Fiery Garlic Shrimp with Tamarind Zing

Details
These garlicky shrimp bring the heat and the sweet, all in one sizzling Vietnamese bite.
Ingredients
Instructions
Prepare the Shrimp
Pat the peeled and deveined shrimp dry with paper towels. Season lightly with a pinch of salt and pepper.
Prepare the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the fish sauce, tamarind paste (or diluted concentrate), sugar, black pepper, red chili flakes, and 2 tablespoons of water until the sugar dissolves. Set aside.
Sauté Aromatics
Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and sliced shallot and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Cook the Shrimp
Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for about 1-2 minutes per side, until they just start to turn pink. Do not overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary.
Combine with Sauce
Pour the prepared tamarind sauce over the shrimp. Toss quickly to coat the shrimp evenly. Continue to cook for another 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the shrimp, and the shrimp are opaque and cooked through. Avoid overcooking the shrimp, as they can become tough.
Serve
Remove from heat. Garnish generously with fresh chopped cilantro. Serve immediately with hot jasmine rice.
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