Tom Rim (Caramel Shrimp)

I was craving shrimp earlier today and instantly thought of home. My mother makes this savory caramel shrimp in less than 15 minutes. It's super easy to make with minimal ingredients!

Ingredients:

• About 1 lb fresh water prawn or shrimp, shell-on and head-on
• 1 shallot, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, chopped (optional)
• 1 bunches scallion (optional)
• fish sauce
• black pepper to taste 

• 2 tablespoons sugar (for caramel sauce)
• Some chicken bouillon 

Instructions

1. Caramel Sauce

   Place sugar in a small pan, spread to an even layer. Cook at medium heat (without stirring) until the sugar starts melting. Now, you can start stirring the sugar and keep cooking until this turns into a dark amber or brown color. Turn off heat. Note that the sugar will continue to turn a darker color. Wait for about 30 seconds to one minute before adding the 2 tablespoons of water which will arrest the cooking process. Be careful as this will splatter. Turn the heat back on and cook at low heat until the caramel dissolves (or you can do this with heat off as well)

   
   

    

2. Heat oil in a wok at high heat. Add shallot and garlic; sauté until fragrant. Add the shrimp and brown quickly. Add the chicken bouillon, fish sauce, caramel sauce to the wok to taste. Add pepper right before done. Cook until the shrimp is done and the sauce thickens, about 4 to 5 minutes. Add the scallions, stir, and turn off heat. Sprinkle on some black pepper and serve with steamed rice.