Vietnamese Salt Roasted Shrimp (Tôm Rang Muối) Recipe

Shrimp: Fresh, peeled, and deveined shrimp are the star of this dish, providing a succulent and tender texture.

Salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the shrimp and balances the sweetness.

Sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness that complements the savory elements.

Black pepper: Freshly ground black pepper adds a spicy kick and depth of flavor.

Garlic: Minced garlic infuses the dish with a rich, aromatic quality.

Vegetable oil: Used for sautéing the garlic and cooking the shrimp to perfection.

When marinating the shrimp, make sure to evenly coat each piece with the salt, sugar, and black pepper. This ensures that every bite is flavorful. Additionally, when sautéing the garlic, keep a close eye on it to prevent burning, as burnt garlic can impart a bitter taste to the dish.

• peeled and deveined shrimp - Substitute with scallops: Scallops have a similar texture and sweetness, making them a good alternative for shrimp in this dish.

• peeled and deveined shrimp - Substitute with firm tofu: For a vegetarian option, firm tofu can absorb the flavors well and provide a similar mouthfeel.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a similar salty flavor along with a bit of umami, enhancing the overall taste.

• salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can provide a more nuanced flavor compared to regular table salt.

• sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey can add a similar sweetness with a slightly different flavor profile, adding depth to the dish.

• sugar - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup can provide a unique sweetness and a hint of caramel flavor.

• freshly ground black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper can offer a similar heat and flavor but with a slightly different aroma.

• freshly ground black pepper - Substitute with cayenne pepper: For a spicier kick, cayenne pepper can be used, though it will add more heat than black pepper.

• minced garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can provide a similar garlic flavor, though it won't have the same texture as fresh garlic.

• minced garlic - Substitute with shallots: Shallots can add a mild garlic-like flavor with a hint of sweetness.

• vegetable oil - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil can be used for cooking and adds a slightly different flavor profile.

• vegetable oil - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil can add a subtle coconut flavor that complements the shrimp well.

• Allow the shrimp to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can lead to soggy shrimp.
• Transfer the cooled shrimp to an airtight container. If you have a vacuum sealer, use it to remove as much air as possible to maintain freshness.
• Store the container in the refrigerator if you plan to consume the shrimp within 2-3 days. For longer storage, place the container in the freezer.
• When freezing, consider portioning the shrimp into smaller containers or freezer bags. This makes it easier to thaw only what you need.
• Label the containers or bags with the date of storage. This helps you keep track of how long the shrimp has been stored.
• To reheat, thaw the shrimp in the refrigerator overnight if frozen. Avoid using the microwave as it can make the shrimp rubbery.
• Reheat the shrimp gently in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of vegetable oil if needed to prevent sticking.
• Serve the reheated shrimp immediately with rice or as an appetizer to enjoy the best texture and flavor.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add a small amount of vegetable oil to the skillet.
  3. Once the oil is hot, add the leftover shrimp.
  4. Stir occasionally until the shrimp are heated through, about 3-4 minutes.
  5. Serve immediately to enjoy the fresh taste.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the leftover shrimp on a baking sheet in a single layer.
  3. Cover the shrimp with aluminum foil to prevent them from drying out.
  4. Bake for about 10 minutes or until the shrimp are heated through.
  5. Remove from the oven and serve hot.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place the leftover shrimp in a microwave-safe dish.
  2. Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent.
  3. Microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
  4. Check if the shrimp are heated through; if not, continue to microwave in 30-second increments.
  5. Serve immediately.

• Steaming Method:

  1. Set up a steamer basket over a pot of simmering water.
  2. Place the leftover shrimp in the steamer basket.
  3. Cover and steam for about 3-4 minutes or until the shrimp are heated through.
  4. Remove from the steamer and serve hot.

• Air Fryer Method:

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the leftover shrimp in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
  3. Air fry for about 3-4 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
  4. Check if the shrimp are heated through; if not, continue to air fry in 1-minute increments.
  5. Serve immediately.

• Mixing bowl: Use this to combine the shrimp with salt, sugar, and black pepper for marination.

• Skillet: This is where you will cook the shrimp. A medium-sized skillet should be sufficient.

• Spatula: Use this to stir the shrimp occasionally while cooking to ensure even cooking.

• Measuring spoons: These will help you measure out the salt, sugar, and black pepper accurately.

• Garlic press: This can be used to mince the garlic cloves quickly and efficiently.

• Tongs: Handy for turning the shrimp in the skillet to ensure they cook evenly.

• Serving dish: Use this to serve the cooked shrimp hot, either with rice or as an appetizer.

Marinate in advance: Prepare the shrimp with salt, sugar, and black pepper the night before and store in the fridge. This saves time on the day of cooking.

Pre-mince garlic: Mince the garlic ahead of time and store it in an airtight container. This reduces prep time.

Use pre-peeled shrimp: Buy peeled and deveined shrimp to skip the tedious peeling process.

Cook in batches: If doubling the recipe, cook the shrimp in batches to ensure even cooking and save time.

Serve with quick sides: Pair with instant rice or pre-made salad for a quick meal.