Firecracker Shrimp

December 20: National Fried Shrimp Day

With just a few days away from the new year (and only a couple of months until the Asian lunar new year), we are already in the mood to celebrate! The timing of National Fried Shrimp Day is another reason to cook festive Firecracker Shrimp. This auspicious appetizer makes a great yang alternative and brings balance to a holiday spread filled with a yin of Christmas cookies and confections.

Noisemakers and fireworks on New Year’s Eve are believed to scare away any evil spirits and bring good luck. Firecracker Shrimp is the perfect combination of crunchy (noisemaker) and spicy (firework) finger food to serve while celebrating on New Year’s Eve and National Fried Shrimp Day!

Recipe

(Adapted from New Asian Cuisine)

Ingredients

• spring roll wrappers
• ¼ cup water
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• shrimp (uncooked)
• salt and pepper to taste
• ¼ cup sweet chili sauce

Directions

Defrost the spring roll wrappers, cut the stack diagonally with a sharp knife, separate the sheets, place in a container and cover with a damp cloth until ready to use. Meanwhile, mix the water and cornstarch together and set aside to use for sealing the wrapped shrimp.

Shell and devein the shrimp (optional: leave the tail on). Straighten out the shrimp by slitting the inside curve in a few places but not cutting all the way through. Lay out the shrimp to dry on paper towels. Marinate in the sweet chili sauce for 10 minutes at room temperature.

Season the shrimp with salt and pepper. Wrap each shrimp by placing it on the left side of a spring roll wrapper with the triangular point facing up. Fold the wrapper inward then bring the triangular point down. Roll tightly to the right as shown in the photos below. Seal with the cornstarch mixture.

Place the wrapped shrimp on a baking sheet lined with wax paper. Freeze until firm. Transfer to a plastic freezer bag until ready to cook. Deep fry until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels. Serve with sweet chili sauce as a dip.

Notes

• Although shrimp is sometimes considered a yin food, the deep-fried cooking method gives it a yang quality.  For a brief introduction and list of the chi nature of foods and their roots in Chinese and Asian holistic medicine, click here and here.
• Search our blog for posts on other shrimp recipes.