Vietnamese Caramelized Lemongrass Shrimp Food

CARAMELIZED LEMONGRASS SHRIMP

Steps:

• Peel & devein shrimp, reserve heads.
• Remove outer layer from lemongrass stalks, cut off bottom stem end and mince finely the bottom 4 or 5 inches.
• Caramelize sugar by putting it into the pan over medium heat and swirling it a bit till it's caramel colored, then add the oil.
• Add shallot, garlic, & shrimp heads and cook until fragrant, about a minute.
• Stir in lemongrass, chilis, chili paste & ginger and cook for about 30 seconds.
• Add fish sauce & black pepper & cook for 3 to 5 minutes, covered.
• Add the shrimp, stir well, cover and cut the heat off. The shrimp should be fully done about 5 minutes later.

VIETNAMESE RICE NOODLES WITH LEMONGRASS SHRIMP

Steps:

• Make the pickled vegetables: Put carrot and daikon in a small bowl and sprinkle with sugar and salt. Add rice vinegar, toss well and set aside.
• Make the dipping sauce: In a small bowl, stir together brown sugar, vinegar, lime juice, fish sauce, garlic, ginger and chiles. Stir in 1/2 cup cold water and let mixture sit for 15 minutes. (Leftover sauce will keep up to 3 days, refrigerated.)
• Marinate the shrimp: Put shrimp in a shallow dish. Add fish sauce, brown sugar, garlic and lemongrass. Mix well to coat.
• Meanwhile, bring a large pot of water to boil. Turn off heat and add rice noodles. Soak noodles, stirring occasionally, until softened, usually about 7 to 8 minutes. Drain and rinse with cold water. Leave in colander at room temperature.
• Prepare a platter of lettuce leaves and herb sprigs for the table. Keep cool, covered with a damp towel.
• Put oil in a wok or frying pan over medium-high heat. When oil is hot, add shrimp without crowding (work in batches if necessary). Cook for about 2 minutes per side, until lightly browned.
• To serve, divide noodles among 4 large soup bowls, then top each with hot shrimp, pickled vegetables and a tablespoon or so of dipping sauce. Sprinkle with scallions and peanuts (and beans sprouts if using). Pass herb platter and remaining dipping sauce at the table, and encourage guests to customize bowls as desired.

CARAMELIZED LEMONGRASS SHRIMP

Steps:

• Make the Caramel Sauce: In a heavy-bottom 4-quart pot, gently melt the sugar over medium-low heat, stirring frequently. This will take 10 to 12 minutes. Do not be tempted to rush the process or you may scorch the sugar.
• When the sugar is lump free, completely melted and just beginning to boil, remove the pan from the heat and very slowly pour in the fish sauce while stirring constantly. Be careful, as it will bubble furiously.
• Use the sauce right away or let cool completely, transfer to an airtight container, and store in a cool cupboard for up to 3 months.
• Shrimp: Set the heads aside. Peel each shrimp body, removing the tail segments, then devein. Sprinkle bodies with the pepper; set aside.
• Pour the oil into a 2-quart clay pot or high-sided skillet, and heat over medium heat. Add the shallots, chiles and reserved shrimp heads and cook, stirring, about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Add the lemongrass, garlic, ginger, and chile paste; cook, stirring, about 1 minute more. Add the caramel sauce and stock; stir to combine.
• Add the shrimp bodies, and toss to coat with the aromatic ingredients. Increase the heat to medium-high and cook, stirring occasionally, about 6 minutes, until the shrimp are bright pink.
• Serve directly from the clay pot, accompanied by steamed white rice.

VIETNAMESE LEMONGRASS SHRIMP

Steps:

• In a large skillet, heat the oil over high heat. Add the shallots and garlic, quickly stirring until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
• Add the shrimp and lemongrass; stir-fry for about 2 minutes. Add the mushrooms and sprinkle with the fish sauce, sugar, and a little salt.
• Stir-fry until the shrimp is cooked and the mushrooms are wilted, another 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from the heat.

GRILLED LEMONGRASS SHRIMP - VIETNAMESE TOM NUONG XA

Steps:

• If using bamboo skewers in place of lemongrass, soak them in water for 30 minutes so they won't burn.
• Combine all marinade sauce ingredients and marinate the shrimp for 15 minutes.
• If using lemongrass, cut lemongrass into 10" (25 cm) lengths. Skewer 3 shrimp with lemongrass or bamboo skewer.
• Grill or broil shrimp until nicely charred.

VIETNAMESE NOODLE SALAD WITH LEMONGRASS SHRIMP

Steps:

• To cook the noodles:.
• Bring a medium potful of water to a rolling boil. Add the rice vermicelli and, stirring often, cook them until the strands are soft and white, but still resilient, 3 to 5 minutes. Don't be tempted to undercook them, as they must be fully cooked to absorb the flavors of the dish. Rinse them in a colander under cold water just until they're cool and the water runs clear. Let the noodles drain in the colander for 30 minutes, and then set them aside for up to 2 hours, unrefrigerated.
• To cook the shrimp:.
• In a large skillet, heat the oil over high heat. Add the shallots and garlic, quickly stirring until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the shrimp and lemongrass; stir-fry for about 2 minutes. Add the mushrooms and sprinkle with the fish sauce, sugar, and a little salt. Stir-fry until the shrimp is cooked and the mushrooms are wilted, another 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from the heat.
• To assemble the salads:.
• Divide the lettuce, bean sprouts, cucumber, mint, and basil among four large soup or pasta bowls. Fluff the noodles with your fingers and divide them among the prepared salad bowls. Put the shrimp topping on the noodles and garnish each bowl with the peanuts and cilantro. Pass the nuoc cham at the table; each diner should drizzle about 3 Tbs. over the salad and then toss the salad in the bowl a few times with two forks or chopsticks before eating.