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
- Tamarind paste - 3 tablespoons
- Fish sauce - 2 tablespoons
- Palm sugar - 2 tablespoons
- Rice flour - 1 cup
- Shrimp, peeled and deveined - 200 grams
- Peanuts, roasted and crushed - 1/2 cup
- Thai chili, finely chopped - 2 pieces
- Lime - 1, sliced
- Fresh coriander, chopped - 1/4 cup
- Vegetable oil - for frying
- Salt and pepper to taste
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.