Tom Rim

Name: Tom Rim
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Yield: 4 to 6
Cuisine: Vietnamese
Ingredients: 500 g shrimp; 2 tbsp fish sauce; 1 tbsp caramel; 2 shallots; 1 tsp black pepper; to taste fine sea salt

25 minutes prep 45 minutes cook Serves 4 to 6 seafood

Tom Rim is a dish steeped in the everyday rhythms of Vietnamese home cooking. It's a staple that finds its way to dinner tables across the country, especially on weeknights when families gather for a comforting meal. The simplicity of its preparation belies the depth of flavor it delivers, making it a cherished choice for those seeking both ease and satisfaction in their cooking.

The dish offers a harmonious balance of sweetness and savory notes, with caramel and fish sauce mingling to create a rich glaze over the shrimp. Shallots and black pepper add subtle heat and aromatic complexity, while a touch of salt enhances every bite. It's a dish meant to be shared, embodying the warmth of home-cooked meals.

Ingredients

500 gshrimp
2 tbspfish sauce
1 tbspcaramel
2shallots
1 tspblack pepper
to tastefine sea salt

Method

Start by cleaning the 500 g shrimp. Remove the shells and devein them by making a shallow cut along the back and pulling out the dark vein. Rinse the shrimp under cold water and pat them dry with a paper towel to ensure they are ready for cooking.
Peel and thinly slice 2 shallots. In a large skillet or wok, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the sliced shallots and sauté them until they become translucent and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. This creates a flavorful base for the dish.
Add the shrimp to the skillet with the shallots. Stir the shrimp gently, ensuring they are evenly coated with the oil and shallots. Cook the shrimp for about 2 minutes, or until they start to turn pink and opaque on one side.
Pour in 2 tablespoons of fish sauce and 1 tablespoon of caramel. Stir the mixture well, allowing the shrimp to be evenly coated with the sauce. Continue cooking for another 1-2 minutes, flipping the shrimp to ensure they are fully cooked and have absorbed the flavors.
Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of black pepper over the shrimp and stir to combine. Taste the dish and add fine sea salt as needed, keeping in mind that the fish sauce is already salty. The shrimp should be fully opaque, pink, and slightly caramelized, with a savory aroma.
Serve the Tom Rim immediately, garnished with any additional herbs or greens if desired. This dish is best enjoyed fresh, with the shrimp tender and the flavors well-balanced.