Peel the luffa gourds and slice them into bite-sized pieces.

Peel the shrimp and lightly mash them with 1/2 teaspoon salt and a shallot. Marinate the shrimp with a little fish sauce and a pinch of MSG (optional).

Bring a pot of water (about 4 cups/1 liter) to a boil. Add the shrimp and cook until the water returns to a boil. Add the luffa, let it come back to a boil, then season to taste. Add black pepper, sliced green onions, and cilantro before serving.

Sharing that the luffa gourds were homegrown on my rooftop garden.