steam prawns with garlic vermicelli

Garlic and Scallion Steamed Shrimp with Vermicelli: A Step-by-Step Guide

This dish, a beloved Chinese classic, combines succulent shrimp, tender vermicelli, and aromatic garlic for a flavorful, steamy meal. Here’s a simple recipe to recreate it at home.

Ingredients:

- 500g large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails left on for presentation)

- 100g dried vermicelli, soaked in warm water until soft

- 6-7 cloves garlic, minced

- 4-5 scallions, thinly sliced (white and green parts separated)

- 3 tbsp soy sauce

- 1 tbsp oyster sauce

- 1 tsp sugar

- 2 tbsp cooking oil

- Sesame oil and chopped cilantro for garnish

Instructions:

1. Prep the shrimp: Marinate shrimp with 1 tbsp soy sauce and a pinch of pepper for 10 minutes. Drain excess liquid.

2. Soak vermicelli: Blanch soaked vermicelli in boiling water for 30 seconds, then drain and arrange on a heatproof plate.

3. Make the sauce: Heat oil in a pan, sauté minced garlic until fragrant (not browned). Add soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, and 2 tbsp water. Simmer for 1 minute.

4. Assemble: Place shrimp over vermicelli. Pour half the garlic sauce over them. Top with scallion whites.

5. Steam: Cover and steam over high heat for 8-10 minutes until shrimp turn pink and opaque.

6. Finish: Garnish with scallion greens, cilantro, and a drizzle of sesame oil. Serve hot with the remaining sauce on the side.

Tip: For extra umami, add a dash of Shaoxing wine to the sauce. Enjoy this elegant, restaurant-quality dish with minimal effort!