Shrimp & Noodle Salad with Crispy Shallots

Ingredients

• 8 oz rice noodles
• 8 oz shrimp
• 1 red onion
• 1 red chili
• 1 cucumber
• ½ cup fresh cilantro
• ½ cup fresh mint
• 2 tbsp roasted peanuts (optional)
• 3 tbsp lime juice
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 2 tsp fish sauce
• 1 clove garlic
• 5 shallots
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
• ¼ tsp salt

Steps

1. Heat vegetable oil in a wok or deep pan over medium-high heat until hot enough to sizzle a test shallot.
2. Toss sliced shallots with flour, shaking off excess, then fry in the hot oil until golden (about 1 minute). Drain on paper towels and sprinkle with salt.
3. Whisk together lime juice, brown sugar, fish sauce, and crushed garlic to create the dressing; set aside.
4. Place rice noodles in a large bowl and cover with boiling water. Let stand for 2 minutes, then drain, rinse thoroughly with cold water, and drain well again.
5. Add shrimp, sliced red onion, sliced red chili, sliced cucumber, fresh cilantro, and fresh mint to the bowl with the noodles.
6. Pour the prepared dressing over the noodle mixture and toss gently to combine.
7. Divide the salad among serving plates and garnish with the crispy shallots and roasted peanuts.