Shrimp Tempura with Cilantro
Makes 4 servings
FOR THE SHRIMP
16 large shrimp, peeled, cleaned and deveined, with tail intact
1 large or 2 small jalapeno peppers, seeded and minced
4 or 5 sprigs cilantro leaves chopped
2 medium limes, juiced
Salt
METHOD
1.
Arrange the shrimp on a large platter. Sprinkle with the minced
jalapeno and the chopped cilantro. Pour the lime juice over and let
marinate for at least 30 minutes, refrigerated. When ready to cook,
season lightly with salt.
2.
In a small bowl, sift together the flour and baking powder. Whisk in
the water until the batter is smooth (do not overbeat), and then add
the remaining ingredients, seasoning with cayenne and salt to taste.
If made earlier in the day, set the bowl into an ice bath.
3.
At serving time, in your Deep Fryer, heat the oil to 350°. Dip each
shrimp into the batter and coat well. Carefully place no more than 6
shrimp into the oil with the basket already lowered and cook until
golden brown, about 2 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon or a
flat strainer and drain on paper or clean toweling. Keep warm while
preparing the remaining shrimp and the spinach.
FOR THE TEMPURA BATTER
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 1/4 cups water
2 tablespoons sesame seeds
1/2 cup cilantro leaves, chopped fine
1 to 1 1/2 teaspoons cayenne pepper
Salt
Peanut oil, for frying
Fried Spinach Leaves (see recipe on next page)
PRESENTATION
Arrange a few fried spinach leaves on half of each of 4 plates.
Place 4 shrimps on the other half and serve immediately.
Recipe courtesy Wolfgang Puck
Fried Spinach Leaves
4 servings
INGREDIENTS
1 bunch spinach leaves
Peanut oil
Salt
METHOD
1.
In your Deep Fryer, heat the peanut oil to 375°. Clean the spinach
leaves well, trim and dry thoroughly. Fry until crisp and translucent,
about 2 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on clean
toweling. Season with salt to taste and serve immediately,
Note
: As a single leaf garnish, you can substitute the Japanese oba leaf,
which you can purchase in Japanese markets. The procedure is the same
for small or large quantities of spinach. However, if cooking a large
amount of spinach, fry in batches and keep warm in a low oven.
Recipe courtesy Wolfgang Puck
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