Fried Shrimp Dates
A classic Chaoshan snack with a crispy exterior and tender, springy interior. The perfect marriage of shrimp and pork, fried until golden, it's utterly irresistible.
Ingredients
10 items- Shrimp 300 g
- Ground pork 100 g
- Water chestnuts 3
- Scallion 1 stalk
- Egg 1
- All-purpose flour 2 tbsp
- Salt 1 tsp
- White pepper ½ tsp
- Sesame oil 1 tsp
- Cooking oil as needed
Nutrition
Steps （7 steps）
Use the back of a knife to lightly pound shrimp, then mince into a fine paste. Transfer to a bowl. Add ground pork, chopped water chestnuts, scallion, egg white, flour, salt, white pepper, and sesame oil. Stir vigorously in one direction until the mixture becomes sticky and bouncy, about 3-4 minutes.
Pick up the shrimp mixture and slap it against the bowl repeatedly to develop elasticity. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Remove the mixture from the fridge. Lightly oil your hands. Take about 20 g of mixture and shape into an oval date-like form. Place on a plate. Repeat with remaining mixture.
Pour enough oil into a wok or pot for deep frying. Heat over medium heat until it reaches about 160°C (320°F). To test, insert a chopstick; if bubbles rise steadily, it's ready.
Gently slide the shrimp dates into the oil. Fry over medium-low heat for 3-4 minutes until they turn light golden and are cooked through. Remove and drain on a rack or paper towels.
Increase heat to high and bring oil to 180°C (350°F). Return the shrimp dates to the oil and fry for about 30 seconds until deep golden and crispy. Remove and drain.
Place the fried shrimp dates on paper towels to absorb excess oil. Arrange on a serving plate. Serve with sweet chili sauce or salt and pepper dip.
Tips
Pounding the shrimp with the knife back makes mincing easier. Always stir the mixture in one direction to achieve a bouncy texture. The second fry at higher temperature is crucial for crispiness and should not be skipped. Do not overheat the oil during initial frying or the outside will burn before the inside is cooked.
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