Hen Xuc Banh Trang, or Spicy Vietnamese Baby Clams with Rice Crackers, is a vibrant and flavorful dish that perfectly captures the essence of Vietnamese street food. The combination of succulent, tender clams, a fiery chili-garlic sauce, and the satisfying crunch of rice crackers creates a symphony of textures and tastes. This dish is not just a meal; it's an experience, a burst of freshness and spice that will leave you wanting more. Imagine the rich aroma of garlic sizzling in oil, mingling with the briny scent of the clams, all punctuated by the sharp bite of chilies.
This irresistible dish is surprisingly easy to recreate at home, even for novice cooks. The key is using fresh, high-quality ingredients and balancing the heat to your preference. Ready to embark on a culinary adventure? Let's dive into the step-by-step guide to making your own delicious Hen Xuc Banh Trang.
Tools Needed
- Pan
- Towel
Ingredients
- Frozen cooked baby clam meat
- Shallots
- Garlic
- Diced onions
- Lemongrass
- Chicken granulated: 1 tablespoon
- Sugar: 1 tablespoon
- Fish sauce: 1 tablespoon
- Chopped chili
- Chili oil
- Vietnamese coriander leaves
- Black pepper
- Rice crackers
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Clams and Aromatics
- Wash the clams gently, scrubbing them together to remove sand. Rinse 5-6 times and squeeze out excess water with a clean towel. The clams need to be dry to absorb flavor.
- Fry the shallots until golden (about 10 minutes). Strain and let them dry on paper towels.
Step 2. Stir-fry the Clams with Seasoning
- Using the shallot oil, stir-fry garlic, diced onions, and lemongrass until the onions are wilted.
- Add the clam meat, 1 tablespoon chicken granulated, 1 tablespoon sugar, and 1 tablespoon fish sauce.
- Add chopped chili and chili oil to your preferred spice level. Stir-fry for another 5 minutes.
Step 3. Garnish and Serve
- Serve the stir-fried clams on a plate, topped with fried shallots, chopped chili, Vietnamese coriander leaves, and black pepper.
Step 4. Enjoy with Rice Crackers
- Serve with rice crackers on the side.
Read more: Vietnamese Banana Blossom Salad: A Refreshing Recipe
Tips
- This dish is best served spicy.
- You can adjust the chili amount to your spice preference.
- This dish can also be served with rice or rice noodles.
Nutrition
- Calories: Varies depending on specific ingredient amounts and brands. A reasonable estimate for a serving would be 200-300 calories.
- Fat: 5-10gg
- Carbs: 20-30gg
- Protein: 10-15gg
FAQs
1. Can I substitute the baby clams with another type of shellfish?
While baby clams offer the best texture and flavor for this dish, you can try mussels or small cockles. Cooking time may need adjustment.
2. How can I adjust the spiciness of the dish?
Control the spiciness by adjusting the amount of chili paste or fresh chilies used in the sauce. Start with less and add more to your liking.
Enjoy your delicious homemade Hen Xuc Banh Trang! This vibrant dish is perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a fun appetizer for gatherings. Remember to experiment with different chili levels and garnishes to personalize your perfect bowl.