When it comes to seafood, prawns are not only delicious but also a great source of nutrition. One of the most mouthwatering prawn dishes is the Vietnamese simmered prawn, known as “Tôm kho tộ”. Just like “Cá kho” (simmered fish), making “tôm kho” involves two stages: preparation and cooking.
The Preparation
To prepare this delectable dish, we need a variety of spices such as fish sauce, sugar, gourmet powder, pepper, red chili, onion, garlic, ginger, and sometimes, a squeeze of lemon juice. Additionally, cooking oil is essential for the recipe.
For the prawns, it is best to choose large Japanese shrimps. Make sure they are fresh. Start by washing the shrimps thoroughly, removing the shells, and making a shallow cut along the body to remove any dirt. Then, fold the head into the body until it reaches the tail, creating a circular shape and freeing the “gạch tôm” (a layer inside the shrimp). Use a mortar and pestle to grind spring onion and chili together.
The Cooking Process
Now, it’s time to cook! Heat the oil in a pan and stir-fry the mashed spring onion and chili mixture until its aroma fills the air. Add the Japanese shrimps and continue frying until they turn a light shade of yellow. Remove the shrimps from the pan and boil a mixture of fish sauce, sugar, pepper, and a touch of gourmet powder. Add the shrimps to this flavorful liquid and let them simmer for a few minutes to absorb the spices.
Once the simmering is complete, mix the “gạch tôm” with a few drops of lemon juice, a sprinkle of pepper, sugar, fish sauce, and oil. Continue simmering this mixture until it solidifies. Finally, dip the shrimps into the now solid liquid. Voila! Your delicious dish is ready to be enjoyed, especially when paired with steamed rice.
More Tempting Variations
Apart from the tantalizing “Tôm kho tộ”, there are several other types of “tôm kho” to explore. For example, “tôm kho lá chanh” (simmered prawn with lemongrass) and “tôm kho nấm” (simmered prawn with mushrooms). Although these dishes call for some additional ingredients, the cooking method follows the same principles as “tôm kho tộ”. You can rest assured that all these variations are equally scrumptious.
So, the next time you crave a delightful seafood dish, consider trying the Vietnamese simmered prawn. Its rich flavors and unique preparation method will surely leave you craving for more. For more culinary inspiration, visit our Travel Guide.