Fried Crispy Shrimp Skewers

Put sugar in small heavy-bottomed saucepot and add 2 tablespoons water to form a wet sand consistency. Cook over high heat until sugar turns a pale golden color, about 5 minutes total. Immediately add vinegar (mixture will bubble rapidly). Add fish sauce, pepper flakes, and garlic, and cook, stirring with a whisk until reduced to 1/2 cup and mixture is slightly syrupy. Remove from heat and allow to cool. Add lime juice and chives. Store sauce in covered container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

Place shrimp flat on cutting board, leg-side down and press down until it lies flat and straight. Insert a wooden skewer from the tail to the head. Shrimp should be as straight as possible on skewer.

Set up a breading station: Put flour in one shallow dish, beaten eggs in second, and combine panko, sesame seeds, pepper, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper in third shallow dish. Working one skewer at a time, dredge lightly in flour and shake off excess. Dip in egg and turn until evenly coated. Place in bread crumb mixture and press with bread crumbs until well-coated. Repeat with remaining skewers.

Heat oil in a large wok or Dutch Oven over high heat until it registers 350 degrees on an instant-read thermometer. Add shrimp and cook, flipping and agitating regularly until golden brown and crispy and shrimp is cooked through. Transfer shrimp to paper-towel lined baking sheet and turn to blot out oil. Season with salt. Wipe skewers with clean paper towel. Serve immediately with sauce for dipping.