Saucy Jumbo Shrimp

The term “jumbo shrimp” is an oxymoron. This means that the first word is logically at odds with the second, just like the terms “fish fingers,”  “cherry tomato,” “cold hotdog,” “cotton candy,” and “eggplant.” I’m one of those people who happens to believe that “football fever” is an oxymoron. How can you get a fever in your foot? Or in … Moving right along!

Today’s recipe is succulent and delicious! Make it once and everyone will ask for more! You’ll be so busy in the kitchen that you won’t even have to watch the game! (If I were a betting woman, I’d say either the Patriots or the Giants are going to win. So why bother watching?) 

Saucy Jumbo Shrimp:

1-½ lb. (700 g) jumbo shrimp, peeled, deveined, split butterfly-style 

2 tbsp. oyster sauce

¼ c. tempura batter mix (dry)

½ c. vegetable oil

¼ c. Honey-Garlic Sauce or Honey-Mustard Sauce or Sweet and Sour Sauce 

Marinate shrimp in oyster sauce for 20 min.; coat with dry tempura batter mix. Heat oil in deep skillet until smoking. Flash-fry shrimp 1 min. Serve with choice of sauce on the side.

Honey-Garlic Sauce:

2 tbsp. soy sauce

2 tbsp. hoisin sauce

2 tbsp. liquid honey

1 tbsp. dry sherry or chicken stock

1 tbsp. plum sauce

1-½ tsp. cider vinegar

1 small garlic clove, finely chopped

Combine all ingredients in a small saucepan over medium heat or microwave, uncovered, at full power 1-to-2 min., just until sauce starts to boil. Serve warm or cold.

Honey-Mustard Sauce:

2 tbsp. dry mustard

¼ c. granulated sugar

2 tbsp. white vinegar

2 tbsp. honey

Dash of salt

Combine all ingredients in a small saucepan over medium heat or microwave, uncovered, at full power 1-to-2 min., just until sauce starts to boil. Serve warm or cold.

Sweet and Sour Sauce:

½ c. ketchup

2 tbsp. white vinegar

1-½ tbsp. granulated sugar

1-½ tsp. cornstarch or tapioca starch

1-½ tbsp. cold water

Combine all ingredients except starch and water in a small saucepan over medium heat or microwave, uncovered, at full power 1-to-2 min., just until sauce starts to boil. In a small bowl, stir  cornstarch and water into a smooth paste. Combine with ketchup mixture, stirring well. Serve warm or cold.