Authentic Vietnamese Mắm Tép Recipe: A Traditional Culinary Delight

Ingredients

  • 200g Shrimp Paste (Mắm Tép)
  • 500g Pork Belly
  • 4 Tbsp Cooking Oil
  • 4 Cloves of Garlic, finely chopped
  • 4 Thai Chilies, finely chopped
  • 3 Tbsp Sugar
  • 2 Tbsp Fish Sauce
  • Juice of 1 Lime
  • Coriander Leaves for garnish
  • Steamed Rice for serving

Steps and instructions

  1. Cut the pork belly into thin slices and set aside.
  2. Heat the cooking oil in a pan on medium heat.
  3. Add the chopped garlic to the pan and sauté until it becomes fragrant.
  4. Add the shrimp paste (Mắm Tép) to the pan and stir well with the garlic.
  5. Add the sliced pork belly to the pan and stir-fry until it is fully cooked and browned.
  6. Add the chopped Thai chilies to the pan and stir well to mix with the other ingredients.
  7. Add the sugar, fish sauce, and lime juice to the pan and mix well. Cook for another 2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
  8. Turn off the heat and transfer the Mắm Tép to a serving dish. Garnish with coriander leaves.
  9. Serve hot with steamed rice.

Tools for making

  • Pan - A medium-sized pan for stir-frying the ingredients.
  • Knife - A sharp knife for cutting the pork belly into thin slices.
  • Cutting Board - A cutting board to safely chop the garlic, Thai chilies, and coriander leaves.
  • Spatula - A spatula or wooden spoon for stirring and mixing the ingredients in the pan.
  • Measuring Spoons - Measuring spoons for accurately measuring the sugar, fish sauce, and lime juice.
  • Serving Dish - A dish or plate for serving the Mắm Tép.

Recipe variations

  • Use different types of meat such as chicken, beef, or seafood instead of pork belly.
  • Add vegetables like sliced bell peppers, onions, or green beans for added texture and flavor.
  • Experiment with different levels of spiciness by adjusting the amount of Thai chilies used.
  • Include other herbs and spices such as lemongrass, ginger, or basil to enhance the aroma.
  • For a vegetarian or vegan option, substitute the meat with tofu or tempeh and use vegetarian fish sauce or soy sauce.
  • Add a squeeze of coconut milk or coconut cream for a creamy twist.
  • Try using palm sugar or honey instead of regular sugar for a different sweetness.
  • Serve with a side of fresh lettuce, herbs, and rice paper to make delicious lettuce wraps.
  • Explore different dipping sauces such as sweet chili sauce, peanut sauce, or soy-based sauces.

Recipe overview

This recipe will guide you through the process of making authentic Vietnamese Mắm Tép, a flavorful dish characterized by its unique blend of shrimp paste, pork belly, and spices. The key to this dish is in the balance of flavors - the pungent shrimp paste is complemented by the sweetness of sugar and the tanginess of lime juice, resulting in a savory, sweet, and slightly spicy dish that is irresistibly delicious. With a preparation time of approximately 30 minutes, you can enjoy this traditional Vietnamese delicacy in the comfort of your home. Pair it with steamed rice and garnish with fresh coriander leaves for a complete, satisfying meal. Enjoy the culinary journey!

Common questions

  1. How long does it take to make Mắm Tép?
    The total cooking time for this recipe is approximately 30 minutes.
  2. Can I use other types of meat instead of pork belly?
    Yes, you can use other types of meat such as pork shoulder or chicken. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
  3. Is Mắm Tép spicy?
    Yes, Mắm Tép has a spicy kick due to the addition of Thai chilies. However, you can adjust the level of spiciness by reducing or increasing the amount of chilies used.
  4. Can I use shrimp instead of shrimp paste?
    No, shrimp paste (Mắm Tép) is a key ingredient in this recipe and cannot be substituted with fresh shrimp.
  5. Can I store leftovers?
    Yes, you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving.
  6. What side dishes go well with Mắm Tép?
    Mắm Tép is typically served with steamed rice, fresh vegetables, and herbs. You can also serve it with pickled vegetables or Vietnamese dipping sauces.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Pan - A large frying pan or skillet for cooking the ingredients.
  • Chopping Board - To chop the garlic and Thai chilies.
  • Knife - To finely chop the garlic and Thai chilies.
  • Spatula - To stir and mix the ingredients in the pan.
  • Serving Dish - A dish to present and serve the Mắm Tép.
  • Garnishing Tool - A tool to sprinkle and arrange the coriander leaves on top of the dish.
  • Rice Cooker - To cook the steamed rice for serving.

Origin stories

Mắm Tép, a traditional Vietnamese dish, hails from the Southern region of Vietnam where the Mekong Delta supplies an abundance of seafood. This dish reflects the essence of Vietnamese cuisine with its balance of flavors - spicy from the chilies, salty from the shrimp paste, and a hint of sweetness from the sugar. But what is truly remarkable about Mắm Tép is its showcase of the Vietnamese people's resourcefulness. The use of shrimp paste, made from fermented tiny shrimps, is a testament to the Vietnamese way of life where nothing goes to waste. This humble yet flavorful dish is often enjoyed with a bowl of steamed rice, bringing families together, and is a reflection of the simple, rural life in Vietnam.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.