Imagine a dish that transforms ordinary shrimp into a symphony of flavor, where caramel's rich sweetness dances with the umami of soy sauce and the warmth of ginger. This Asian-inspired recipe is not just a meal; it's a culinary experience that will transport your taste buds to the vibrant streets of Southeast Asia. In just 35 minutes, you'll create a restaurant-worthy dish that will make your family and friends wonder if a professional chef has taken over your kitchen!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Asian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 1 pound of peeled and deveined shrimp, 1/2 cup of sugar, 1/4 cup of soy sauce, 2 cloves of minced garlic, 1 tablespoon of grated ginger, and 1 tablespoon of sesame oil.
- In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the sugar and 1/4 cup of water over medium heat. Stir gently until the sugar dissolves completely.
- Continue to cook the sugar mixture without stirring until it turns a deep amber color, which should take about 8-10 minutes. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning.
- Once the caramel reaches the desired color, remove the saucepan from heat and carefully add the soy sauce. Be cautious as it may bubble up vigorously.
- Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the caramel sauce, stirring well to combine all the ingredients.
- Return the saucepan to low heat and add the shrimp to the sauce, ensuring that they are well coated.
- Cook the shrimp in the caramel sauce for about 5-7 minutes, or until they turn pink and opaque, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Once the shrimp are cooked, drizzle the sesame oil over the top and stir to incorporate the flavor.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and let it sit for a couple of minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve the shrimp simmered in caramel sauce over steamed rice or with stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.
- Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds if desired, and enjoy your delicious Asian-inspired dish!
Tips
- Sugar Caramelization is Key: Watch your caramel closely! The difference between perfect amber and burnt sugar is just seconds.
- Safety First: When adding soy sauce to hot caramel, use a long-handled spoon and stand back to avoid potential splatters.
- Don't Overcook the Shrimp: They cook quickly, so keep a close eye to prevent them from becoming rubbery. Pink and opaque is your target.
- Enhance the Flavor: For an extra kick, consider adding a splash of rice wine or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Serving Suggestions: This dish pairs beautifully with jasmine rice or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 270kcal
Carbohydrates: 20g
Protein: 24g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 180mg
