Ingredients
Shrimp and Marinade
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon grated ginger
Cooking and Sauce
- 1/3 cup Kewpie mayonnaise
- 2 to 3 teaspoons wasabi (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 egg
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 to 3/4 cup cornstarch (adjust depending on egg size)
- Vegetable oil for shallow frying
- 2 teaspoons chopped cilantro (for garnish)
Instructions
- Marinate the shrimp: In a bowl, combine the peeled and deveined shrimp with Shaoxing wine, salt, white pepper, and grated ginger. Mix well and let it marinate for at least 15 minutes to infuse the flavors.
- Prepare the batter: In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg and baking soda until light and frothy. Gradually add cornstarch, starting with 1/2 cup, mixing until you achieve a smooth batter that lightly coats the shrimp. Adjust the cornstarch quantity up to 3/4 cup as needed, depending on the egg size and desired consistency.
- Coat the shrimp: Dip the marinated shrimp into the batter, ensuring each piece is fully coated with the mixture.
- Shallow fry the shrimp: Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or pan over medium heat to approximately 350°F (175°C). Carefully add the battered shrimp in batches, frying until they turn golden and crispy, about 2 to 3 minutes per side. Remove and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Make wasabi mayo sauce: In a clean bowl, combine Kewpie mayonnaise, wasabi, and lemon juice. Mix until smooth and adjust the wasabi quantity according to your preferred spice level.
- Toss shrimp in sauce: Add the fried shrimp to the wasabi mayo sauce and gently toss to coat each piece evenly.
- Garnish and serve: Transfer the coated shrimp to a serving plate, sprinkle chopped cilantro on top for freshness, and serve immediately while warm and crispy.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of wasabi to suit your spice preference.
- Use Kewpie mayonnaise for its rich flavor, but regular mayonnaise can be substituted if necessary.
- Do not overcrowd the pan while frying to maintain oil temperature and crispiness.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the shrimp at their crispiest texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Japanese