Nilasing na hipon facts for kids
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A variant of nilasing na hipon without batter
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| Alternative names | Drunken shrimp, crispy fried drunken shrimp |
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| Course | Main dish |
| Place of origin | Philippines |
| Serving temperature | Hot |
Nilasing na hipon is a popular Filipino dish. Its name means "drunken shrimp" in English. This tasty dish features whole, unshelled shrimp that are first soaked in alcohol and spices. After marinating, the shrimp are usually covered in a light batter and then deep-fried until crispy. People often enjoy it with a dipping sauce made from vinegar.
The alcohol used for marinating is traditionally rice wine like basi or a strong spirit called lambanog. However, today's cooks might use other types of alcohol. Common choices include gin, beer, or white wine. The alcohol helps to flavor the shrimp and make them tender. When the shrimp are deep-fried, most of the alcohol cooks off.
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What's in a Name?
The dish is often called drunken shrimp or crispy fried drunken shrimp in English. This name comes from the way the shrimp are prepared. They "drink" up the alcohol during the marinating process. This gives them a unique flavor.
It is important to know that this Filipino dish is different from a Chinese dish with a similar name. The Chinese version often uses raw or boiled shrimp. It is usually not battered or deep-fried. The Filipino nilasing na hipon is always cooked and crispy.
How Is Nilasing na Hipon Made?
Making nilasing na hipon involves a few simple steps. First, fresh shrimp are cleaned but kept in their shells. The shells add flavor and help protect the shrimp during cooking.
Marinating the Shrimp
The shrimp are then placed in a bowl with alcohol. This could be traditional rice wine or something like gin. Spices such as garlic, ginger, and sometimes a little soy sauce are added. The shrimp soak in this mixture for a while. This allows them to absorb the flavors. The alcohol also helps to tenderize the shrimp meat.
Frying for Crispy Goodness
After marinating, the shrimp are often coated in a light batter. This batter might be made from flour, cornstarch, and sometimes egg. The coated shrimp are then carefully placed into hot oil for deep-frying. They cook quickly, turning golden brown and crispy. The high heat cooks the shrimp thoroughly and makes them delicious.
Serving the Dish
Nilasing na hipon is best served hot and fresh. It is usually enjoyed as a main dish. A common dipping sauce is made from vinegar, garlic, and chili. This tangy sauce perfectly complements the rich, crispy shrimp.
Shrimp: A Popular Seafood
Shrimp are small sea creatures that live in oceans and fresh water. They are a very popular type of seafood all over the world. People enjoy shrimp in many different dishes. They are known for their sweet, delicate flavor.
Shrimp are also a good source of protein and other nutrients. They are often caught by fishing boats. Sometimes, they are raised in special farms called aquaculture farms.
