Poached Shrimp with Spicy Mayo and Garlic Breadcrumbs
A twist on shrimp cocktail that makes the perfect party starter. To eat, guests dip each shrimp in the spicy mayo and then in the breadcrumbs.

Ingredients
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1/2 cup vegetable oil
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2-1/2 tablespoons minced garlic
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2 teaspoons cornstarch
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Kosher salt
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4 slices home-style white sandwich bread (such as Arnold or Pepperidge Farm)
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1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter
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1 cup mayonnaise
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1/3 cup finely chopped fresh cilantro
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1/4 cup finely chopped scallion
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1 tablespoon minced jalapeno; more to taste
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1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
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2 pounds jumbo shrimp (16 to 20 per pound), shelled, with tail segment left intact, and deveined
Directions
1.
Heat the vegetable oil in a small wok or saucepan over high heat until shimmering hot. In a small bowl, mix the garlic with the cornstarch and a pinch of salt. Put the garlic mixture in a fine sieve and shake to remove the excess cornstarch. Fry the garlic in the oil, stirring gently, until the garlic is light golden, about 1 minute. Immediately strain the garlic and oil through the sieve set over a bowl. Transfer the garlic to a paper-towel-lined plate, dab gently with paper towels to absorb excess oil, and let cool to room temperature. Reserve the garlic-flavored oil in the refrigerator for another use (such as vinaigrettes or grilled bread).
2.
Heat the oven to 275 degrees F. Pulse the bread in a food processor until the crumbs are uniform in size, 5 or 6 pulses. In a large bowl, mix the crumbs with the olive oil or butter until evenly coated. Transfer the crumbs to a rimmed baking sheet and bake, stirring once or twice, until golden brown, 20 to 30 minutes. Let the crumbs cool to room temperature. Transfer the crumbs to a medium, shallow serving bowl and stir in 1-1/2 teaspoons of the reserved fried garlic. Save the remaining garlic for the mayo.
3.
In a small bowl, mix the mayonnaise, cilantro, scallion, jalapeno, lime juice, 1 teaspoon salt, and the remaining 2 tablespoons fried garlic. Add more jalapeno and salt to taste. Transfer to a small serving bowl.
4.
Bring 7 cups of very well salted water to a boil in a 3-quart saucepan over high heat. Add the shrimp, stir once or twice, and poach until just cooked through, 1-1/2 to 2 minutes (the water will not return to a boil). Drain the shrimp and let them cool for 10 minutes. Transfer the shrimp to a platter and serve them slightly warm or at room temperature with the mayo and breadcrumbs.
Make Ahead:
The breadcrumbs and mayo may be prepared up to 1 day ahead. Store separately in airtight containers; refrigerate the mayo.
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