Boiled shrimp is a simple and easy dish to make, but to achieve that eye-catching red color and firm, sweet meat, proper preparation is key.
Firstly, selecting fresh shrimp is of utmost importance. When purchasing, pay attention to the shrimp’s shell: fresh sea shrimp usually have greenish-white shells, while male shrimp tend to be slightly pale yellow. The shell should be shiny and transparent, with the head and legs firmly attached to the body, ensuring freshness.
Preparation of shrimp before boiling
If you’re using frozen shrimp, opt for those with curved bodies as they are likely to be fresher before freezing. Conversely, shrimp that have lost their freshness tend to have straight bodies due to muscle relaxation after death.
To achieve the desired red color and firm texture while eliminating any fishy smell, you can add a few ingredients to the boiling water. The following are simple yet effective tips to ensure your boiled shrimp is delicious and perfectly cooked.
Boil shrimp with pandan leaves for a vibrant red color, firm meat, and aromatic flavor
Ingredients:
10 fresh shrimp (either sea or tiger shrimp)
2-3 fresh pandan leaves
A pinch of salt
Water
Instructions:
Prepare the shrimp: Rinse the shrimp thoroughly under cold water. If desired, remove the heads. Gently clean the shells with a brush, and trim the whiskers and legs for a neater appearance.
Prepare the pandan leaves: Wash the leaves and cut them into short lengths of about 10-15 cm, or tie them into small bundles.
Boiling the shrimp: Pour 1-2 liters of water into a pot, add 1-2 tablespoons of salt and the pandan leaves. Salt enhances the shrimp’s sweetness, while pandan leaves impart a beautiful red color, mask any fishy odor, and lend a subtle fragrance.
Boil the shrimp over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, depending on their size. Once the shrimp turn red and the meat becomes firm, they’re done. Avoid overcooking to prevent toughness.
Final steps: Plunge the shrimp into cold water to stop the cooking process, preserving their color and texture. Then, drain and arrange them on a plate, optionally garnishing with pandan leaves or fresh herbs.
Tip: For an even brighter red color, add a pinch of sugar to the boiling water. Serve with lemon or salted pepper dip to enhance the flavor and make this dish even more irresistible.
Good luck, and enjoy your delicious boiled shrimp with pandan leaves—a dish that’s sure to impress with its color, sweetness, and aromatic flavor!
