Peel the shrimp, leaving the tails intact.
Then, clean them using one of the following two methods:
Gently cut along the back of the shrimp from head to tail. Remove the vein running down the back using the tip of a knife.
Place the shrimp belly-down on a surface. Insert a toothpick into its back, about midway along its length, carefully hook the vein with the toothpick, and pull it out.
Place the shrimp in a bowl and sprinkle with salt.
Heat sunflower oil in a pot over high heat. Ensure there is enough oil to fully submerge the shrimp.
Dip each shrimp in flour, then into the beaten egg, and finally coat it with panko. For extra crunch, dip them once more in the egg and panko.
Fry until golden and crispy. Place them on a paper towel to remove excess oil.
In a small bowl, mix the mayonnaise with wasabi paste. Serve it on the side.
To ensure the shrimp fry properly and achieve the perfect texture and crispiness, follow these two steps:
After cleaning the shrimp, use a sharp knife to make three shallow vertical cuts along the underside (belly), being careful not to cut too deeply. Place the shrimp belly-down on a surface and gently press along their back to flatten them. This technique helps the shrimp stay straight and prevents curling during cooking, ensuring a uniform presentation on the plate.
Since the shrimp are breaded, avoid dropping them directly into the pot of sunflower oil or adding them all at once, as this will lower the oil's temperature. Hold each shrimp by the tail and dip it individually into the hot oil, moving it back and forth 6-7 times before releasing it into the pot. This ensures the coating adheres firmly to the shrimp and the frying process starts smoothly.