Delicious Banana Leaf Grilled Shrimp Recipe

Banana leaf grilled shrimp is a traditional Vietnamese dish known for its unique flavor. Not only is it appealing due to the natural sweetness of the shrimp combined with the aroma of banana leaves, but it’s also nutritious and easy to prepare. Let’s explore the simple yet delicious recipe for banana leaf grilled shrimp.

Ingredients Needed for Banana Leaf Grilled Shrimp

To make the perfect banana leaf grilled shrimp, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 600g fresh tiger shrimp
• Aluminum foil (for grilling the shrimp)
• Banana leaves
• Shallots, garlic, lemongrass
• Kaffir lime leaves and cilantro
• Seasonings: Oyster sauce, annatto oil, chili sauce, chili powder, sugar, fish sauce

Banana Leaf Grilled Shrimp Recipe

Steps to Make Banana Leaf Grilled Shrimp

Step 1: Basic Ingredient Preparation

• Tiger shrimp: Clean, remove the legs, tail, and the black vein on the back. Rinse again with clean water.
• Kaffir lime leaves: Finely chop and mince.
• Banana leaves: Clean, dry with a cloth. Then, soften the leaves by holding them over a fire or sun-drying them lightly to make wrapping easier.
• Cilantro: Rinse with water and let it drain.
• Lemongrass: Clean and finely chop for aroma.
• Shallots and garlic: Peel and mince.

Step 2: Making the Dipping Sauce

• Heat oil in a pan, sauté the minced shallots, garlic, and lemongrass until fragrant.
• Add chili sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, fish sauce, and a tablespoon of annatto oil to the mixture. Stir well and bring to a boil for about 3 minutes, then turn off the heat.

Step 3: Marinating the Shrimp

• Place the shrimp in a large bowl, add chili powder and minced kaffir lime leaves, and mix well.
• Let the shrimp marinate for about 10 minutes.

Step 4: Grilling the Shrimp with Banana Leaves

• Lay out the banana leaves on a clean tray, place the marinated shrimp on the leaves.
• Wrap the shrimp tightly in the banana leaves and grill on a barbecue or charcoal grill until the shrimp are evenly cooked.

Step 5: Presentation and Enjoyment

• Once the shrimp are cooked, keep them wrapped in the banana leaves and arrange on a plate. Garnish with cilantro and cucumber slices for added visual appeal.
• The banana leaf grilled shrimp will taste even better when enjoyed with the prepared dipping sauce.

Conclusion

The recipe for banana leaf grilled shrimp is not overly complicated but requires careful attention to each step of preparation and grilling. The unique flavor of this dish comes from the harmonious blend of the shrimp’s sweetness, the aroma of banana leaves, and traditional seasonings. Try this recipe to bring an exciting meal to your family!

Wishing you success and wonderful cooking experiences!

References

• Quá Ngon Restaurant
• Various sources on Vietnamese cuisine