Bitter Melon & Tamarind Glazed Prawns with Crispy Shallots
This appetizer features succulent prawns glazed in a complex sauce of tart tamarind, subtly bitter melon, and savory aromatics, creating a delightful interplay of flavors. Each bite is elevated by the textural contrast of crispy fried shallots, offering a sophisticated Southeast Asian experience.
Prep Time
75 min
Difficulty
Hard
Servings
4
Calories
280 kcal
Instructions
- 1
Prepare the crispy shallots: Thinly slice the shallots and fry them in 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium heat until golden brown and crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Reserve the shallot-infused oil.
~15 min - 2
Prepare the bitter melon: Halve the bitter melon, scoop out the seeds, and thinly slice. Blanch the slices in boiling water for 2 minutes, then immediately plunge into ice water to stop the cooking and reduce bitterness. Drain well.
~10 min - 3
Make the glaze: In a medium saucepan, combine the tamarind paste, fish sauce, palm sugar, and 2 tablespoons of the reserved shallot oil. Add 2 tablespoons of water and bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Cook for 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
~10 min - 4
Mince the garlic and ginger. Add the minced garlic and ginger to the glaze and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
~1 min - 5
Add the blanched bitter melon to the glaze and toss to coat. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the bitter melon is tender-crisp.
~3 min - 6
Add the prawns to the saucepan with the glaze and bitter melon. Cook for 3-5 minutes, or until the prawns are pink and cooked through, tossing to ensure they are evenly coated.
~5 min - 7
Stir in the lime juice just before serving.
- 8
Serve the glazed prawns immediately, garnished with crispy shallots and fresh cilantro.
Tips
- To reduce bitterness further, you can salt the sliced bitter melon for 30 minutes before blanching, then rinse and squeeze out excess liquid.
- The crispy shallots can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
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