Caramelized Garlic Shrimp (Tom Rim Man)

MarraMamba's Note:

I found this on the terrific site Seasalt with food, adapted from the book Pleasures Of The Vietnamese Table by Mai Pham

• Total Time: 25 mins
• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 10 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 2

• 2⁄3; lb raw medium shrimp , unpeeled but cleaned
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 ½ tablespoons sugar
• 1 garlic clove , chopped
• 1 shallot , chopped
• 4 tablespoons water
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce
• ¼ teaspoon sea salt
• 5 sprigs cilantro , cut into 2 inch lengths

Directions:

1. Heat the oil in a skillet over moderate heat. Add the shrimp and sugar and stir for 1 minute. Add the garlic and shallot, stir 1 minute, and add the water, fish sauce and salt.
2. Reduce the heat and cook until the shrimp are done and the pan is almost dry, about 1 minute or so. Transfer to a plate, garnish with the cilantro and serve immediately.

Reviews

[duonyte]

High marks for ease and quickness. My shrimp was also done before the skillet was dry, so I would reduce the water next time. I am a bit unsure about the sugar - it is just unexpected. I think I might like to add some spice or lime to balance out the sweetness. Thanks for posting such an interesting recipe. Made for the Chinese/Vietnamese New Year Tag Game.

[PaulaG]

This makes a nice quick dish served with a large tossed salad. My shrimp were done before the skillet was dry. I might try this without the added water. I used a coarse sugar. The shrimp were lightly sweet.