Introduction:
Welcome to an exquisite culinary experience inspired by the vibrant flavors of Thailand. In this restaurant-style recipe, we unveil the secrets of Kerabu Udang, a regal Thai shrimp salad that dazzles the palate with its harmonious blend of fresh ingredients, aromatic herbs, and bold spices. Embark on a journey through the lush landscapes and bustling markets of Thailand as we explore the intricate artistry behind this iconic dish.
Kerabu Udang epitomizes the elegance and sophistication of Thai cuisine, where each ingredient is carefully selected to create a symphony of flavors and textures. From succulent shrimp to crisp vegetables and fragrant herbs, every element of this dish is a celebration of Thailand’s rich culinary heritage. Join us as we unravel the nuances of Kerabu Udang, guiding you through each step of its creation with grace and finesse.
Ingredients:
To begin our culinary odyssey, let us gather the following ingredients for Kerabu Udang:
For the Shrimp:
- 500g fresh large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons of cooking oil
For the Salad:
- 1 large cucumber, julienned
- 1 large carrot, julienned
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup of bean sprouts
- 1 cup of fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
- 1 cup of fresh mint leaves, chopped
- 1 cup of fresh Thai basil leaves, torn
For the Dressing:
- 4 tablespoons of fish sauce
- 4 tablespoons of lime juice
- 2 tablespoons of palm sugar or brown sugar
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 bird’s eye chilies, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon of toasted rice powder
Preparation:
Before we embark on the culinary journey of preparing Kerabu Udang, let us take a moment to prepare our ingredients with care and attention to detail.
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Prepare the Shrimp:
- Rinse the fresh shrimp under cold running water to remove any impurities.
- Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper.
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Julienne the Vegetables:
- Using a sharp knife or mandoline slicer, julienne the cucumber, carrot, and bell peppers into thin strips.
- Thinly slice the red onion and halve the cherry tomatoes.
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Prepare the Dressing:
- In a small bowl, combine the fish sauce, lime juice, palm sugar, minced garlic, and sliced bird’s eye chilies.
- Stir the ingredients together until the sugar is dissolved and the flavors are well combined.
- Set aside the toasted rice powder for later use.
Cooking Process:
Now that our ingredients are prepped and ready, let us embark on the culinary journey of creating Kerabu Udang, where each step brings us closer to the vibrant flavors of Thailand.
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Cook the Shrimp:
- In a large skillet or wok, heat the cooking oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they turn pink and opaque.
- Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside to cool.
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Assemble the Salad:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the julienned cucumber, carrot, and bell peppers.
- Add the sliced red onion, halved cherry tomatoes, bean sprouts, chopped cilantro, mint, and torn Thai basil leaves to the bowl.
- Gently toss the ingredients together until they are evenly distributed throughout the salad.
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Prepare the Dressing:
- Just before serving, pour the prepared dressing over the salad, ensuring that it coats the ingredients evenly.
- Toss the salad gently to combine with the dressing, allowing the flavors to meld together.
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Add the Shrimp and Toasted Rice Powder:
- Arrange the cooked shrimp on top of the salad, adding them as a decorative element to the dish.
- Sprinkle the toasted rice powder over the salad, adding a nutty aroma and crunchy texture to the dish.
Presentation:
- Choosing the Serving Vessel: Opt for a shallow serving bowl or platter that allows the vibrant colors and textures of the salad to be showcased beautifully. A wide and flat vessel provides ample space for arranging the ingredients in an eye-catching manner.
- Creating a Visual Feast:
- Arrange the julienned vegetables, such as cucumber, carrot, and bell peppers, in a circular pattern around the edge of the serving bowl. The contrasting colors create a visually stunning display.
- Scatter the sliced red onions and halved cherry tomatoes evenly throughout the salad, adding pops of color and freshness.
- Place the cooked shrimp on top of the salad, arranging them in a decorative pattern or concentric circles. Ensure that each shrimp is visible and easily accessible to diners.
- Garnishing with Fresh Herbs:
- Sprinkle the chopped cilantro, mint, and torn Thai basil leaves over the salad, allowing their vibrant green hues to contrast against the colorful vegetables and shrimp.
- Garnish the salad with additional whole sprigs of fresh herbs for an added touch of elegance. Tuck the herbs between the vegetables and shrimp to create a visually appealing arrangement.
- Adding Texture and Flavor:
- Sprinkle the toasted rice powder over the salad just before serving, adding a nutty aroma and crunchy texture to the dish. Distribute the rice powder evenly to ensure that each bite is balanced in flavor and texture.
- Consider adding a handful of roasted peanuts or cashews for additional crunch and richness, if desired. Scatter the nuts over the salad for an extra layer of texture and flavor.
- Drizzling with Dressing:
- Just before serving, drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad, ensuring that it coats the ingredients evenly. Use a spoon or ladle to distribute the dressing gently, allowing it to cascade over the vegetables and shrimp.
- Be mindful not to overdress the salad, as the vibrant colors and textures should remain the focal point of the presentation. A light and even coating of dressing is sufficient to enhance the flavors of the dish.
- Final Touches:
- Before presenting the Kerabu Udang to diners, take a moment to inspect the presentation and make any final adjustments as needed. Arrange any stray vegetables or shrimp to ensure a polished and visually appealing presentation.
- Wipe the edges of the serving vessel with a clean kitchen towel to remove any drips or spills, ensuring that the presentation is pristine and inviting.
- Accompaniments and Garnishes:
- Serve the Kerabu Udang with additional lime wedges and sliced bird’s eye chilies on the side, allowing diners to customize the dish according to their preference for acidity and heat.
- Consider adding a decorative element, such as edible flowers or citrus zest, as a finishing touch to the presentation. Arrange the garnishes strategically to enhance the visual appeal of the dish.
By paying attention to detail and embracing creativity, you can elevate the presentation of Kerabu Udang from a simple salad to a stunning culinary masterpiece. With its vibrant colors, bold flavors, and elegant presentation, this regal Thai shrimp salad is sure to dazzle diners and leave a lasting impression.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, Kerabu Udang is a majestic Thai shrimp salad that embodies the elegance and sophistication of Thailand’s rich culinary heritage. With its vibrant colors, bold flavors, and exquisite presentation, this dish invites diners on a culinary journey through the lush landscapes and bustling markets of Thailand. By following this restaurant-style recipe with meticulous attention to detail, you have unlocked the secrets of Kerabu Udang, allowing you to recreate this iconic dish in the comfort of your own kitchen.
So gather your ingredients, sharpen your knives, and let the flavors of Thailand whisk you away on a culinary adventure like no other. From our kitchen to yours, we wish you bon appétit and sa-wat-dee