Dry-Fried River Shrimp 干煸河虾 （gàn biān hé xiā）
Comprehensive rating:
| PREP TIME | COOK TIME | VARIETY | MOUTHFEEL | LEVEL |
| 15 min | 25 min | 10 | Crunchy | Moderate |
| River Shrimp | 500g |
| Celery | 50g |
| Onion | 50g |
| Starch | 20g |
| Salt | 3g |
| Sugar | 1g |
| Peanut Rice | 20g |
| Dried chilli | 20g |
| Cumin powder | 3g |
| White sesame seed | 3g |
Steps:
1.First, prepare some fresh small river shrimps and thoroughly clean them to ensure the hygiene of the ingredients. Place the cleaned river shrimps in a bowl for later use. Next, prepare the celery by cutting it into appropriate segments for easier cooking and consumption. Similarly, dice the onions to enhance the texture and flavor of the dish. Place the chopped celery and onions in another bowl for later use. Then, remove the outer skin of the peanuts to better showcase their texture and aroma. Once peeled, place the peanuts in a third bowl for later use. Also, prepare some dried chillies. Make sure to wash the dried chillies thoroughly to remove any dust or impurities, then place them separately in a fourth bowl for later use.
2.Prepare an adequate amount of starch and evenly sprinkle it over the dried chillies. Next, gently stir the dried chillies and starch together, ensuring that each piece of dried chilli is coated with starch. Be careful not to over-stir, as it may damage the shape of the dried chillies. Stop stirring once you feel that the dried chillies are evenly coated with starch. At this point, the starch will form a thin outer layer, providing extra texture and crispiness to the dried chillies.
3.Prepare an adequate amount of starch and sprinkle it evenly over the river shrimps. Next, gently stir the starch and shrimps together, ensuring that each shrimp is coated with starch. Be careful not to over-stir, as it may damage the shape of the shrimps. Stop stirring once you feel that the shrimps are evenly coated with starch. At this point, the starch will form a thin outer layer, making the shrimps crispier and more delicious during frying.
4.Heat oil in a pan and adjust the heat to medium-low, allowing the oil temperature to reach about 70% hot. Make sure the oil temperature is moderate, not too hot to avoid burning the coating. Carefully place the starch-coated shrimps into the pan, spreading them out as much as possible to prevent them from sticking together. Once the shrimps are in the pan, refrain from touching them for about 30 seconds to allow them to set. After 30 seconds, gently stir the shrimps to ensure even heating. This will ensure that the shrimps fry evenly and achieve a better texture. Continue frying the shrimps for about 1 minute until they turn golden brown and crispy. Remove the fried shrimps and drain excess oil using a sieve or slotted spoon.
5.Carefully place the previously fried shrimps back into the pan for a second round of frying to make them even crispier. Fry the shrimps over medium-low heat for about 40 seconds until they turn golden brown and crispy. Gently place the starch-coated dried chillies into the pan. Keep the heat at medium-low and quickly fry the dried chillies for about 10 seconds to maintain their crisp texture. Then, use a sieve or slotted spoon to remove the fried shrimps and dried chillies, draining excess oil, and set them aside.
6.Heat oil in the pan again and add the prepared celery and onions. Add the fried shrimps and dried chillies and stir-fry them together. Then, sprinkle a little salt, white sugar, cumin powder, and some white sesame seeds into the pan. Add the prepared peanuts and quickly stir-fry everything together until well mixed.
7.Once all the ingredients are evenly stir-fried, transfer them to a serving plate and get ready to enjoy this delicious dish. The dish is rich in color and filled with irresistible aroma that will make your mouth water.
Tips:
1.When frying the small river shrimps, it is important to avoid using excessively high heat as it may cause the outer layer to burn or become too crispy too quickly. Use medium-low heat and wait for the oil temperature to reach a moderate 70% hot before adding the shrimps to the pan.
2.Place the starch-coated small river shrimps into the pan, ensuring they are spread out as much as possible to prevent them from sticking together. This will ensure that each shrimp is evenly heated and fried to a crispy texture.
Dry-Fried River Shrimp is a delicacy with a petite and attractive appearance, featuring a crispy shell and tender shrimp meat. The dry-frying process enhances the crispiness of the dish. Not only does it have a unique texture, but it also boasts vibrant and enticing colors that bring joy and pleasure. As you savor this dish, the crispy texture and mild spiciness unfold in your mouth, allowing you to appreciate the effort put into its preparation and the charm of the culinary art. This dish provides not only a delightful dining experience but also a taste of life’s beauty.