Quang-style noodles (mì quảng) – Classic
This is the traditional, time-tested version of the dish. It stays true to its origins, using well-established techniques and ingredients that define its authentic flavor. A perfect starting point for exploring its evolution.
Country: 
Vietnam Region / Locale: Quảng nam province Servings: Serves 4
Vietnam Region / Locale: Quảng nam province Servings: Serves 4Originating from the Quang Nam Province in Vietnam, Mì Quảng is a beloved dish that showcases the culinary richness of Central Vietnam. This dish is characterized by its distinctively vibrant, turmeric-tinted noodles, and a medley of fresh herbs and rich toppings like pork, shrimp, and quail eggs. With its minimal yet flavorful broth and an array of textures and colors, Mì Quảng is a perfect representation of balance in Vietnamese cuisine, celebrated for its simplicity and depth of flavor.
Ingredients
- rice noodles – 400 g / 14 oz
- pork shoulder – 200 g / 7 oz, thinly sliced
- shrimp – 200 g / 7 oz, peeled and deveined
- quail eggs – 8, boiled and peeled
- turmeric powder – 1 tsp
- garlic – 4 cloves, minced
- shallots – 2, thinly sliced
- fish sauce – 3 tbsp
- chicken broth – 2 cups / 480 ml
- peanut oil – 2 tbsp
- lettuce leaves – 100 g / 3.5 oz, shredded
- mint leaves – a handful
- peanuts – 50 g / 1.8 oz, toasted and crushed
- lime – 1, cut into wedges
- rice crackers – 2, broken into pieces
Instructions
- Cook the rice noodles according to the package instructions, drain, and set aside.
- Heat the peanut oil in a pan over medium heat. Add garlic and shallots, sauté until fragrant.
- Add the pork slices and shrimp, cook until both are cooked through, then add the turmeric powder, fish sauce, and stir well.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Adjust the seasoning with salt if needed.
- Divide noodles into bowls, top with cooked pork and shrimp, pour a small amount of broth over.
- Garnish with quail eggs, shredded lettuce, mint leaves, crushed peanuts, and rice crackers.
- Serve with lime wedges on the side for an added citrusy touch.
Substitutions
- pork shoulder -> chicken breast
- shrimp -> tofu
- quail eggs -> boiled chicken eggs, cut into quarters
Enhancements in the Next Evolution
- Use homemade chicken broth for a deeper, more authentic flavor.
- Try marinating the pork and shrimp with a bit of sugar and fish sauce before cooking for extra depth.
- Include more fresh herbs like cilantro and Vietnamese coriander for added freshness.
Curious to see how this dish evolves? Discover refined flavors and enhanced techniques in the next version.
