Cocktail Shrimp with Serrano Dip

Ingredients for shrimp:

1 pound large shrimp (about 36)
salt
chili oil, for drizzling,
fresh cilantro leaves (optional)
serrano-mint sauce,

Ingredients for serrano-mint sauce

1 cup tightly packed fresh mint leaves, plus more for garnish
2 serrano chiles, chopped 4 cloves garlic, chopped
1 (1-inch) piece fresh ginger, peeled and chopped
2 teaspoons sugar
1/4 cup white wine vinegar
2 tablespoons fish sauce
salt

Method for shrimp:

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Turn off heat, add shrimp, and let stand in water until just cooked through, about 3 minutes. Drain and cool.
2. Peel shrimp, leaving tails on, and devein. Season shrimp with salt. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Method for sauce:

1. Place all ingredients, except for salt, in a blender. Pulse until smooth.
2. Season with salt. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use. Bring to room temperature before serving.
   

For Serving:

Bring shrimp to room temperature just before serving. Drizzle with chili oil, if using. Sprinkle shrimp with a few cilantro leaves. Serve shrimp with serrano-mint sauce for dipping.