Spicy Caramelized Lemongrass Shrimp
Whole shrimp caramelized in a spicy-sweet glaze of fish sauce, palm sugar, lemongrass, and garlic, perfect for a vibrant appetizer or main. This vietnamese-inspired vietnamese ready in about 35 minutes pairs peeled and deveined large whole shrimp, palm sugar, fish sauce for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 300 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart.
Ingredients
- 1 lb, peeled and deveined large whole shrimp
- 2 tbsp palm sugar
- 3 tbsp fish sauce
- 2 stalks, finely minced fresh lemongrass
- 4, minced garlic cloves
- 2, thinly sliced shallots
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1/2 tsp red chili flakes
Instructions
- Step 1: In a bowl, combine 1 lb peeled and deveined large shrimp with 3 tbsp fish sauce, 2 tbsp palm sugar, 2 finely minced lemongrass stalks, 4 minced garlic cloves, 2 thinly sliced shallots, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1/2 tsp red chili flakes. Marinate for 20 minutes.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp mixture and sauté for 5-6 minutes, stirring often, until shrimp turn pink and the sauce thickens to a glossy caramel coating.
- Step 3: Remove from heat and transfer shrimp to a serving plate, spooning extra sauce over the top. Serve immediately with steamed rice or crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Spicy Caramelized Lemongrass Shrimp take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (25 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Spicy Caramelized Lemongrass Shrimp?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep palm sugar from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Spicy Caramelized Lemongrass Shrimp?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Spicy Caramelized Lemongrass Shrimp for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Spicy Caramelized Lemongrass Shrimp?
Vietnamese vietnamese like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
This dish was a hit at my dinner party! The lemongrass and spice balance was perfect.
- ★★★★☆
My family loved the shrimp, but it was a bit too spicy for the kids.
- ★★★★☆
Loved the flavor, but it took longer to caramelize than the recipe said.
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