1/11/2011

Corn-crusted Panfried Shrimp with Sweet and Hot Caramelized Onions


I like my shrimp crusty crispy on the outside, just tender inside, and when served with a hot sweet-sour sauce incorporating caramelized onions, well does it get any better?  This recipe comes from a wonderful cookbook which I like a lot, mostly because it gets into all those hot, wild flavors of the tropics, the spice zone.  So I relate to that.  And, the title is reflective, Big Flavors of the Hot Sun, by John Schlesinger and John Willoughby. 


I served them originally with roasted buttrerball pumpkin, then decided they could use the intervention of noodles to wrap themselves and all that flavor around.  The pumpkin still makes a good side though.  And, since pineapples are not in season right now, but oranges and lemons are, I substituted.  Anyway, here's the recipe...



Corn-crusted Panfried Shrimp with Sweet and Hot Caramelized Onions
adapted from Big Flavors of the Hot Sun, by Chris Schlesinger and John Willoughby

Serves 2

Ingredients
3/4 cup yellow cornmeal
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1 tablespoon chili powder
salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste
4 tablespoons olive oil
16 medium-size shrimp, shelled and deveined
2 yellow onions,  thinly sliced, and then halved
1/2 cup orange juice (they used pineapple juice)
1/4 cup lemon juice (they used white vinegar)
2 tablespoons freshly crushed coriander seeds
1/4 cup pomegranate molasses (they used molasses)
1 small minced fresh red or green chili pepper (or to taste)
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1 lime or lemon, sliced (optional)

First off, get those onions sliced, heat 2 tablespoons of the oil in a saute pan and start them caramelizing over medium heat, until they begin to turn dark brown, (not black) 7 to 9 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine the cornmeal, cumin, chili powder, salt and pepper.  Lightly dredge the shrimp in the mixture.   In a large saute pan, heat the remaining olive oil over medium high heat until hot, but not smoking.  Add the shrimp and fry until opaque inside, about 3-4 minutes per side.  Turn off heat

When the onions are brown, add the fruit juices to the onions and cook, stirring frequently, for 4 minutes.  Add the coriander, molasses, chili and cilantro, turn off heat, stir, season to taste, then toss with your pasta.  Top with the shrimp, garnished with lemon or lime slices if you like or more cilantro.  This is how the dish evolved for me.  I used those Thai stir fry rice noodles.  So, if you start them in some hot water at the beginning, they'll be ready by the time you've finished the rest.  This is a carefully orchestrated production, but actually very easy.

It is my contribution to Ruth's ongoing Presto Pasta Nights, where Claire of Chez Cayenne is hosting, and it is linked as well to Hearth 'N Soul Blog Hop, co-hosted by Girl Chef. For some great and creative recipe ideas, go visit them.

11 comments:

Claire said...

What a great combination of flavors! Thanks for sending this over to Presto Pasta Nights.

Ruth Daniels said...

I'm definitely drooling here. I love shrimp and will have to try them corn crusted. Sounds awesome. Thanks for sharing with Presto Pasta Nights.

Jackie @ Crest Cottage Creations said...

I just read this and turned to my husband, saying, "THIS is what I'm making tomorrow."

Thanks for sharing! I hadn't meal planned for this week, so this was a savior!

Swathi said...

Looks delicious, it has all flavors

a moderate life said...

Hi Claudia! I would like to welcome you personally to the hearth and soul hop! I am now following your blog. I can just see you in Hawaii, you lucky lady! Seasonal cooking in Hawaii is a bit easier I think than here in the North East, but I like that you made substitutes in this recipe for seasonality. I don't eat raw salads in the winter except for sprouts I grow myself because of this very thing. I really like the flavor marriage in this recipe and caramelized onions are the best any day of the week! Thanks again for linking to the hearth and soul hop and I hope to see you back again for more fun next week! All the best! Alex@amoderatelife

tigerfish said...

Basic ingredients but bold flavors - love such dishes :)

Joanne said...

As soon as I saw the word "caramelized" in the title, I knew that I would love this post! I was right. Delicious.

Heather S-G said...

Mmmm...you had me at corn-crusted! This definitely makes me think of warm weather...I could close my eyes and wish myself out of this three feet of snow. IF only I had a plate of this in front of me. Sounds wonderful, Claudia :D Thanks for sharing it w/ the hearth and soul hop this week!!

Trish Dauterman said...

This has such an incredible flavor combo. Thank you for sharing! Bookmarked onto my to do list...

Anonymous said...

Shrimps, oranges, lemon and pasta.. What a combo! And with the different consistencies, this is definitely a must-try.

Emily Z said...

This looks so delicious! Definitely a wonderful combination of flavors!