East Meets West Popcorn Shrimp Salad Food

POPCORN SHRIMP SALAD

Steps:

• Make the dressing: Whisk the mayonnaise, cornichons and their liquid, mustard, hot sauce, and salt and pepper to taste in a bowl.
• Prepare the salad: Halve the shrimp lengthwise. Whisk the egg and 2 tablespoons water in a medium bowl. In another bowl, whisk the flour, Cajun seasoning and 2 teaspoons salt.
• Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a deep skillet until a deep-fry thermometer registers 350 degrees. (A piece of shrimp will sizzle on contact.) Dip each shrimp in the egg mixture, then dredge in the flour mixture. Working in batches, fry the shrimp until crisp and golden, turning once, about 2 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on a paper-towel-lined plate; season with salt.
• Toss the romaine, tomato, onion and bell pepper with the dressing in a large bowl; season with salt and pepper. Divide the salad among plates and scatter the shrimp on top.

SHRIMP SALAD

Steps:

• In a blender, combine the dressing and the avocado, and puree until smooth.
• In a medium bowl, combine the shrimp, cucumber, celery, lemon juice, 1/2-teaspoon salt, pepper to taste, and about 5 tablespoons of the dressing.
• On a large platter or individual plates arrange the asparagus and tomatoes. Make a bed of lettuce and top with the shrimp salad. Sprinkle with the chives and serve the salad with the remaining dressing on the side.
• Cook's Note: Substitute 3 cups other cooked seafood, such as crabmeat, crawfish tails, or lobster.
• Combine the anchovies, mayonnaise, sour cream, chives, parsley, tarragon, basil, shallots, lemon juice, and the 1/4-teaspoon of salt in a blender. Puree to make a smooth dressing. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Use now or store, covered, in the refrigerator, for up to 2 days.
• Yield: 1 1/4 cups
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