Description
A mountain bounty where small river shrimp (Xi Xia) caught in Taiwan's clear streams are bare-fried whole crispy, tossed with garlic, scallions, and pepper salt.
Restaurants serving Deep-fried River Shrimp
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We are researching restaurants that serve this dish.
On this site you can check dictionary details and, later, places to buy or eat related items.
The Recipe section below is a general reference, not a recipe from the listed shops.
Recipe
Ingredients
- River shrimp(Xi Xia)
- Garlic
- Scallions
- Red chili
- Pepper salt(Jiao Yan Fen)
Instructions
- [Authentic Recipe]
- Wash fresh 'Xi Xia (small river shrimp)' caught in clear streams of Taiwan's mountain areas (Wulai or indigenous villages), wipe moisture completely.
- Without batter (or extremely thin potato starch), dump instantly into 180°C+ hot oil.
- Bare-fry for dozens of seconds to
- min until shrimp shells turn bright red and even the whiskers become 'ultra-crunchy'.
- Drain oil, toss shrimp into another pan where minced garlic, scallions, and red chilies are sautéed.
- Sprinkle massive special 'Jiao Yan Fen (pepper salt and five-spice)', toss violently a few times to coat with spices to finish.
Learn more Spice, substitutes, tips
Key spices
White pepper、Five-spice、and Garlic punch
Substitutes at Japanese supermarkets
Japanese river shrimp or freshwater prawn
Pairing
High ABV indigenous Millet Wine or Beer
Trivia
[For Everyone] Taiwan is rich in seafood, but in the mountains, this 'Xi Xia (River shrimp)' takes the spotlight. The shells are slightly firmer than small sea shrimp (like Sakura shrimp); chewing spreads the unique sweetness and wildness of river shrimp. A massive staple always ordered at indigenous cuisine restaurants.
Eating tips & etiquette
[Unique Eating] Without fearing the whiskers poking your mouth, toss several into your mouth at once, crunching them shells and all to make the ultimate beer snack!
Allergen
Shrimp