Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound fresh shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 cup sea salt
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup chili flakes
- 1/4 cup garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup ginger, minced
- 1/4 cup scallions, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
Special equipment needed:
- Fermentation jar
- Weights
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Rinse the shrimp in cold water and pat dry with paper towels.
2. In a large bowl, mix together the sea salt, sugar, chili flakes, garlic, ginger, scallions, and fish sauce.
3. Add the shrimp to the bowl and toss to coat evenly with the spice mixture.
4. Transfer the shrimp and spice mixture to a fermentation jar.
5. Place weights on top of the shrimp to keep them submerged in the liquid.
6. Cover the jar with a lid or cheesecloth and let it ferment at room temperature for 3-5 days.
7. After 3-5 days, taste the shrimp to see if they are fermented to your liking. If not, continue fermenting for another day or two.
8. Once the shrimp are fermented to your liking, transfer them to a clean jar and store in the refrigerator.
- Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Fermentation time: 3-5 days
Temperature:
- Room temperature for fermentation
- Refrigerator temperature for storage
Serving size:
- 4 servings
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 120
- Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Protein: 22g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Instead of fresh shrimp, you can use frozen shrimp that has been thawed.
- Instead of sea salt, you can use kosher salt or pickling salt.
- Instead of sugar, you can use honey or maple syrup.
- Instead of chili flakes, you can use cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.
- Instead of fish sauce, you can use soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce.
Variations:
- Add sliced lemons or limes to the fermentation jar for a citrusy flavor.
- Add sliced jalapenos or habaneros for extra heat.
- Use different herbs and spices, such as coriander, cumin, or turmeric, to customize the flavor.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the shrimp are fully submerged in the liquid to prevent spoilage.
- Use a fermentation jar with an airlock to prevent mold growth.
- Taste the shrimp every day during fermentation to monitor the flavor.
- Use gloves when handling the shrimp and spice mixture to avoid irritation from the chili flakes.
Storage instructions:
- Store the fermented shrimp in a clean jar with a tight-fitting lid in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Reheating instructions:
- The fermented shrimp can be eaten cold or heated up in a pan with a little oil.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve the fermented shrimp as a snack or appetizer with toothpicks or skewers.
- Use the fermented shrimp as a topping for salads or rice bowls.
Garnishes:
- Garnish with chopped scallions or cilantro for a fresh flavor.
Pairings:
- Serve with a cold beer or a glass of white wine.
Suggested side dishes:
- Serve with steamed rice or a side of vegetables.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If mold develops on the surface of the liquid, discard the entire batch and start over with a clean jar and fresh ingredients.
Food safety advice:
- Use clean utensils and equipment when handling the shrimp and spice mixture.
- Make sure the shrimp are fully submerged in the liquid to prevent spoilage.
- Store the fermented shrimp in the refrigerator to prevent bacterial growth.
Food history:
- Fermented shrimp is a traditional food in many Southeast Asian countries, including Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia.
Flavor profiles:
- Spicy, salty, umami
Serving suggestions:
- Serve as a snack or appetizer, or use as a topping for salads or rice bowls.
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Region: Thai