Crispy fried quail eggs with fish sauce are a delightful Vietnamese street food snack, bursting with savory umami and satisfying crunch. These tiny eggs, perfectly fried to a golden brown, offer a unique textural experience unlike anything else. The simple yet flavorful fish sauce dipping element elevates the dish, creating a perfect balance of salty, sweet, and tangy notes that complement the rich yolk. Imagine the satisfying crackle of the shell as you bite into the perfectly cooked egg, the explosion of flavor coating your palate.
This irresistible treat is surprisingly easy to make at home, requiring minimal ingredients and effort. Forget complicated recipes; this guide provides a straightforward approach to achieving perfectly crispy quail eggs every time. Ready to embark on this culinary adventure and create a batch of these addictive snacks? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions.
Tools Needed
- Pot
- Pan
- Plate
Ingredients
- Quail eggs: 27
- Green onion: 2 stalks
- Purple onion: 1
- Garlic: 3 cloves
- Chili peppers: 2
- Fish sauce: 2 tablespoons
- Sugar: 2 tablespoons
- Seasoning powder: 1/2 teaspoon
- Cornstarch: 1/3 teaspoon
- Ground pepper: 1/3 teaspoon
- Chili sauce: 1 tablespoon
- Water: 1 tablespoon
- Cooking oil
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Quail Eggs
- Boil quail eggs for 6 minutes after water boils. Then, remove and soak in cold water to cool.
- Peel the cooled eggs. If the eggshell sticks, rinse the eggs first.
- Pat the peeled eggs dry with a paper towel.
Step 2. Fry the Quail Eggs
- Heat cooking oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the quail eggs and fry for about 1 minute, then stir gently.
- If any eggs puff up, pinch them to deflate. Continue stirring until slightly golden brown.
- Remove the fried eggs.
Step 3. Make and Add the Fish Sauce Mixture
- Add more cooking oil to the pan. Sauté minced garlic, shallots, and chili peppers until golden brown.
- Add the fish sauce mixture (sugar, seasoning powder, cornstarch, pepper, fish sauce, water, and chili sauce) to the pan. Stir well.
- Reduce heat to low. Add the fried quail eggs and stir to coat with the sauce. Cook until the sauce reduces and clings to the eggs.
Step 4. Finish and Serve
- Add green onions and stir until cooked. Turn off the heat and let cool slightly.
- Serve and enjoy!
Read more: Crispy Tofu with Onions: A Delicious Vietnamese Beer Snack
Tips
- To prevent eggs from exploding while boiling, reduce heat to medium once the water boils.
- If you don't like spicy food, omit the chili peppers.
- When frying the eggs, pinch any that puff up to prevent them from exploding.
- Stir frequently to make the eggs golden and crispy. Don't overcook.
- Cook the sauce over low heat to prevent it from burning.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of egg?
While quail eggs are ideal for their size and flavor, you can substitute with chicken eggs. However, cooking time will need to be adjusted – they'll take longer to cook through.
2. How do I make sure the eggs don't explode while frying?
Prick the eggs with a needle or toothpick several times before frying. This releases internal pressure and prevents bursting. Also, use medium heat to cook them gently.
So there you have it – a simple yet incredibly rewarding recipe for crispy fried quail eggs with fish sauce. This addictive snack is perfect as a party appetizer, a quick and satisfying meal, or simply a delicious treat any time you crave something crunchy and flavorful. Enjoy the satisfying crunch and delicious taste of these perfectly fried quail eggs!