Southern Thai-Style Fried Giant Prawns

By stancec44

Ingredients

• 1 tknob (about 1/2 oz.) fresh (or frozen) turmeric, peeled, cut into rounds (about 1 Tbsp.
• 4 tlarge garlic cloves, crushed
• 1 lemongrass stalk, trimmed, tough outer leaves removed, bottom 4' thinly sliced (about 2 Tbsp.)
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt plus more for seasoning
• 1 pound uncooked giant prawns or colossal shrimp, peeled keeping tails intact, deveined
• Palm or vegetable oil
• Coconut Rice (recipe in Veggies)

Preparation

Step 1

Smash turmeric, garlic, lemongrass, and 1 tsp. salt in a mortar with a pestle until a rough paste forms, 3–4 minutes.

Combine prawns and turmeric mixture in a medium bowl. Stir well, rubbing mixture into prawns. Let marinate at room temperature for 30 minutes, turning occasionally.

Pour oil into a wok or a large nonstick skillet to a depth of 1/2". Heat oil over medium heat until deep-fry thermometer registers 300°. Season prawns with salt; add to wok. Fry, turning occasionally, until cooked through and lightly golden, 4–6 minutes.

Using a slotted spoon, transfer shrimp to a platter. Skim crispy bits from oil and spoon over prawns. Serve with Coconut Rice.