Rambutan Fusion

About Rambutan Fusion

The rambutan, native to the Malay-Indonesian region, is a tropical fruit known for its unique appearance and sweet taste. Its history dates back centuries with cultural significance in Southeast Asia where it symbolizes abundance and prosperity. Over the years, the rambutan has crossed borders and is now enjoyed worldwide in culinary dishes, incorporating a fusion of flavors and techniques.

Ingredients

• Rambutan - 20 pieces
• Lime - 1, juiced
• Mint - a handful, roughly chopped
• Chili - 1, finely sliced
• Coconut milk - 1 cup
• Shrimp - 400g, peeled and deveined
• Soy sauce - 2 tablespoons
• Ginger - 2 teaspoons, grated
• Fish sauce - 1 tablespoon
• Sugar - 1 tablespoon
• Salt - to taste
• Pepper - to taste
• Rice - as required, for serving

Preparation

Step 1: Preparing the Rambutan

Carefully peel the rambutan and remove the seeds. Slice the flesh into thin strips and set aside.

Step 2: Marinating the Shrimp

In a bowl, mix the lime juice, soy sauce, fish sauce, ginger, and sugar together. Add the shrimp and coat evenly. Let marinate for about 30 minutes. Set a cooking timer to ensure the shrimp absorbs the flavors.

Step 3: Preparing the Sauce

In a separate saucepan, combine the coconut milk with the sliced chili and stir. Simmer over low heat and let the flavors meld together.

Step 4: Cooking the Shrimp and Sauce

Heat a skillet over medium heat, add the marinated shrimp along with any remaining marinade. Cook until the shrimp turn pink and opaque, about 3-4 minutes each side. Pour the prepared sauce over the shrimp, add the sliced rambutan and mint, mixing everything until combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Cooking Process

The integration of ingredients is key to achieving the perfect balance of flavors in Rambutan Fusion. It's important to monitor the cooking time, ensuring the shrimp remains tender. The melding of coconut milk with bold flavors like fish sauce and chili creates a dynamic taste profile that complements the sweetness of the rambutan.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this exotic shrimp and rambutan dish over a bed of steaming hot rice. Garnish with extra mint for added freshness. Enjoy with a chilled glass of lime-infused sparkling water.