Vietnamese Fried Shrimp, or “tôm chiên,” is a beloved dish that captures the essence of Vietnamese cuisine with its fresh, vibrant flavours and crunchy texture. Known for its balance of sweet, savoury, and slightly spicy elements, this dish is a standout in Vietnamese street food culture and home cooking alike.
This popular delicacy showcases the Vietnamese culinary philosophy of creating dishes that delight the senses and promote harmony in flavour. Typically made with plump, fresh shrimp, Vietnamese Fried Shrimp is fried until it achieves a golden, crispy crust, locking in its naturally sweet, juicy centre. This combination of textures makes each bite satisfying and memorable. The shrimp are often marinated in a mix of fish sauce, garlic, and various spices before frying, which enhances their flavour and provides the signature Vietnamese taste profile.
One of the hallmarks of Vietnamese Fried Shrimp is its use of fish sauce, a staple ingredient in Vietnamese cooking. Fish sauce is a savoury and slightly salty condiment made from fermented fish, giving a rich umami flavour to the shrimp. When paired with garlic and sometimes a touch of chilli, it transforms the dish into an explosion of taste. Vietnamese dishes often focus on the combination of various flavours to create balance, and fried shrimp is no exception. The saltiness of the fish sauce, the gentle sweetness of the shrimp, and the heat from chillies work together to create a well-rounded dish.
Traditionally, Vietnamese Fried Shrimp is served with a dipping sauce, often a mix of fish sauce, lime juice, garlic, sugar, and chilli. This sauce complements the shrimp by adding a tangy and spicy contrast, cutting through the richness of the fried coating and enhancing the natural sweetness of the shrimp. It’s common to pair this dish with a side of fresh herbs like mint, coriander, or basil, which add a burst of freshness and aroma.
This dish is not only loved for its taste but also for its versatility. Vietnamese Fried Shrimp can be enjoyed as an appetiser, a main course or even as a snack. It pairs well with rice, vermicelli noodles, or a simple salad, making it a perfect addition to a variety of meals. The dish is enjoyed across all regions in Vietnam, from busy city streets to coastal areas, where fresh shrimp are readily available. It’s often a favourite during gatherings and celebrations, bringing people together over the shared joy of good food.
Vietnamese Fried Shrimp is a wonderful introduction to Vietnamese cuisine, offering a glimpse into the country’s culinary traditions and dedication to bold, balanced flavours. Whether enjoyed on its own or as part of a larger meal, it’s a dish that leaves a lasting impression.
Vietnamese Fried Shrimp
This Vietnamese Fried Shrimp recipe is a delightful starter, featuring crispy, golden shrimp with a balanced mix of savoury, sweet, and slightly spicy flavours. A simple fish sauce dip and fresh herbs bring out the dish’s vibrant taste and satisfying crunch.
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Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 250 g shrimp fresh peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tbsp garlic minced
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp chilli flakes optional
- 1/4 cup cornflour or plain flour for a lighter coating
- Vegetable oil for frying
For the Dipping Sauce:
- 1 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1/2 clove garlic minced
- 1 medium red chilli sliced (optional)
To Serve:
- coriander mint, or basil chopped
- Lime wedges
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine fish sauce, minced garlic, sugar, black pepper and chilli flakes.2 tbsp fish sauce, 1 tbsp garlic, 1 tsp sugar, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1/4 tsp chilli flakes
- Add the shrimp, coating evenly with the marinade. Let the shrimp sit for 5 minutes to absorb the flavours.250 g shrimp
- Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat until it reaches about 180°C (350°F) or until a small piece of batter bubbles up when dropped in. Lightly coat each shrimp in cornflour, shaking off any excess.1/4 cup cornflour, Vegetable oil
- Carefully place the shrimp in the hot oil in small batches, frying each batch for about 2-3 minutes until golden and crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on a paper towel to remove excess oil.
- In a small bowl, mix fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, minced garlic and sliced chilli until sugar dissolves.1 tbsp fish sauce, 1 tbsp lime juice, 1 tsp sugar, 1/2 clove garlic, 1 medium red chilli
- Arrange the fried shrimp on a plate, garnished with fresh herbs and lime wedges. Serve hot with the dipping sauce on the side.coriander, Lime wedges
Notes
Enjoy this crispy, flavourful Vietnamese Fried Shrimp as a starter or as part of a larger Vietnamese-inspired meal!
The quantities shown here are for a start. Increase the volumes using the portins slider for greater quantities.