Firecracker Shrimp w/Blue Cheese Dressing

By JenniferTyler

Ingredients

• 1/3 cup mayonnaise
• 1/3 cup sour cream
• 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped dill
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/4 pound Maytag blue cheese
• Salt
• Pepper
• SHRIMP
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup buttermilk
• 1 3/4 pounds shelled and deveined large shrimp, tails intact
• Vegetable oil, for frying
• 1 cup cornstarch
• Salt
• 1/4 cup Crystal hot sauce
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• Celery sticks, for serving

Details

Preparation time 55mins
Cooking time 90mins
Adapted from foodandwine.com

Preparation

Step 1

MAKE THE DRESSING In a food processor, combine everything except the salt and pepper and puree until nearly smooth. Scrape into a medium bowl and season with salt and pepper.

MAKE THE SHRIMP In a large bowl, beat the egg with the buttermilk. Add the shrimp and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour.

MAKE THE SHRIMP In a large saucepan, heat 1 1/2 inches of vegetable oil to 375°. Line a large baking sheet with paper towels. Spread the cornstarch in a shallow bowl. In three batches, remove the shrimp from the buttermilk mixture, allowing the excess to drip off, and dredge in the cornstarch. Add the shrimp to the hot oil and fry over high heat, turning occasionally, until golden and just cooked through, about 4 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the shrimp to the baking sheet and season with salt.

MAKE THE SHRIMP In a large bowl, whisk the hot sauce with the melted butter. Add the fried shrimp and toss well. Transfer to a serving platter and serve right away with the blue cheese dressing and celery sticks.