Toasted Shrimp Flakes / Tom Chay
This easy recipe for Toasted Shrimp Flakes uses fresh shrimp to make a delectable and fluffy topping for savory dumplings, cakes, noodles, rice dishes and more. Many recipes use dried shrimp, which is convenient, but fresh shrimp is so much more flavorful. Using tiger shrimp yields the best results because they are so plump and meaty. When cooked, the color is a beautiful orangey-pink. These Toasted Shrimp Flakes are so deliciously briny and fluffy. Sprinkle it on whatever foods you like. It goes great with everything!
- Prep time
- 15 min
- Cook time
- 10 min
- Yield
- 10 servings
- Difficulty
- EASY
Ingredients
Quantities are shown as originally provided.
- 2 lbs tiger shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 Tbsp annatto oil
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp ground white pepper
Instructions
- 1
Transfer the shrimp into a large skillet. Add the water. Cover the skillet. Cook on Medium heat for 1 1/2 - 2 minutes or until the shrimp is pink on the underside. Flip the shrimp over. Cook until pink, another 1 1/2 - 2 minutes.
- 2
Transfer the shrimp to an ice bath and let soak for 2 minutes. Drain well using a colander. Blot the shrimp dry using paper towels.
- 3
Transfer half the shrimp into a food processor. Pulse for 20-30 seconds. Transfer the shrimp into a large non-stick skillet. Repeat the same steps with the remaining shrimp.
- 4
Cook over Medium heat for 3-4 minutes stirring constantly and letting the moisture evaporate. Add the annatto oil and combine well. Using a spatula, press down on the shrimp and rub it against the skillet. Continue this process while cooking for another 5 minutes or until the shrimp is fluffy.
- 5
Add salt and ground white pepper and combine together.
- 6
Sprinkle the Toasted Shrimp Flakes over rice, noodles, soups, savory dumplings and cakes.