Quang Noodles – A Special Dish of Central Vietnam
When it comes to Central cuisine, one cannot help but mention Mi Quang, a dish with the bold flavors of the Quang Nam – Da Nang region. Mi Quang is not only a familiar dish to the people of Quang, but also a specialty that attracts tourists from near and far because of its unique preparation and rich flavor. Let's learn about this special dish and why Mi Quang is so popular.
1. History and Origin of Quang Noodles
Quang noodles originated from Quang Nam province and have been around for hundreds of years. Initially, Quang noodles were just a simple dish, made by local people from ingredients available in their homes. Over time, this dish has been increasingly perfected and has become an indispensable part of Central cuisine.
Quang Nam people have created Mi Quang with a unique flavor unlike any other type of noodles. With a unique combination of fresh ingredients and special spices, Mi Quang is not only delicious but also imbued with the soul of Quang Nam, making anyone who has ever enjoyed it remember it forever.
2. Typical Ingredients of Quang Noodles
What makes Quang Noodles unique is the fresh ingredients and unique preparation method. Below are the important ingredients that make up a bowl of Quang Noodles with the standard Central Vietnamese flavor.
Quang Noodles – The Essence of Rice Flour
Quang noodles are made from rice flour, have a milky white color and a characteristic chewiness. The rice flour is spread into thin layers, then cut into noodles. Quang noodles are usually larger than pho noodles and have a moderate softness, when eaten, they feel cool and pleasant.
Broth – The Soul of Quang Noodles
Quang Noodles broth is not as much as pho or bun, but just enough to soak into the noodles and ingredients. The broth is made from chicken bones, pork bones, or shrimp and crab, creating a natural sweet taste. In addition, the cook also adds turmeric to create a beautiful yellow color and a characteristic aroma.
Shrimp, Pork and Chicken – Main Ingredients
Quang noodles are usually served with shrimp, pork, and chicken. The shrimp is braised with oil, turmeric, and spices, creating a rich flavor. The pork is thinly sliced, marinated, and stir-fried. The chicken is shredded, cooked in the broth, and soaked in flavor.
Raw Vegetables – An Indispensable Ingredient
Quang noodles are always eaten with fresh vegetables such as young cabbage, shredded banana blossom, lettuce, herbs… Raw vegetables help to soften the strong flavor of the broth and create a fresh feeling for the dish.
3. How to Cook Quang Noodles in Central Vietnam Style
Cooking Quang Noodles is not difficult, but to get the right Central flavor, it requires meticulousness and experience in each step of processing. Below is a recipe for Quang Noodles that you can refer to and try making at home.
Materials Needed
- Rice flour: 300g (to make noodles)
- Fresh shrimp: 300g
- Pork belly: 200g
- Chicken: 300g
- Quail eggs: 10 eggs
- Turmeric, shallots, garlic, chili: a little
- Pork bones (for making broth): 500g
- Raw vegetables: lettuce, young cabbage, shredded banana flower, herbs
- Roasted peanuts, sesame rice paper, lemon, fresh chili: to serve with
- Seasoning: fish sauce, salt, sugar, pepper, cooking oil
Steps to Take
Step 1: Prepare ingredients
Wash shrimp, pork and chicken. Wash pork bones, blanch in boiling water to remove impurities. Crush turmeric, mince shallots and garlic.
Step 2: Make Quang noodles
Mix rice flour with water, add a little salt and stir well. Use a non-stick pan to spread the flour into thin layers, then cut into large, bite-sized noodles. The noodles are boiled in water to prevent sticking and retain their chewiness.
Step 3: Cook the broth
Put the pork bones in a pot, cover them with cold water, bring to a boil and skim off the foam to make the water clear. Add the crushed shallots, garlic and turmeric to the pot. Simmer the bones for about 1-2 hours to get the sweet broth. During the cooking process, add a little fish sauce and salt to make the broth rich.
Step 4: Process shrimp and meat
Simmer shrimp with oil, turmeric, shallots and spices until well-marinated. Thinly slice pork, marinate with spices and stir-fry until cooked. Boil chicken, shred, then add to the broth to absorb the flavors.
Step 5: Finishing Quang Noodles
Place noodles in a bowl, top with shrimp, pork, chicken, and quail eggs. Pour broth over, add fresh herbs and roasted peanuts. Serve with sesame rice paper, lime, and fresh chili for added flavor.
4. Quang Noodles – The Quintessence of Central Cuisine
Quang noodles are not only a dish, but also a symbol of the culinary culture of the Central region. Each bowl of Quang noodles not only contains the rich flavors of the ingredients but also reflects the love and skill of the cook. This dish is a perfect combination of traditional culinary quintessence and the creativity of the people of Quang, making anyone who has ever enjoyed it fall in love.
Nowadays, Mi Quang not only appears in family meals or local eateries, but is also served in luxury restaurants and even on international flights, bringing the flavors of the Central region to international friends. Therefore, Mi Quang is not only the pride of Quang Nam people, but also an important part of Vietnamese culinary culture.
Quang Noodles
Mi Quang is not just a dish but also a part of the culture, the pride of the people of Central Vietnam. With a unique combination of fresh ingredients and special processing methods, Mi Quang is truly a delicacy not to be missed when coming to Quang Nam – Da Nang. Try it once and feel the rich, rich flavor of this typical dish to understand why it has such a strong attraction.
Although it has been around for a long time, Mi Quang still holds a special place in the hearts of food lovers. This dish is not only delicious but also contains the soul and feelings of the people of Quang. Mi Quang – a typical delicacy of the Central region, is a precious spiritual gift for all those who love and appreciate Vietnamese cuisine.