| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 15 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 178 | 2.5g | 0.4g | 7g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 5g | 0.2g | 30g | 1.5g |
There’s something particularly special about the Steamed Shrimp with Fish Mint, a unique fusion of flavors, that makes it one of my favorite kitchen masterpieces. The rich, zesty profile is welcomed in any kitchen, and wouldn’t be a stranger in my Southern warm homespun meals or on a traditional Nigerian dining table, either.
Immersive Culinary Journey
When I first tested this recipe, it was as though my culinary roots and my adventurous palate had collided in an unexpected, but utterly delightful fashion. The combination of fresh shrimp, and the unique aroma of fish mint, contributes to an endearing harmony of flavors that remind me of the Southern and West African kitchens from my past.
A Dose of Health
Steamed Shrimp with Fish Mint isn’t just tempting to the taste buds, it’s also a recipe that contributes positively to your health. The shrimp is a great source of protein, vitamins, and minerals, while the fish mint brings a load of antioxidant properties with every flavorful bite. Paired with the heat of chili peppers, which are known to boost metabolism, this recipe is a marriage between taste and wellness. And for added comfort, this dish is served with steamed rice, perfect for soaking up all those delicious juices.
The Perfect Pairings
Given the tasteful confluence of flavors, Steamed Shrimp with Fish Mint pairs wonderfully well with numerous dishes. Serve it alongside a tangy Mango and Cabbage Slaw for a delightful crunch or with West African Plantain Soup, where the spicy-sweet tones can create a complementary symphony.
As a culinary enthusiast, attorney by trade, and a lover of Afro-Southern fusion cuisine, I can heartily champion this recipe as a wonderful addition to your cooking repertoire. Whether you’re seeking the familiar warmth of a Southern meal, the exotic kick of West African flavors, or a healthy dinner choice that doesn’t compromise on taste, Steamed Shrimp with Fish Mint is a recipe that checks all the boxes.
What You’ll Need
- 2 pounds of fresh shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 tablespoons of fish sauce
- 2 tablespoons of sugar
- 1 tablespoon of lime juice
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 red chili peppers, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup of water
- 1/2 cup of fish mint leaves
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- Steamed rice, to serve
Method
Step One
First, start by preparing your shrimp. Peel them, remove the veins, and rinse them under cool water to make sure they are thoroughly cleaned.
Step Two
Next, you’ll need to create a marinade for the shrimp. In a large mixing bowl, combine the fish sauce, lime juice, minced garlic, chopped red chili peppers, sugar, and salt. Stir these ingredients until they are well-combined.
Step Three
Add your cleaned shrimp to the bowl with the marinade. Toss the shrimp until they are all evenly coated in the marinade. Cover the bowl and let the shrimp marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, but ideally for a couple of hours.
Step Four
While the shrimp is marinating, you can prepare the fish mint leaves. Rinse the leaves under cool water, pat them dry, and then roughly chop them. Set them aside for later.
Step Five
Once the shrimp has marinated for enough time, add the vegetable oil to a large pan and heat it over medium heat. Once the oil is heated up, add the shrimp and marinade to the pan.
Step Six
Cook the shrimp for about 5 minutes, or until they become pink and opaque. Add the 1/4 cup of water and cook for another 2-3 minutes. Finally, sprinkle the chopped fish mint leaves into the pan and stir them in with the shrimp.
Step Seven
Remove the shrimp from heat and serve them immediately, ideally over steamed rice. Enjoy your homemade Steamed Shrimp with Fish Mint!
