Shrimp Cakes With Cactus Strips In Guajillo Sauce Recipes

CHEF JOHN'S SPICY SHRIMP CAKES

Steps:

• Place shrimp, garlic, cilantro, chili paste, brown sugar, salt, fish sauce, turmeric, and cayenne pepper into the bowl of a food processor. Pulse on and off until mixture begins to break down. Scrape down the sides. Continue processing until mixture is very smooth but not pureed and moves around the bowl as a mass. Transfer to a bowl. Cover with plastic wrap; press wrap against the surface of the shrimp paste. Refrigerate until mixture is chilled, 1 to 2 hours.
• Place panko crumbs on a plate. Scoop out equal size portions of shrimp and roll them around on the crumbs to coat. Shape into thin patties. Do this in batches.
• Heat oil in skillet over medium-high heat. When oil is hot, cook cakes in batches. Fry until golden brown and cakes spring back to the touch, about 2 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.

GUAJILLO SHRIMP

Steps:

• Defrost (if needed), peel and devein shrimp, set aside on paper towels.
• Pour olive oil in a large preheated non-stick skillet on medium-high heat.
• Add garlic, shallot, onion, bell pepper, bay leaf, peas, Guajillo chili, allspice, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
• Cook until onions and bell pepper just begin to brown.
• Add shrimp.
• Stir and cook only until they are pinkish and opaque.
• Remove from heat and stir in saffron and cayenne pepper to taste.
• Note: Guajillo are medium-hot chilies; the cayenne pepper adds heat so add as much or a little as you like.
• Taste and add more salt if needed.
• Garnish with cilantro and green onions.
• Serve over steamed long grain or jasmine rice.

VIETNAMESE-STYLE CRISPY SHRIMP CAKES

Steps:

• In the bowl of a food processor, combine shrimp, cornstarch, lemon grass, garlic, chiles, white and light green scallion bottoms, 2 teaspoons sugar and salt. Pulse until mixture forms a coarse paste.
• In a small bowl, whisk together fish sauce, lime zest and juice, 1 tablespoon sugar and the dark green scallion tops.
• Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Wet hands to keep shrimp paste from sticking. Form 2 tablespoons of shrimp mixture into a 1/2-inch-thick patty. Dust patty with cornstarch. Repeat with remaining batter. Fry patties in batches until golden brown, 2 to 3 minutes per side. Serve over rice noodles, if desired, drizzled with fish sauce mixture and strewn with cilantro.