Tôm Rim (Vietnamese Caramelized Shrimp)

Step 1

Start by cutting the sharp part of the head off. You're looking at cutting roughly 2cm (0.8") off from the tip of the head.Tip: For preparing the prawns, it's easiest with a pair of scissors.

Step 2

Snip the legs off from tail to head.

Step 3

Cut the tail to remove it.

Step 4

Use a toothpick to devein the prawn by digging in between the pieces of shell, then scooping out the intestinal tract. You'll be pulling out a long and thin string that is often black.

Step 5

When the shrimps have all been prepped, marinate them with the garlic, red shallots, salt, pepper, chicken bouillon powder and dark soy sauce for a minimum of 20 minutes.

Step 6

Heat up a pan or wok on high heat and pour in the oil. Test to see if the oil is hot enough by putting a wooden utensil (such as a chopstick) into the oil. If it bubbles, add the marinated prawns and sugar in.Note: If the oil doesn't bubble, wait for another minute and test again until it does.

Step 7

Cook the shrimp for 10 minutes or until the sugar has caramelized and thickened. Pour the fish sauce in and stir it into the prawns, then cook for another 3 minutes.

Step 8

Add the spring onions and chili in and let it cook for 2 minutes before turning off the heat.

Step 9

Serve immediately with a bowl of hot rice!