Clear Soda Shrimp Tan #FoodieReads

You can read my thoughts on Natalie Tan's Book of Luck & Fortune by Roselle Lim* in my post: Minced Pork Lettuce Cups. But I was inspired to create multiple dishes and am sharing my interpretation of Natalie's Clear Soda Shrimp that appeared on pages 176-177.

"The grey shells of the shrimp gleamed like smooth pebbles in a stream. Ten minutes before the guests arrived, I would submerge them in a hot bath of clear soda accented with slices of ginger. I watched and waited, checking for when the shells turned coral. The soda enhance the natural sweetness of the shrimp" (pg. 177).

It was that last sentence when I realized that 'clear soda' didn't mean 'sparkling water' but actual clear soda. 7-Up, Sprite, or something along those lines. That's not something that I typically have in the house, so all three of my boys were excited to guzzle the leftovers of the six-pack!

Ingredients serves 4

1 pound large shrimp (the recipe calls for heads-on but I couldn't find any)
2 to 3 C clear soda (I used a lemon lime)
1 C water
1" knob fresh ginger, sliced into coins and pounded flat
freshly ground salt
freshly ground pepper
sesame oil
organic cilantro, roughly chopped

Dipping Sauce

1/4 C soy sauce
1/4 C vinegar (I used rice wine vinegar)
2 cloves garlic, peeled and pressed
1 T chile sauce

Procedure

Pour the soda and water into a large pot. Add in the pounded ginger coins and bring to a boil. Gently lower the shrimp into the liquid and stir until the shells turn to a blush pink color. Drain immediately so you do not overcook them. Drizzle with sesame oil and fold in roughly chopped cilantro.

Whisk together the dipping sauce and serve immediately.

Natalie notes: "The first time I drank clear soda, I marveled at its properties. It was like drinking liquid sugar and I knew it would pair well with the natural sweetness of shrimp. Serve this to those needing respite and peace. There are those who desperately need a sense of calm because they are facing difficulty in their lives. The sweetness of the dish will temper and soothe the soul" (pg. 177).

We could all use a little serenity in our lives, right? I will be making this again. It's so easy and so tasty.

*This blog currently has a partnership with Amazon.com in their affiliate program, which gives me a small percentage of sales if you buy a product through a link on my blog. It doesn't cost you anything more. If you are uncomfortable with this, feel free to go directly to Amazon.com and search for the item of your choice.

Click to see what everyone else read in July 2019: here.

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