If you’re craving bold, umami-packed seafood, Vietnamese-Style Caramelized Shrimp (Tôm Rim) is a must-try. This dish features pan-seared shrimp coated in a rich, savory-sweet glaze made from soy sauce, fish sauce, garlic, and ginger. The high-heat searing gives the shrimp a beautifully caramelized exterior, locking in all the delicious flavors while keeping them tender and juicy inside.
A key element of this dish is its balance of flavors—deep umami from soy and fish sauce, subtle sweetness from honey or brown sugar, and a hint of heat from black pepper. The sauce clings to the shrimp, creating a glossy, irresistible coating. A generous handful of fresh cilantro is added just before serving, providing a bright, peppery contrast that enhances the overall dish.
Perfect with steamed rice or vermicelli noodles, Tôm Rim is a quick yet impressive meal. Whether you’re preparing a simple weeknight dinner or a side dish for a Vietnamese feast, this shrimp recipe delivers bold flavors with minimal effort. Pair it with pickled vegetables or a fresh herb salad for an authentic Vietnamese dining experience.
Ingredients
- 300 gram shrimp (optionally peeled and deveined)
- 1 tablespoon oil (vegetable or peanut oil)
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon ginger (grated)
- 2 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 teaspoon honey or brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon water
- Fresh cilantro (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 1–2 minutes per side until they develop a deep golden-brown color. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, reduce heat to medium and melt the butter. Add garlic and ginger, sautéing until fragrant. Stir in soy sauce, fish sauce, honey, black pepper, and water. Simmer for 1–2 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Return the shrimp to the pan, tossing to coat in the sauce. Cook for another minute until the shrimp are fully glazed.
- Sprinkle generously with fresh cilantro and serve immediately with steamed rice or vermicelli noodles.
Nutritional Information
- Per serving
- Energy: 280 kcal / 1170 kJ
- Fat: 10 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Carbs: 12 g
