Mi Quang

Name: Mi Quang
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Yield: 4 to 6
Cuisine: Vietnamese
Ingredients: 400 g turmeric noodles; 200 g shrimp; 150 g pork; 1 handful peanuts; 1 handful herbs; to taste fine sea salt

25 minutes prep 45 minutes cook Serves 4 to 6 seafood

Mi Quang hails from the province of Quang Nam, a region known for its generous use of locally sourced ingredients and a cooking style that relies on intuition. Traditionally, this dish finds its place at the family table, where it is shared and savored in the comforting embrace of home. The recipe here captures the essence of a Vietnamese family cook's approach, where each element is carefully judged by hand, ensuring a balance of flavors that speaks to its origins.

Expect a vibrant bowl of turmeric noodles, crowned with succulent shrimp and tender pork, each bite punctuated by the crunch of peanuts and the freshness of herbs. The flavors are rich and layered, with a hint of salt that ties them together seamlessly. This is Mi Quang as it was meant to be tasted, an honest reflection of the culinary soul of Quang Nam.

Ingredients

400 gturmeric noodles
200 gshrimp
150 gpork
1 handfulpeanuts
1 handfulherbs
to tastefine sea salt

Method

Start by cleaning the 200 g shrimp. Remove the shells and devein them by making a shallow cut along the back and pulling out the dark vein. Rinse the shrimp under cold water and pat them dry with a paper towel to ensure they cook evenly.
In a large pan, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium heat. Add 2 cloves of minced garlic and 1 chopped shallot, stirring until they release their aroma and turn golden brown. This will create a fragrant base that enhances the flavor of the dish.
Add the 150 g of thinly sliced pork to the pan. Stir-fry the pork until it turns light brown and is cooked through. This should take a few minutes, and you want the pork to be tender and juicy.
Add the shrimp to the pan with the pork. Cook the shrimp until they turn pink and are just opaque in the center, which indicates they are perfectly cooked. This should take about 2-3 minutes, ensuring they remain tender and not rubbery.
While the shrimp are cooking, bring a pot of water to a boil and add the 400 g turmeric noodles. Cook them for about 2-3 minutes until they are tender but still have a slight bite. Drain the noodles and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process.
Combine the cooked noodles with the shrimp and pork mixture in the pan. Toss everything together gently to ensure the noodles are well coated with the flavors from the pan.
Taste the dish and add fine sea salt to your preference. Remember, Mi Quang is traditionally seasoned generously, so adjust the salt to enhance the overall flavor.
Serve the Mi Quang immediately, garnishing with a handful of chopped peanuts and fresh herbs such as mint and cilantro. This dish is meant to be enjoyed right away, with the contrasting textures and vibrant flavors coming together beautifully.