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.

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  1/2 cup vegetable oil
  
  


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  2-1/2 Tbs. minced garlic
  
  


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  2 tsp. 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 Tbs. 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 Tbs. minced jalapeño; more to taste
  
  


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  1 Tbs. fresh lime juice
  
  


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  2 lb. jumbo shrimp (16 to 20 per lb.), shelled, with tail segment left intact, and deveined
  
  

Make the breadcrumbs:

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).

Heat the oven to 275°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 tsp. of the reserved fried garlic. Save the remaining garlic for the mayo.

Make the spicy mayo:

In a small bowl, mix the mayonnaise, cilantro, scallion, jalapeño, lime juice, 1 tsp. salt, and the remaining 2 Tbs. fried garlic. Add more jalapeño and salt to taste. Transfer to a small serving bowl.

Cook the shrimp:

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.