From the Streets of Vietnam: Crispy, Salty & Sweet Garlic Shrimp (Tôm Rang Tỏi)
Details
This recipe for Tôm Rang Tỏi, or Crispy Garlic Shrimp, is a flavor explosion that perfectly balances sweet, salty, and savory notes with an intense garlic kick. It's a popular dish in Vietnam for good reason: succulent shrimp are fried to perfection and then tossed in a fragrant, buttery sauce loaded with crispy bits of golden garlic. This is a must-try for any true garlic lover looking for a quick and impressive seafood dish that delivers on all fronts.
Ingredients
Instructions
Prepare the Shrimp
Pat the peeled and deveined shrimp completely dry with paper towels. This is crucial for a crispy coating. In a bowl, toss the shrimp with the cornstarch, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
Fry the Garlic
Pour about 2 inches of vegetable oil into a wok or deep skillet and heat over medium-high heat. To test if the oil is ready, drop in a small piece of garlic; it should sizzle immediately. Carefully add half of the minced garlic to the hot oil and fry for about 30-60 seconds, stirring constantly, until it turns a beautiful golden brown. Be very careful not to burn it. Quickly remove the garlic with a fine-mesh sieve and set it on a paper towel to drain.
Fry the Shrimp
In the same oil, carefully add the coated shrimp in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pan (work in batches if necessary). Fry for 1-2 minutes per side, until the shrimp are pink, cooked through, and crispy. Remove the shrimp from the oil and let them drain on a wire rack or paper towels.
Make the Garlic Sauce
Discard the used frying oil. In the same wok or a clean pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the remaining raw minced garlic and the sliced chilies (if using) and sauté for about a minute until fragrant.
Combine and Serve
Add the fish sauce and sugar to the pan, stirring until the sugar dissolves and the sauce thickens slightly. Return the fried shrimp to the pan, add the reserved crispy fried garlic, and toss everything together quickly to coat the shrimp in the glossy sauce. Cook for another minute until everything is heated through.
Garnish and Enjoy
Transfer the shrimp to a serving platter, garnish with sliced green onions, and serve immediately with a side of hot steamed rice.
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