Sauteed Shrimp in Fish Sauce Caramel

 Exotic yet simple and delicious.  Don’t be intimidated by that fish sauce.  Amazon has plenty of it and it’s not fishy at all.

•  ¼ cup brown sugar
• 3 tbsp. fish sauce
• 3 tbsp. soy sauce
• 1 tbsp. canola oil
• 1 tbsp. minced garlic
• ½ tsp. crushed red pepper
• Salt and pepper
• 1 lb. shrimp. Shelled

In a small saucepan combine the sugar with 1 tbsp. water and melt over moderately high heat until caramelized (about 5 minutes).  Remove from heat and add fish sauce, soy sauce and 2 tbsp. water.  The mixture will bubble.  Don’t worry.

In a large skillet heat the canola oil until shimmery. Stir in the garlic and pepper and add the shrimp.  Cook over moderately high heat until pink on each side, turning once (3-5 minutes).  Add the caramel sauce and cook, tossing the shrimp in the sauce, 1-2 minutes.  Serve.