Caramelized shrimp (tom ram man)
MAKES 2 SERVINGS
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 minced garlic cloves
12 jumbo shrimp (16-20 size)
1 tablespoon caramel (see Note)
1 tablespoon fish sauce
½ teaspoon sugar
Black pepper to taste
¼ onion, cut into strips
Heat oil in saute pan; add garlic. Add shrimp and all ingredients, except onion, and stir together. Cook 2 minutes, and then add onion strips. Simmer for 3 minutes, with lid on, making sure not to overcook.
Note: Either purchase ready-made caramel in Vietnamese grocery stores (or in Asian aisles of major supermarkets) or make your own.
To make: Mix ½ cup sugar and ½ cup water in a small saucepan. Cook over medium heat until mixture becomes dark in color and is almost smoky. Then squeeze a little fresh lime juice in mixture to prevent solidifying.
Hien Ngo, Hai Yen Vietnamese Cuisine
Nutrition facts per serving: 164 calories, 8 g fat, 1 g saturated fat, 85 mg cholesterol, 12 g carbohydrates, 12 g protein, 815 mg sodium, 0 g fiber






