| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 15 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 346 | 14g | 6g | 34g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 7g | 2g | 25g | 1.4g |
I’ve lived and breathed the culinary melting pot that is New York City, bringing that diverse love and respect for food to the dishes I prepare. This recipe of stir-fried shrimp with Gac fruit is one such example. It’s incredibly versatile, taking center stage as a main course, or complementing a broader spread of Asian-inspired fare.
A Peek into the Pot
The beauty of this recipe lies in the symphony of its flavours, tapping into the exotic, sweet, and savoury profile of the Gac fruit, an enigmatic culinary hero from Vietnam. High in antioxidants and bursting with flavor, gac fruit is known as the “fruit from heaven”.
When combined with the succulent shrimp – a staple from my seaside escapades – the gac fruit offers a unique combination, an ode to the traditional flavors of Vietnamese cuisine while boasting a unique NYC twist.
The Health Factor
Aside from its rich palette of flavors, what stands out is the arsenal of health benefits this dish brings to the table. Shrimp, a powerhouse of protein and Vitamin D, forms the foundation of the dish. Coupled with the superfruit Gac, known to be rich in heart-healthy beta carotene and lycopene, each bite becomes a delicious step toward healthy living.
Pairs and Piques
If you’re looking for what to pair this dish with, I’d recommend a side of fragrant Jasmine rice or a light cucumber salad. The shrimp and gac fruit stir fry can also make a beautiful ensemble with Pho or a classic Banh Mi.
I truly believe in the transformative power of cooking – in how an amalgamation of shrimp, Gac fruit, and core pantry staples can transport you to a different geography. Experiment, savor, and dive into this symphony of flavors. Embrace difference, seek out the new, but most of all, nurture the love of food.
After all, cuisine is, as they say, the expression of one’s soul. And this recipe, my friends, is a piece of my soul presented in the form of a delectable, heart-healthy Asian-inspired delight.
What You’ll Need
- 1.5 lbs of shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 Gac fruit (approximately 1 lb)
- 6 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup of chopped onion
- 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon of fish sauce
- 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons of sugar
- 1/2 cup of chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon of cornstarch
- 1/4 cup of water
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
Method
Step One
Begin by preparing the shrimp – ensure they are peeled, deveined, and rinsed. Pat dry with a paper towel and set aside.
Step Two
Peel the Gac fruit, remove the seeds and cut the fruit into small cubes.
Step Three
In a hot wok or skillet, heat up the vegetable oil, then sauté the garlic and onion until they turn golden brown.
Step Four
Add the shrimp to the wok or skillet, stirring continuously until shrimps become pink and curl up, indicating they are cooked.
Step Five
Add the minced Gac fruit, fish sauce, soy sauce, sugar, and a pinch of salt and pepper, continue stirring until everything is well mixed together.
Step Six
In a small bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, water and cornstarch until fully dissolved. Pour this mixture into the wok or skillet, stirring continuously as it thickens.
Step Seven
Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the wok or skillet and let it simmer for about 5 minutes, making sure to stir occasionally.
Step Eight
Remove from heat and taste for seasoning. Add a bit more salt and pepper as needed.
Step Nine
Serve the stir-fry hot, garnished with fresh coriander leaves. It also pairs well with steamed rice.
