Spicy Minced Shrimp With Rice Noodles

Spicy Minced Shrimp With Rice Noodles

This is an easy dish to make, but the method is a bit unusual. First, you make what is essentially a flavorful sausage-like mixture of chopped shrimp (which could also be used as a won ton filling), then stir-fry the mixture over high heat until it crumbles, releasing its flavor into the pan. To make it a simple, satisfying meal, this stir-fry is tossed with cooked rice noodles. If you can find it, dried shrimp, available in most Asian or Latin American grocers, add depth: Keep an eye out for some from Louisiana, made with wild shrimp.
  • Total:
  • Serves: 4 persons

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1

    Soak noodles in a large bowl of lukewarm water. Leave until softened but still firm, about 15 minutes. Drain and rinse well with cold water. Set aside. (Alternately, boil noodles for 2 or 3 minutes, then drain and rinse well with cold water.)
  2. Step 2

    Meanwhile, peel shrimp and make the seasoned shrimp mixture: With a large knife, cut the shrimp crosswise into rough 1/4- to 1/2-inch slices. In a large bowl, combine shrimp, chopped chiles, dried shrimp (if using), rice vinegar, soy sauce, 2 teaspoons sesame oil, mirin, garlic, ginger, salt and scallions. Mix well to distribute ingredients throughout. Refrigerate for at least 20 minutes (or, preferably, up to 24 hours).
  3. Step 3

    Put coconut oil in a large wok or wide cast-iron skillet over high heat. When oil looks wavy, add shrimp-sausage mixture, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until it looks crumbly. Stir-fry until pieces are lightly browned, about 3 or 4 minutes.
  4. Step 4

    Add noodles to pan and toss briefly, just to heat through. Drizzle with 1 teaspoon sesame oil. Taste and add a little more salt if necessary. Transfer to bowls and garnish with basil leaves, cilantro sprigs, chopped peanuts and lime wedges, if using.