A "tablespoon shallots" refers to a unit of measurement (tablespoon) used to indicate the amount of a type of onion called shallots. It means using one tablespoon's worth of shallots in a recipe or dish. Full definition
Finely mince 2 tablespoons shallots so pieces will incorporate easily and spread throughout your dressing. (cookinglight.com)
* 1-1/2 cups water * 1 stalk lemongrass, bruised with woody ends removed * 1 teaspoon salt * 1 pound white fish filet * 3/4 cup thinly sliced shallots, soaked in cold water for at least 10 minutes and drained * 2 Tablespoons lime juice * 2 teaspoons fish sauce * 1 Tablespoon shallot oil * 3 Tablespoons golden crispy shallots * 1/2 teaspoon salt * 1 red Jalapeno chile, seeded and minced * 1/4 cup chopped cilantro and / or mint leaves (I like a 3 Tablespoons cilantro to 1 Tablespoon mint ratio) (girlcooksworld.com)