1poundlarge raw shrimp(fresh or frozen; shelled and deveined)
4cupswater(warm)
2tablespoonsextra-virgin olive oil
1smallyellow or white onion(finely minced)
4clovesgarlic(grated)
¼cuptomato paste
½teaspoonblack pepper
1tablespoontamarind paste(not concentrate)
kosher salt(to taste)
1bunchcilantro(leaves and stems, minced)
1green chile(such as serrano or Thai; thinly sliced)
Instructions
Place shrimp and water in a medium saucepan. Cook over low heat until shrimp turns pink (about 10 minutes for fresh, 15 minutes for frozen). Increase heat to high, bring to a boil, then remove from heat. Separate and reserve both shrimp and cooking liquid.
Wipe the saucepan dry. Heat oil over medium; sauté onion 3–4 minutes until translucent. Add garlic and cook 1 minute. Stir in tomato paste and cook 3–4 minutes until deeper in color. Add black pepper and tamarind paste, then the reserved cooking liquid. Season with salt.
Bring to a boil, remove from heat, and fold in shrimp, cilantro, and green chile. Serve hot.