noodles or grilled pork chops or used as a garnish for curries.
Recipe from the June 2003 issue of Food and Wine Magazine.