Stir-fried Corn with Shrimp and Scallions

Most tourists who have come to Vietnam agree that the stir-fried corn with scallions dish that is sold on almost any street in Vietnam is a must-try dish, and, for me, this is one of my favorite snacks too. The recipe is very easy with only a few ingredients, which are fresh corn, dried shrimp (optional), scallions, and some oil to stir-fry.  Fresh corn makes a huge difference in taste. Whenever available especially from a local farmer’s market during late summer or early fall, I like to use fresh corn for this dish.  Also, butter is better to use to add more flavor to this dish, but in Vietnam, a street vendor only uses oil for economical reasons. Each cook may decide to use butter instead of oil because of their diet.  I always make this dish for my breakfast because it is fast and provides enough fiber and protein for the day.

Ingredients:

2 cups frozen corn (I use the Costco brand)

1/3 cup tiny dried shrimp

1 garlic clove, minced

2 scallions, thinly sliced

1/2 tsp salt

1/8 tsp black pepper

1/8 tsp cayenne

1 tbs coconut oil or butter

Directions:

Let frozen corn reach the room temperature.

Rinse tiny shrimp and set aside.

Heat oil in a medium sauté pan over high heat until oil is hot.

Add corn and shrimp.  Turn the heat down to low medium heat.

Brown the corn for 4 minutes. Add minced garlic at this point, if using.

Season with salt, black pepper, and cayenne.

Add scallions and cook for 1 more minute.

Serve. Enjoy!!

*Tip for using fresh corn:

Remove husk and separate the corn kernels from the cob. Bring a pot of water to boiling with some salt to flavor the corn.  Cook the corn for a few minutes and then drain.  Finish the recipe by following the directions listed above.