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Carmen Spillette

Crispy Thai Butterflied Shrimp

5 from 4 votes
This Crispy Thai Butterflied Shrimp is loaded with flavors. With only six ingredients, this crispy goodness is perfect if you need something quick in less than 15 minutes. Definitely, better than takeout.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course: Wok
Cuisine: Wok
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 15 pieces of large prawns peeled, deveined, and butterflied
  • 6 cloves of garlic
  • 6 cilantro stalks cleaned and leaves and stalks removed
  • 2 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon black peppercorn
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • Sauce for dipping: sweet Thai chili sauce

Equipment

Method
 

  1. Step 1: Marinate the Prawns
  2. - Place the peeled, deveined, and butterflied prawns in a large mixing bowl.
  3.  
  4. Step 2: Prepare the garlic cilantro paste
  5. - In a pestle and mortar or a food processor, combine the garlic, cilantro stalks, black peppercorns, and salt.
  6. - Pestle and mortar: smash until it forms a paste. 
  7. - Food processor: Pulse the mixture until it forms a coarse paste.
  8.  
  9. Step 3: Coat the Prawns
  10. - Mix the paste in with the shrimp.
  11. - Sprinkle cornstarch and coat the prawns evenly. 
  12.  
  13. Step 4: Fry the Prawns
  14. - Carefully lower the marinated prawns into the hot oil using a slotted spoon or tongs.
  15. - Fry in batches to avoid overcrowding.
  16. - Fry the prawns for about 3-4 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and crispy.
  17. - Use a slotted spoon to remove the prawns and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
  18.  
  19. Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
  20. - Garnish your Crispy Thai Butterflied Prawns with the cilantro leaves and thai red chili peppers for a fresh and vibrant touch. 
  21. - Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce

Notes

Top Tips

Perfect shrimp: Make sure your prawns are fresh and properly cleaned. Devein and butterfly your shrimp.
Fresh shrimp is the best: Fresh seafood is crucial for achieving the best flavor and texture in your dish.
Crispy crunch: Achieving the perfect crispiness requires proper oil temperature and avoiding overcrowding in the frying pan. Use a thermometer to ensure the oil is at 350°F (175°C), and fry the prawns in batches.

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