Shrimp in tamarind sauce

4 servings

Ingredients

QuantityIngredient
1poundsShrimp, fresh
1teaspoonSesame oil
Salt; pinch
1tablespoonSugar
2tablespoonsGinger, fresh; minced
2Shallot; chopped
Coriander leaves; for garnis
2teaspoonsCornstarch
¼cupTamarind liquid *
2tablespoonsFish sauce
1tablespoonLemon juice
2Thai chile; finely chopped
cupOil

Directions

* To make tamarind liquid, pour ½ cup boiling water over five or six fresh peeled tamarind pods, and let sit for 30 minutes. Then pour through a strainer into a bowl, pressing as much of the pulp through as possible. Shell the shrimp. Cut them in half lengthwise, toss them in corn- starch and sesame oil and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Combine the tamarind liquid, salt, fish sauce, sugar, and lemon juice and set aside. Combine ginger, chili peppers, and shallots, and set aside. Heat the oil in a skillet or wok until hot but not smoking. Add the shrimp and stir quickly to separate them.

Remove the shrimp when just pink and drain in a colander. Remove all but two tablespoons of oil from the skillet, heat the remaining oil over high heat and add the ginger/chile combination. Stir until fragrant, then add the tamarind sauce. When boiling hot, add the shrimp and stir over high heat for a minute or so, until the sauce is reduced. Serve garnished with coriander leaves.