Mi Quang Quang-style noodles

mi_quang_quang-style_noodles

Vietnamese food has taken the world by storm, and one dish that stands out is Mi Quang. This dish originated in Quang Nam province, located in central Vietnam, and is known for its brightly colored ingredients and bold flavors. Mi Quang is a unique recipe that blends flavors from various regions of Vietnam to create its distinct taste. This dish is often sought after by Vietnamese food lovers, and its popularity continues to grow globally.

The dish consists of thin, flat rice noodles that are typically yellow or brown, and they are served with mainly meat and seafood, such as shrimp, chicken, or pork. These ingredients are all tossed together with fresh herbs, crunchy vegetables, and peanuts for an exciting combination of textures and flavors. The secret to the scrumptious taste of Mi Quang is the broth, which is made with pork or beef bones and various spices, including turmeric, black pepper, garlic, and chili powder.

The exact method and ingredients used in preparing Mi Quang can vary from region to region, and even from family to family, but there are general ingredients that create a typical flavor profile for the dish. The ingredients used in the Mi Quang broth give the soup a rich and savory taste, while the turmeric and chili powder give the broth its distinct orange color. As for the noodles, they are handmade with rice flour and water, giving them an elastic texture that adds to the dish’s overall texture.

One of the popular variations of Mi Quang is the Quang-style noodles, which features a richer broth, more protein, and fewer vegetables, and is usually served with crispy rice crackers. This variation is favored by those who prefer their noodles less “soupy” and soupier but still flavorful. The noodles are coated in a rich, nutty sauce made from peanuts, sesame, and sesame oil, which adds depth to the dish. This sauce is a classic addition to the Quang-style noodles and is often served on the side to customers. The protein used in this dish is usually chicken or pork, but seafood such as shrimp or crab can be used as well.

The condiments used in the dish are what make it stand out. Mi Quang is served with a variety of fresh herbs such as cilantro, basil, mint, and scallions, which add a burst of freshness to every bite. The dish is also adorned with fresh vegetables such as beansprouts, banana flowers, and water spinach that bring a beautiful crunch to the dish. To top it all off, crushed peanuts and crispy fried shallots are often sprinkled liberally over the top, adding a delicious nutty crunch.

The beautiful and inviting presentation of Mi Quang makes it a popular choice for Vietnamese meals, especially for special occasions. It is commonly served at weddings, New Year’s Eve, and other important Vietnamese celebrations. What makes Mi Quang so special is the blend of flavors that come together to create a dish that is so delicate and intricate. It’s a dish that combines the savory flavors of Vietnam’s meat-based soups with the herbal goodness of the endlessly abundant Vietnamese market. Thus, it gives you an experience of a fascinating flavor journey that you cannot have anywhere else in the world.

In conclusion, Mi Quang is one of the many Vietnamese signature dishes that continue to gain popularity worldwide, and not without merit. Its unique texture and bold flavors make it a truly special dish that everyone should try at least once in their lives. The Quang-style noodles with its mouth-watering sauce made from peanuts and sesame, flavorful broth, and aromatic toppings are just the ticket to culinary heaven. Delicious and invigorating, this dish is a must-try for anyone looking to explore Vietnamese cuisine.

Ingredients:

  • 8 oz of dry mi quang noodles
  • 1 lb of boneless chicken thighs, sliced
  • 1 lb of shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 2 cups of chicken broth
  • 1 onion, sliced
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
  • 1/2 cup of roasted peanuts, crushed
  • 1/2 cup of fresh herbs (mint, basil, cilantro)
  • 2 tbsp of fish sauce
  • 2 tbsp of sugar
  • 2 tbsp of vegetable oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Cook the mi quang noodles in boiling water for 5-7 minutes or until soft. Drain and set aside.

  2. Heat up the oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.

  3. Add the onion and bell peppers to the same pan and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender.

  4. Add the shrimp and stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes until the shrimp turn pink.

  5. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil.

  6. Add the fish sauce, sugar, salt, and pepper to taste.

  7. Reduce heat and let the mixture simmer for 5-7 minutes.

  8. Add the cooked chicken and mi quang noodles into the pan and mix everything well.

  9. Garnish with crushed peanuts and fresh herbs.

  10. Serve hot and enjoy your delicious Vietnamese Mi Quang Quang-style noodles!