Mì Quảng with a Twist: Island-Inspired Noodle Delight

Ingredients

While the original Mì Quảng is deeply rooted in Vietnamese cuisine, this adapted version incorporates the unique flavors and ingredients found in the cuisines of the Islands of the North Atlantic. The traditional Vietnamese herbs and spices are complemented by Atlantic Island ingredients, such as fresh seafood and toasted coconut, creating a fusion of flavors that pays homage to both culinary traditions. We alse have the original recipe for Mì Quảng, so you can check it out.

• 200g (7 oz) rice noodles 200g (7 oz) rice noodles
• 250g (9 oz) shrimp, peeled and deveined 250g (9 oz) shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 250g (9 oz) mussels, cleaned and debearded 250g (9 oz) mussels, cleaned and debearded
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 onion, thinly sliced 1 onion, thinly sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ginger, grated 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 lemongrass stalk, bruised 1 lemongrass stalk, bruised
• 400ml (1 ¾ cups) seafood broth 400ml (1 ¾ cups) seafood broth
• 200ml (¾ cup) coconut milk 200ml (¾ cup) coconut milk
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce 1 tablespoon fish sauce
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon lime juice 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1 cup bean sprouts 1 cup bean sprouts
• 1 cup fresh herbs (such as cilantro, mint, and Thai basil), chopped 1 cup fresh herbs (such as cilantro, mint, and Thai basil), chopped
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced 2 green onions, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons toasted coconut flakes 2 tablespoons toasted coconut flakes
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 380 kcal / 1590 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 15g, 9g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 40g, 4g
• Protein: 20g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Cook the rice noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. 2.
   In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, and ginger, and sauté until fragrant.
3. 3.
   Add the turmeric powder, paprika, and lemongrass stalk to the pot, and stir for a minute to release their flavors.
4. 4.
   Pour in the seafood broth and coconut milk, and bring to a simmer.
5. 5.
   Add the shrimp and mussels to the pot, and cook until they are cooked through and the mussels have opened. Remove the seafood from the pot and set aside.
6. 6.
   Season the broth with fish sauce, soy sauce, lime juice, salt, and pepper to taste.
7. 7.
   To serve, divide the cooked rice noodles among bowls. Ladle the broth over the noodles, and top with the cooked seafood, bean sprouts, fresh herbs, green onions, and toasted coconut flakes.
8. 8.
   Garnish with additional herbs and lime wedges, if desired.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Rice noodles — Ensure not to overcook the rice noodles to maintain their texture and prevent them from becoming mushy.
• Lemongrass — Bruise the lemongrass stalk by lightly pounding it with a rolling pin or the back of a knife to release its aromatic oils.
• Toasted coconut flakes — Toast the coconut flakes in a dry pan over medium heat until golden brown, stirring frequently to prevent burning.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier kick, add a dash of hot sauce or chili flakes to the broth.
• Customize the seafood selection based on availability and personal preference.
• Experiment with different combinations of fresh herbs to enhance the flavor profile.
• Substitute the rice noodles with zucchini noodles for a low-carb option.
• Serve the Mì Quảng with a side of lime wedges for an extra burst of citrus flavor.

Serving advice

Serve the Island-Inspired Mì Quảng hot, garnished with additional fresh herbs and lime wedges on the side. Accompany it with a bowl of steamed jasmine rice or crusty bread to complete the meal.

Presentation advice

Present the Mì Quảng in individual bowls, showcasing the vibrant colors of the dish. Arrange the noodles, seafood, and toppings in an aesthetically pleasing manner, and sprinkle the toasted coconut flakes on top for an added visual appeal.