Vietnam's vibrant culinary scene boasts a wealth of delicious shrimp dishes, and today we're diving into two of its most popular: the tangy, refreshing shrimp sour soup (Canh chua tôm) and the savory, stir-fried shrimp (Tôm xào). These dishes showcase the versatility of shrimp, highlighting its delicate flavor in contrasting yet equally satisfying ways. The sour soup offers a bright, comforting broth perfect for a light meal, while the stir-fry provides a more robust and flavorful experience. Both are relatively quick to prepare, utilizing readily available ingredients.
From the fragrant herbs to the perfectly cooked shrimp, these recipes capture the essence of Vietnamese cuisine. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a culinary novice, you'll find these recipes easy to follow, and the results are incredibly rewarding. For a step-by-step guide to crafting these delicious Vietnamese shrimp dishes, continue reading below!
Tools Needed
- Pot
- Frying pan
Ingredients
- Raw shrimp: 3 ounces
- Cleaned cloud shrimp
- Celery
- Bone broth
- Tamarind water
- Sugar
- MSG
- Shrimp dum seasoning: 1 packet
- Fish sauce
- Shallots
- Salt
- Star fruit
- Green onions
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Preparing the Ingredients
- Freeze cleaned shrimp for 1 hour to make peeling easier.
- Prepare tamarind water, sugar, and MSG seasoning.
- Marinate shrimp with salt, sugar, and MSG for 30 minutes.
Step 2. Making the Shrimp Sour Soup
- In a pot, combine bone broth, shrimp dum seasoning, tamarind water, sugar, and MSG.
- Bring the broth to a boil. Add shrimp and cook for 3 minutes.
- Add fish sauce to taste.
- Add celery and immediately turn off the heat to maintain its crispness.
Step 3. Stir-frying the Shrimp
- Sauté shallots until fragrant.
- Stir-fry shrimp over high heat until firm, then lower heat and cook for 10 minutes.
- Add green onions and stir quickly before turning off the heat.
Read more: Quick & Easy Dry Chicken Noodle Pho Recipe
Tips
- Adjust sweetness and sourness to your preference.
- Serve sour soup with rice or noodles.
- Serve stir-fried shrimp with rice paper, porridge, or rice and star fruit.
Nutrition
- Calories: 200-300
- Fat: 5-10g
- Carbs: 15-25g
- Protein: 20-25g
FAQs
1. Can I substitute shrimp with other seafood?
Yes! Other shellfish like mussels, clams, or even fish can work well in both recipes. Adjust cooking times accordingly.
2. What if I don't have all the listed herbs?
Don't worry! The recipes are adaptable. Use what you have available. The core flavors will still shine through.
3. How can I make the soup spicier?
Add sliced chili peppers to the soup while it simmers, or a dash of chili garlic sauce at the end for extra heat.
Enjoy the vibrant flavors of Vietnam with these two delightful shrimp dishes. From the comforting warmth of the sour soup to the satisfying crunch of the stir-fry, these recipes are a testament to the country's rich culinary heritage. We hope you savor every bite!