Joël Robuchon was inspired to create this dish after tasting a Vietnamese recipe for shrimp coated with soft vermicelli. "But I'm much more into Mediterranean flavors at the moment," he says. He also wanted a crispy crust, so instead of vermicelli he useskataifidough, a Middle Eastern pastry that resembles shredded phyllo.More Shrimp Recipes

February 2006

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Credit: © Tina Rupp

Recipe Summary test

total:
40 mins
Yield:
4 first-course servings
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Ingredients

Ingredient Checklist

Directions

Instructions Checklist
  • In a small saucepan, combine the orange juice with the jasmine tea and rosemary and simmer over moderate heat until reduced to 1/4 cup, about 5 minutes. Strain the infused juice and return to the saucepan. Bring to a simmer and whisk in the cornstarch mixture, then cook until thickened, about 30 seconds. Stir in the balsamic vinegar and season the orange-rosemary sauce with salt.

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  • In a large, shallow dish, separate thekataifidough into individual threads using your fingers. Add the basil and chives and toss to distribute throughout the pastry.

  • In a shallow bowl, beat the egg with the water. Spread the flour in another shallow bowl. Season the shrimp with salt and pepper. Holding the shrimp by the tail, dredge them in the flour and shake off the excess, then dip them in the beaten egg and roll in thekataifi; press to help it adhere.

  • 设置一个架在baking sheet. In a large, deep skillet, heat 1/2 inch of vegetable oil to 350°. Fry 4 or 5 shrimp at a time until thekataifiis golden brown and crisp, about 1 minute per side. Drain the shrimp on the rack. Season with salt. Serve the shrimp with the orange-rosemary sauce.

Make Ahead

The sauce can be refrigerated overnight then brought to room temperature before serving.

Notes

Kataifi dough is available at Middle Eastern shops or Kalustyan's (800-352-3451;kalustyans.com).

Suggested Pairing

The delicate crunch of the crust here balances the rich sweetness of the shrimp. The elegance of a good Chardonnay from France's Maconnais region will do the same.

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