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Phuket Tamarind Crunch

Phuket Tamarind Crunch is a delectable Thai-inspired dish offering a delightful balance of sweet, sour, and spicy flavors with crunchy textures, perfect for a unique appetizer or a light meal.

Difficulty
Difficulty
Medium
Prep Time
Prep Time
30 min
Cost
Cost
Medium
Calories
350
Protein
25g
Sugar
8g
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Phuket Tamarind Crunch

Introduction to Phuket Tamarind Crunch

The Phuket Tamarind Crunch is a delightful dish that brings together the unique flavors of Thai cuisine. Hailing from the coastal province of Phuket, known for its vibrant street food and tropical delicacies, this dish is both a local favorite and a symbol of the region’s culinary diversity. The sweet and tangy taste of tamarind combined with crunchy textures and piquant spices gives it a distinctive character that is loved by both locals and tourists. Historically, Phuket was an important trading port, influencing its culinary landscape with a fusion of Peranakan, Chinese, and Malay flavors.

Ingredients

Preparation

Step 1: Marinating the Shrimp

Begin by marinating the shrimp in a bowl with 1 tablespoon of tamarind paste, 1 tablespoon of fish sauce, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Allow it to sit for at least 20 minutes to absorb all the rich flavors.

Step 2: Preparing the Tamarind Sauce

In a separate bowl, combine the remaining tamarind paste, palm sugar, and fish sauce. Adjust the sweetness by adding more palm sugar if necessary. Add the chopped Thai chili for a spicy kick and finish with a squeeze of lime.

Step 3: Coating and Frying

Heat vegetable oil in a deep frying pan. While waiting for the oil to heat, coat each piece of marinated shrimp with rice flour, ensuring an even layer for a crisp texture. Fry the coated shrimp until they turn golden brown and crispy, then drain on paper towels to remove excess oil. Refer to this cooking timer for precise frying times.

Final Assembly

Place the crispy shrimp in a large serving dish. Drizzle the tangy tamarind sauce over them, making sure each piece is covered. Sprinkle the crushed peanuts generously and garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves for a fresh, herbal note.

How to Enjoy

The Phuket Tamarind Crunch is best enjoyed as an appetizer or a light meal. Pair it with a cold Singha beer or a glass of chilled white wine to enhance its flavors. Serve it alongside sticky rice or a fresh papaya salad to complete the Thai dining experience.

This dish encapsulates the heart of Phuket's street food scene, its vibrant flavors, and its rich culinary history, making it a must-try for anyone exploring South-East Asian cuisine.

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