Crispy Shrimps with Garlic Recipe

Most shrimp is frozen at sea right after it is caught. The fish markets then buy it frozen and usually thaw it before selling. Shrimp freezes well, so frozen shrimp is generally the best buy. Of course, if you can find very fresh shrimp that have never been frozen, or better yet live shrimp, the flavor and texture will be a revelation.

When buying frozen shrimp, press on the bag or box. If you hear a crunchy covering of ice crystals, the shrimp has thawed partially and been refrozen. Look for a box or bag without a crunchy sound. It also helps to feel around for areas that are soft or empty, a sign that the box is beginning to thaw or may have been refrozen. When buying thawed shrimp, always smell before you buy. It should smell sweetly of the ocean. A stale ammonia scent indicates that the shrimp has begun to deteriorate. Black spots along the sides of shrimp are another sign that the shrimp is past its prime.

Also avoid shrimp with a pinkish cast, which have been sprayed with a fine mist of hot water for purely cosmetic reasons. Go for the gray shrimp instead, which will turn pink when cooked. Buy unpeeled shrimp whenever possible. The peels help keep the shrimp moist and flavorful. When buying cooked shrimp, make sure that it looks plump, moist, and succulent.

Recipe:

2 stalks scallions (spring onions)
2 red chilies
2 cloves garlic
220 g large shrimps

Seasoning:

1/4 tablespoon chicken seasoning powder
1/3 tablespoon salt
1/2 tablespoon pepper

Method:

Chop the scallions, chilies and garlic. Devein the shrimps, rinse and remove the feelers. Make a slit at the back of the shrimps. Heat 1 cup of oil in a pan, deep-fry the shrimps, remove and drain. Leave 2 tablespoons oil in the pan, stir-fry the scallions, garlic and chilies. Add the shrimps and seasoning and stir well. Serve hot.

Note: To prevent shrimps from becoming too tough, make sure there is adequate oil and that the oil is very hot. The cooking time will be lengthened if the oil is not hot enough, thus causing the shrimps to turn tough.