Boiled shrimp is a simple and easy dish to prepare, but to achieve that eye-catching red color and firm, sweet meat, it’s important to follow the right preparation methods.
Firstly, selecting fresh shrimp is key. 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 have been fresher before freezing. Conversely, shrimp that have lost their freshness tend to have straighter bodies due to muscle relaxation.
To enhance the color and taste of boiled shrimp, adding a few ingredients to the boiling water can make a big difference. Here are some simple yet effective tips to ensure your boiled shrimp turns out delicious and visually appealing.
Boil shrimp with pandan leaves for a vibrant red color and fragrant flavor
Ingredients:
10 fresh shrimp (tiger shrimp or sea shrimp)
2-3 fresh pandan leaves
A pinch of salt
Water
Instructions:
Prepare the shrimp: Rinse the shrimp under cold water. If desired, remove the heads. Gently clean the shells with a brush, and trim the whiskers and legs for a neater presentation.
Prepare the pandan leaves: Rinse the pandan leaves and cut them into short sections, approximately 10-15 cm long, or tie them into small bundles.
Boiling water preparation: In a pot, add 1-2 liters of water, along with 1-2 tablespoons of salt and the pandan leaves. The salt enhances the shrimp’s sweetness, while the pandan leaves impart a beautiful red color, eliminate any fishy odor, and add a subtle fragrance.
Boil the shrimp: Bring the water to a boil and add the shrimp. Cook over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, depending on the size of the shrimp. Once the shrimp turn red and the meat becomes firm, they are done. Avoid overcooking to prevent toughness.
Final steps: Remove the shrimp from the boiling water and immediately plunge them 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: To enhance the red color even further, add a pinch of sugar to the boiling water. Serve the shrimp with a dip made from lemon or salted chili pepper to elevate the flavors and make the dish even more enticing.
We wish you success in preparing this delicious boiled shrimp dish, adorned with the fragrant pandan leaves and boasting a vibrant red color and sweet meat!
