5 Exciting Ways to Create Irresistible Dried Shrimp at Home

Dried shrimp, also known as dried prawns, undergo a process of catching, cleaning, and sun-drying. They are commonly paired with traditional dishes like Vietnamese crispy pancakes, mixed rice paper, and sautéed corn. Let's explore creative ideas for enhancing your culinary skills with dried shrimp!

1. Savory Seasoned Dried Shrimp

Have you ever indulged in the delightful dish of seasoned dried shrimp paired with warm sticky rice on chilly days? Explore the simple recipe below to elevate your cooking experience.

Ingredients for Making Savory Seasoned Dried Shrimp for 4 Servings

500g Dried Shrimp (Dried Prawns)

2 dried garlic bulbs
1 chili
5 sprigs of spring onions
Seasoning: 2 tablespoons sugar, 3 tablespoons fish sauce, 1 tablespoon chili sauce, 2 tablespoons cooking oil

How to Cook Savory Seasoned Dried Shrimp

Step 1: Prepare Ingredients for Seasoned Dried Shrimp

After washing the dried shrimp thoroughly, peel and finely chop 5 garlic cloves and a chili. Clean and finely chop spring onions. Next, prepare the sauce by mixing 2 tablespoons sugar, 3 tablespoons fish sauce, 1 tablespoon chili sauce, and 2 tablespoons cooking oil.

Step 2: Season Dried Shrimp with Fish Sauce

Heat a pan, add 2 tablespoons of cooking oil. Once the oil is hot, add the finely chopped garlic. Add the cleaned dried shrimp and stir until they turn yellow. Then, add the prepared sauce. Simmer for 3-5 minutes over low heat. When it thickens, add the finely chopped spring onions and chili. Stir for 1-2 minutes, then turn off the heat. Serve the seasoned dried shrimp with hot sticky rice for a perfect combination on cold days.

Finished Product: Fragrant and Delicious Seasoned Dried Shrimp

With just a few simple steps, we have a delightful dish of seasoned dried shrimp. The rich flavor carries the aroma of sautéed garlic, the spiciness of chili, and the vibrant green color of spring onions. Paired with hot sticky rice, it's a treat for the senses. Don't wait any longer – head to the kitchen and whip up this dish to treat your family.

Seasoned Dried Shrimp

2. Stir-fried Pork Belly with Seasoned Dried Shrimp

Ingredients for Stir-fried Pork Belly with Seasoned Dried Shrimp

Pork belly: 400g
Dried shrimp: 300g
Dried onions: 2 bulbs, Spring onions: 3 stalks
Seasonings: Salt, MSG, broth powder, pepper, sugar, cooking oil, fish sauce

Steps to Make Seasoned Dried Shrimp

Prepare the Ingredients

- Clean the meat and cut it into small bite-sized pieces.
- Soak the dried shrimp in warm water for about 5 minutes to soften. Rinse with cold water and squeeze out excess water.
- Peel and finely chop the dried onions. Clean and finely chop the spring onions.

How to Cook Stir-fried Pork Belly with Seasoned Dried Shrimp

- After cutting the meat, drain and marinate it with sugar, MSG, fish sauce, salt, and pepper. Marinate for about 15 – 20 minutes.
- Heat a pot, add oil, and wait for it to heat up. Add 1/3 of the finely chopped dried onions to sauté for fragrance. Add the soaked dried shrimp and stir until golden before removing.
- Add the marinated meat and remaining chopped dried onions. Stir well and add a small bowl of water to prevent burning. Cook until the meat is done, then add the dried shrimp. Adjust the seasoning, adding a bit of fish sauce for extra aroma.

Finished Dish: Stir-fried Pork Belly with Seasoned Dried Shrimp

- Finally, add finely chopped spring onions, toss evenly, and serve on a plate for enjoyment.
- The dish is even more delicious when served hot and goes incredibly well with rice.

Stir-fried Pork Belly with Seasoned Dried Shrimp

3. Dried Shrimp (Dry Squid) Coconut Candy

Ingredients Needed

- 500g Dried Shrimp
- 2 slices of pineapple
- Spring onions, fish sauce, MSG, sugar

Steps for Making Dried Shrimp with Pineapple

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Soak the dried shrimp in water for about 5 – 10 minutes to soften.
Cut the pineapple into small square pieces.
Trim the spring onions, remove the roots, and finely chop.

Step 2: Prepare Dried Shrimp with Pineapple

After soaking, rinse the dried shrimp to remove impurities and squeeze dry.
Heat a pot on the stove, add 2 tablespoons of cooking oil, bring to a boil. Add the dried shrimp and stir with 1 small tablespoon of fish sauce, 1 tablespoon of sugar. Adjust the sweetness depending on the ripeness of the pineapple. It's recommended to add a bit more seasoning for richer flavor. When the dried shrimp turns crispy and golden, add the pineapple and stir for 5 – 7 minutes to enhance the sweet and sour flavor of the pineapple in the dried shrimp.
Finally, turn off the heat and add finely chopped spring onions, stir well.

Finished Dish: Dried Shrimp with Pineapple

Serve the dried shrimp on a beautifully arranged plate and enjoy immediately.

Aromatic Dried Shrimp with Pineapple

4. Mango Salad with Dried Shrimp

Prepare the ingredients for mango salad

- 1 green mango

- 100g dried shrimp

- Vietnamese coriander.
- Fresh lime, garlic, chili.
- Roasted peanuts.
- Olive oil.
- Seasonings: fish sauce, sugar, garlic, chili.

Steps to make Mango Salad with Dried Shrimp

Step 1: Prepare the ingredients

- Mango, washed, peeled, and sliced into even strips. Alternatively, use a grater for quicker and more convenient slicing.
- Dried shrimp, washed and crisped with a bit of oil.
- Roasted peanuts, peeled, and grated using a mortar or grinder. Ensure not to grind too finely to maintain a chunky texture, enhancing the overall taste and aroma when mixed with the salad.
- Vietnamese coriander, picked, washed, and finely chopped.
- Garlic and chili, crushed and finely minced.
- Lime, squeezed for juice.

Step 2: Season and marinate with spices

- Mix the sauce mixture consisting of garlic, chili, sugar, fish sauce, lime juice, stirring until it forms a smooth and velvety texture. Then, adjust the taste to your liking; avoid making it too bland as it may affect the overall flavor when paired with the salad.
Step 3: Toss the mango and dried shrimp salad
- Combine the finely grated mango mixture with the crispy dried shrimp, add some finely chopped Vietnamese coriander, and then mix in the prepared sauce mixture by hand. Be gentle and quick to avoid excessive moisture and maintain the aesthetic appeal of the salad.
- A touch of oil can be added for extra glossiness and appearance (if desired).

Finished product: Mango salad with dried shrimp 

This mango salad with dried shrimp is perfect for those who enjoy a tangy and spicy flavor profile. Additionally, it's an excellent choice for casual evening gatherings. The crispiness of the dried shrimp, combined with the slightly sour and crispy taste of mango, the rich nutty flavor of grated peanuts, and the distinctive aroma of Vietnamese coriander, make this dish a delightful treat for your family.

Mango salad with dried shrimp

5. Kimchi fried rice with dried shrimp

Prepare the ingredients: 

- Cold rice: 1 bowl.
- Eggs: 1 piece.
- Kimchi.
- Dried shrimp: 100 grams.
- Carrots, thinly sliced.
- Cucumber, thickly sliced.
- Seasonings: Fish sauce, broth cubes, cooking oil.

Execution steps

Mix cold rice with beaten eggs, stirring well for about 5 minutes until the rice and eggs blend smoothly.
Slice the kimchi into bite-sized pieces, stir-fry with a bit of sugar until it's heated through.
Heat a pan with some oil, pour in the mixed rice and eggs, and stir-fry until the rice is firm and turns golden. Add 2 tablespoons of fish sauce and 1 tablespoon of broth cubes for a fragrant touch.
Finally, when the rice is nearly done, add carrots, pre-stir-fried kimchi, and dried shrimp. Stir and simmer for about 5 minutes for the flavors to meld. Turn off the heat and present it on a plate.

Finished product: Kimchi fried rice

A plate of fragrant fried rice paired with crispy dried shrimp, served with crunchy and sweet cucumber. This is a delightful change for family meals, making them less mundane.
Above are some suggestions for making delicious and unique dried shrimp dishes, a great choice for those days when you want to try something new for the family, adding more freshness and variety to family meals. 

Kimchi fried rice with dried shrimp

Above are some suggestions for making delicious and unique dried shrimp dishes, a great choice for those days when you want to try something new for the family, adding more freshness and variety to family meals.

Wishing you a delicious and successful meal!