Vietnamese Braised Prawns (Tôm Kho Tộ) Recipe

Ingredients

  • 500 grams of fresh shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons of fish sauce
  • 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
  • 5 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 cup of water
  • 2 green onions, chopped
  • 1 red chili, chopped (optional for added spice)
  • Steamed white rice, to serve

Steps and instructions

  1. Start by heating the sugar in a pan over medium heat. Do not stir, let it melt until it turns into a nice caramel color.
  2. Add the vegetable oil and the minced garlic into the pan, then stir well for about a minute until the garlic becomes fragrant.
  3. Add the fresh shrimp to the pan and stir-fry until they turn pink.
  4. Add the fish sauce into the pan, stirring well to ensure all the shrimps are evenly coated.
  5. Pour the water into the pan and bring the mixture to a boil.
  6. Once the mixture has reached boiling point, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer until the sauce thickens.
  7. Add the chopped green onions and chopped red chili (if using) into the pan, then stir well to combine.
  8. Continue to simmer the mixture for another 2-3 minutes.
  9. Remove the pan from the heat. Serve the Tôm Kho Tộ hot with steamed white rice.

Tools for making

  • Pan - A medium-sized pan for cooking the shrimp and sauce.
  • Knife - A sharp knife for mincing the garlic, chopping the green onions, and chopping the red chili (if using).
  • Measuring spoons - To accurately measure the sugar, fish sauce, and vegetable oil.
  • Spatula - A spatula or wooden spoon for stirring the ingredients in the pan.
  • Cooking spoon - A cooking spoon for adding water and stirring the mixture while it simmers.
  • Stove - A stove or cooktop for heating the pan and simmering the Tôm Kho Tộ.

Recipe variations

  • Replace shrimp with chicken or pork for a meat variation.
  • Add vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas for added crunch and texture.
  • Include pineapple chunks for a sweet and tangy twist.
  • Use different types of chili peppers to adjust the level of spiciness.
  • Experiment with different herbs and spices like lemongrass, ginger, or basil for added flavor.
  • For a vegetarian or vegan option, substitute shrimp with tofu or tempeh and use vegetable broth instead of fish sauce.
  • Add a splash of coconut milk for a creamy and rich variation.
  • Garnish with chopped cilantro or mint leaves for a fresh and aromatic touch.

Recipe overview

Tôm Kho Tộ, or Vietnamese Caramelized Shrimp, is a traditional and highly flavorful dish from Vietnam that combines the sweet, savory, and umami flavors for an unforgettable dining experience. This recipe provides a simple method for preparing Tôm Kho Tộ at home with common ingredients such as fresh shrimp, garlic, and fish sauce. The sugary caramel, combined with the savory fish sauce, creates a luxurious glaze for the shrimp. This dish is commonly enjoyed with a serving of steamed white rice that perfectly balances out the intensity of the shrimp. In a nutshell, cooking Tôm Kho Tộ requires caramelizing sugar, stir-frying shrimp with garlic, adding fish sauce, and simmering everything together until the flavors meld perfectly. Despite its exotic appeal, this dish is surprisingly easy to prepare, taking only about 30 minutes from start to finish. The end result is an irresistible blend of sweet, salty, and spicy that will surely leave you craving for more.

Common questions

  1. Can I use frozen shrimp instead of fresh shrimp?
  2. Yes, you can use frozen shrimp for this recipe. Make sure to thaw them properly before cooking.
  3. Can I adjust the amount of fish sauce?
  4. Yes, you can adjust the amount of fish sauce according to your taste preferences. Start with the recommended amount and add more if desired.
  5. Is it necessary to use vegetable oil?
  6. Yes, vegetable oil is recommended for stir-frying the garlic and shrimp. It helps to enhance the flavors and prevent sticking.
  7. Can I omit the red chili?
  8. Yes, you can omit the red chili if you prefer a milder taste. It is optional and can be adjusted based on your spice preference.
  9. How long does it take for the sauce to thicken?
  10. The sauce typically takes about 10-15 minutes to thicken. Keep an eye on it and simmer until it reaches your desired consistency.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Pan - A medium-sized pan for cooking the shrimp and caramelizing the sugar.
  • Spatula - A spatula or wooden spoon for stirring the ingredients in the pan.
  • Knife - A sharp knife for mincing the garlic, chopping the green onions, and slicing the red chili (if using).
  • Cutting Board - A cutting board to safely chop the vegetables and prep the ingredients.
  • Measuring Spoons - Measuring spoons to accurately measure the sugar, fish sauce, and vegetable oil.
  • Stove - A stove or cooktop to heat the pan and cook the shrimp.
  • Serving Dish - A serving dish to present and serve the Tôm Kho Tộ.
  • Rice Cooker - A rice cooker to prepare steamed white rice, which is traditionally served with Tôm Kho Tộ.

Origin stories

Tôm Kho Tộ, a beloved Vietnamese dish, tells a story of resourcefulness and appreciation for local produce. In Vietnam, a country with an extensive coastline and numerous rivers, seafood, including shrimp, is bountiful. It's a testament to the Vietnamese knack for turning simple, fresh ingredients into culinary marvels. Interestingly, the caramelization technique used in this recipe was adopted from the French during their colonial period, but the Vietnamese have since made it distinctly their own by adding fish sauce - a condiment that is quintessential to their cuisine. The dish's name, "Tôm Kho Tộ", literally means "shrimp braised in clay pot", reflecting a traditional cooking method that further enhances the flavors. The pot's gradual, even heat and its ability to retain moisture result in a delightfully aromatic and richly flavored dish. It's an exemplification of the Vietnamese philosophy of food: balance in flavors, textures, and colors.

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.