Spicy Thai Basil Lime Jumbo Shrimp Vietnamese Salad Recipes

SPICY THAI BASIL GRILLED SHRIMP WITH SOUR MANGO SALAD

Steps:

• Using a paring knife, cut through the back shell of each shrimp. Remove the dark vein by running your forefinger between the shell and the flesh of each shrimp, keeping the shell intact. Reserve shrimp in a re-sealable gallon plastic bag.
• In a medium bowl, whisk together the lime juice and sugar until the sugar is completely dissolved, then add the fish sauce. Add the garlic, chile, Thai basil, and 1 tablespoon oil. Stir well and pour over the reserved shrimp in the plastic bag. Seal the bag, squeezing out the air. Massage the bag to make sure that all of the shrimp are covered and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
• Heat a grill pan over high heat. Oil the grill pan with remaining oil. Grill the shrimp, turning once to prevent burning, until evenly pink and golden on both sides, 2 to 3 minutes. Serve shrimp on large plate over Sour Mango Salad.
• Mix the mangos, carrots, and chiles in a large bowl.
• For the dressing: in a medium bowl, whisk together the lime, fish sauce, and sugar until the sugar is completely dissolved. Add the dressing to the bowl and toss together. Let stand 20 minutes. Drain and serve at room temperature or lightly chilled.

PLA GOONG (SPICY THAI SHRIMP SALAD)

Steps:

• Bring a pot of 3 quarts of water to a boil. (I like to salt the water like pasta water; Kanittanon does not add salt.)
• In a large bowl, combine the lime juice, fish sauce, sugar, nam prik pao and chopped chiles. Taste, and adjust with any of the ingredients, including salt. The sauce's flavor should be led by sourness and savoriness, but with a good balance of sweetness and heat.
• Cook the shrimp in the water until it just turns opaque, medium or medium-rare, about 1 minute. For better flavor, cook the shrimp with heads or shells on; peel when just cooled enough to handle.
• Add the shrimp to the sauce while still warm and toss; the lime will continue to "cook" the shrimp like a ceviche. Add the lemongrass, shallot, cilantro, mint leaves and makrut lime leaves, reserving a little of each herb for garnish. Toss, and place on a dish; scatter the reserved herbs on top. Serve immediately with hot rice.

SPICY THAI BASIL & LIME JUMBO SHRIMP VIETNAMESE SALAD

Steps:

• Prepare the shrimp:.
• In a large bowl, whisk together the fish sauce, lime or lemon juice, and sugar until the sugar is completely dissolved. Add the oil, garlic, basil and chili. If you wish, pour the marinade into a blender and pulse until smooth.
• Place the shrimp and marinade into a resealable gallon plastic bag. Squeeze out the air; and seal the bag. Hold onto the two ends, shake the bag to coat the pieces evenly. Refrigerate for 4 hours, turning the bag every 30 minutes or so to redistribute the marinade.
• Put the rice vermicelli into a large bowl with water to cover. Let soak until pliable, about 30 minutes. In a large pot of boinling water, cook the vermicelli for no more than 5 seconds. Drain and rinse under cold running water. Transfer to a dish, cover with plastic wrap and wet aside.
• In a small sauce pan, heat the oil over medium heat. Fry the scallions until fragrant and lightly golden, about 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and let cool. Toss the rice vermicelli with the scallion oil ( including the scallions) and transfer to a serving platter.
• On a serving platter, arrange, in individual piles the carrots, lettuce leaves, carambolas ( if using), cucmber and mint sprigs. Put the peanuts in a separte bowl.
• Cook the shrimp:.
• Just before you are ready to serve, prepare a hot fire in a charcoal grill or preheat a gas grill to high (500F). Remove the shrimp from the marinade and discard the marinade. Grill the shrimp, turning them frequently to prevent burning, for 2 to 3 minutes, until evenly pink and golden on both sides.
• To Serve:.
• Instruct your guests to take some vericelli, carrots, cucumbers, carambolas, lettus leaves (freshly torn), mint leaves (pinching off the sems and freshly torn), and toss in their individual dishes ( a large soup bowl or deep plate is best) until the ingredients are evenly distributed. Place the grilled shrimp on top, sprinkle with peanuts and drizzle with the nauc cham. Serves 6 to 8.
• Wine Recommendations: Gewurztraminer, Pinot Gris, or chilled Morgon from Beaujoliais.