Sugar cane shrimps

Sugar cane shrimps is a Vietnamese-inspired dish that combines shrimp paste with sugar cane for a unique flavor experience. Balancing savory and sweet notes, it's perfect for serving as an appetizer or main course.

12 Dec 2025
Cook time 5 min
Prep time 45 min

Ingredients:

1 onion
32 oz shrimps
2 garlic cloves
2 tbsp corn flour
2 tsp brown sugar
1 tbsp fish sauce

Sugar cane shrimp is a delightful Vietnamese-inspired dish that perfectly balances savory and sweet flavors. This dish can serve as an appetizer or a main course, and it is sure to impress your friends and family. In this recipe, shrimp paste wraps around sticks of sugar cane, offering a unique blend of textures and tastes that is both fun to make and delicious to eat.

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Ingredients:
- Peel and finely chop the onion.
- Peel and devein the shrimps.
- Mince the garlic cloves.

2. Process the Shrimps:
- Using a food processor, finely chop the shrimps until they form a paste. Alternatively, you can manually chop and mash them with a knife if you don't have a food processor.

3. Make the Shrimp Mixture:
- In a large bowl, combine the shrimp paste, chopped onion, and minced garlic.
- Add the corn flour, brown sugar, and fish sauce to the bowl.
- Mix everything thoroughly until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.

4. Shape the Shrimp Mixture:
- Using your hands, take a small amount of the shrimp mixture and form it into a ball or log shape, about 2-3 inches long. Repeat until all the mixture is used.

5. Skewer the Shrimp:
- Optionally, you can skewer the shrimp mixture with sugar cane sticks (if using traditional sugar cane skewers) or wooden skewers. This not only adds flavor but also makes them easier to handle and serve.

6. Cook the Shrimp:
- Heat a grill pan or nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. If using a grill, preheat it to medium-high.
- Lightly oil the pan or grill to prevent sticking.
- Cook the shrimp skewers for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until they turn opaque and are cooked through. They should have a nice golden-brown color.

7. Serve:
- Remove the shrimp skewers from the heat and let them cool slightly.
- Serve them hot as an appetizer or main dish. They pair well with dipping sauces like a sweet chili sauce or a peanut sauce.

Sugar cane shrimp offers a unique and flavorful dining experience that combines sweet and savory elements in perfect harmony. With just a handful of ingredients and a few tips and tricks, you can easily recreate this delicious dish at home. Whether you're new to cooking or an experienced chef, making sugar cane shrimp is an enjoyable and rewarding culinary adventure.

Sugar cane shrimps FAQ:

What is the best way to check if the shrimp are done cooking?

Shrimp are fully cooked when they turn opaque and form a 'C' shape. They typically take about 3-4 minutes per side on medium-high heat. Overcooking can make them rubbery, so keep an eye on them.

Can I substitute the fish sauce with another ingredient?

Yes, if you're looking for a substitute, you can use soy sauce for a vegetarian option or tamari for a gluten-free alternative. However, the flavor will differ slightly from the original recipe.

How should I store leftover sugar cane shrimps?

Store leftover sugar cane shrimps in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat them in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.

What type of shrimp works best for this dish?

Use fresh or thawed shrimp for the best flavor. Medium to large shrimp are ideal, as they provide a good texture after processing into a paste.

Can I make the shrimp mixture ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the shrimp mixture in advance. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before shaping and cooking.

Tips:

- Use fresh shrimp for the best flavor and texture. If using frozen shrimp, ensure they are fully thawed and patted dry before cooking.

- Mince the garlic and onion finely to ensure they blend well with the shrimp mixture.

- If you don't have sugar cane sticks, you can use lemongrass stalks as an alternative for a fragrant twist.

- Soak the sugar cane sticks in water for at least 30 minutes before cooking to prevent them from burning.

- Use a food processor to create a smooth shrimp paste, making it easier to form around the sugar cane sticks.

- Preheat your grill or pan to medium-high heat for even cooking.

Nutrition per serving

2 Servings
Calories 420kcal
Protein 66g
Carbohydrates 24g
Fiber 1.77g
Sugar 7g
Fat 4.88g

Sugar cane shrimps