Ice-cold ginger ale is just one of the secrets to chef Kevin Rathbun’s Asian-inspired shrimp appetizer. The woody and fragrant kaffir lime leaf is another and can be found in the freezer section of Asian or Thai grocery stores. Rathbun’s restaurant in Atlanta also serves this dish with chicken or tofu in place of the shrimp.
Recipe information
Yield
Makes 4 to 6 servings
Ingredients
FOR CURRY SAUCE
FOR KAFFIR LIME BATTER
FOR SHRIMP
Preparation
MAKE CURRY SAUCE
Step 1
Combine all the ingredients for the sauce in a heavy medium saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, whisking to blend. Reduce the heat to medium and simmer 1 minute. Remove from heat. Cover and let sauce stand at room temperature 10 minutes for flavors to blend. Strain. Season sauce to taste with salt and pepper.
MAKE KAFFIR LIME BATTER
Step 2
Using on/off turns, mix the flour, cornstarch, lime leaves, curry paste, sugar, and salt in a food processor until blended. Transfer the mixture to a medium metal bowl. Gradually whisk in 3/4 cup of ginger ale.
MAKE SHRIMP
Step 3
Add enough oil to a heavy large saucepan to measure 1 1/2inches deep. Attach a deep-fry thermometer to the side of the pan (do not allow tip to touch bottom of pan). Heat the oil to 370°F to 380°F.
Step 4
Place the cornstarch in a shallow bowl. Place the coconut in a medium bowl. Lightly dredge the shrimp in the cornstarch, shaking off excess. Working in batches, dip the shrimp in batter to coat lightly, allowing excess batter to drip off, then dredge shrimp in the coconut. Fry the shrimp until cooked through and coconut is golden, about 2 minutes. Transfer to paper towels to drain.
Step 5
Divide the warm curry sauce among six plates. Stand 3 shrimp back-to-back on each plate. Garnish with cilantro sprigs and lime leaves and serve.
