Ch o tôm

Vietnamese shrimp paste on sugarcane

Ch_o tôm

A plate of ch_o tôm served with vermicelli noodles

Ch_o tôm is a traditional Vietnamese dish that consists of shrimp paste wrapped around a piece of sugarcane. It is a popular dish in Vietnamese cuisine, known for its unique combination of flavors and textures.

Preparation

The preparation of ch_o tôm involves several steps. First, fresh shrimp are peeled and deveined. The shrimp are then ground into a paste, often mixed with garlic, shallots, and fish sauce to enhance the flavor. Some recipes may also include pork fat to add richness to the paste.

Once the shrimp paste is prepared, it is molded around a piece of sugarcane. The sugarcane serves both as a skewer and as a flavor enhancer, imparting a subtle sweetness to the shrimp as it cooks. The skewered shrimp paste is then grilled or steamed until cooked through.

Serving

Ch_o tôm is typically served as an appetizer or as part of a larger meal. It is often accompanied by a variety of dipping sauces, such as nuoc cham, a traditional Vietnamese dipping sauce made from fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, and chili.

The dish is commonly served with fresh herbs, lettuce, and vermicelli noodles, allowing diners to create their own wraps by combining the ch_o tôm with the accompaniments in rice paper wrappers.

Cultural significance

Ch_o tôm is a dish that reflects the culinary traditions of Vietnam, particularly the central region where it is most popular. It showcases the Vietnamese emphasis on fresh ingredients and the balance of flavors, such as sweet, salty, and umami.

Related pages

• Vietnamese cuisine
• Nuoc cham
• Sugarcane
• Shrimp