Ingredients
1/2 pound medium-large shrimp (about 12), feelers removed,
shell slit along the vein and the shrimp deveined but with the shell left on
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
3 cups water
1 tablespoon plus 1/2 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons cornstarch
4 cups peanut oil
1 tablespoon minced fresh Thai chilies
Method
Place the shrimp and baking soda in a bowl, and mix well to coat. Allow shrimp to rest for at least 20 minutes.
Place the water and 1 tablespoon salt in a pot, cover, and bring to a boil over high heat.
Add the shrimp, and water-blanch for 10 seconds.
Remove the shrimp with a strainer, and run cold water through them to cool them. The water-blanching removes all of the liquid from the shrimp.
Place the shrimp in a dish, sprinkle with cornstarch to coat them lightly, and shake off excess. Heat a wok over high heat for 1 minute, add the peanut oil, and heat to 350 degrees.
Place the shrimp in a Chinese strainer, lower into the oil, and oil-blanch for 1 minute. Turn off the heat, remove shrimp with the strainer, and drain. Transfer the oil from the wok to a bowl.
Return 1 tablespoon of the reserved oil to the wok, and heat over high heat for 20 seconds. Add the remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt and the chilies, and cook, stirring for 45 seconds.
Add the shrimp, and cook, stirring, making certain the shrimp are well coated, for 1 minute. They should be dry and crusted. Turn off the heat, transfer shrimp to a heated platter and serve.