Mắm Chưng Trứng Muối, or Vietnamese Steamed Fish Sauce with Egg and Meatloaf, is a dish that embodies the rich and complex flavors of Vietnamese cuisine. This savory masterpiece transcends a simple side dish; it's a culinary experience that awakens the senses with its pungent fish sauce aroma, the creamy richness of the eggs, and the satisfying texture of the meatloaf. The seemingly simple combination of ingredients creates a symphony of tastes, a testament to the skill and artistry of Vietnamese cooking. This dish, often served with rice and fresh herbs, is a comforting and deeply satisfying meal perfect for any occasion.
This recipe offers a delicious variation on the classic Mắm Chưng Trứng Muối, providing a detailed guide to achieving perfectly balanced flavors and textures. Ready to embark on a culinary journey and create this flavorful Vietnamese delight? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions to prepare your own unforgettable Mắm Chưng Trứng Muối.
Tools Needed
- Blender
- Steamer
- Chopsticks
Ingredients
- Ground meat: 500 grams
- Peeled shrimp: 200 grams
- Fish sauce: 200 grams
- Salted eggs: 4
- Duck eggs: 5
- Gunpowder vegetable
- Winged beans
- Eggplant
- Sesban flower
- Green bananas
- Cucumbers
- Shallots
- Ginger
- Chili peppers
- Green onions
- Seasoning powder: 1/2 tablespoon
- Rock sugar: 1/2 tablespoon
- MSG
- Fried onions: 1 tablespoon
- Pepper
- Annatto oil
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare Ingredients and Combine
- Grind the fish sauce until very smooth using a blender. If you don't have a blender, finely chop it.
- Finely chop the shrimp, but not too finely to maintain some texture.
- Finely slice or chop the shallots and ginger.
- Finely chop the green onions.
- Combine all ingredients (except for 2 egg yolks) in a bowl.
- Crack the duck eggs into the bowl. Separate 2 egg yolks to use later for decoration.
- Season the mixture with seasoning powder, fish sauce, rock sugar, MSG (optional), fried onions, and pepper. Adjust seasoning according to your preference and the saltiness of the fish sauce.
- Mix all ingredients thoroughly.
Step 2. Steam the Mixture
- Steam the mixture for 10 minutes. Open the lid, use chopsticks to release steam and drain excess water. Repeat this every 10 minutes.
- Steam for another 5 minutes.
Step 3. Decorate and Finish Steaming
- Mix the two egg yolks with annatto oil for decoration.
- After 40 minutes of steaming, open the lid and carefully brush the egg yolk mixture on top.
- Decorate with sliced shallots and chili peppers.
Read more: Vietnamese Chicken Stew (Ca Ri Ga): A Flavorful Comfort Dish
Tips
- Grind the fish sauce very smooth to avoid lumps.
- Don't over-chop the shrimp; leave some texture.
- Place a towel on top of the meatloaf during steaming to prevent it from becoming soggy.
- Release steam and drain water every 10 minutes during steaming.
- Annatto oil adds a beautiful red color and shine to the egg yolks.
Nutrition
- Calories: approximately 1800-2200
- Fat: 120-150g
- Carbs: 50-70g
- Protein: 100-130g
FAQs
1. Can I substitute the fish sauce?
While fish sauce is key to the authentic flavor, you can try a reduced amount of soy sauce and shrimp paste for a similar savory depth. However, the taste will be noticeably different.
2. What type of meatloaf is best?
Pork is traditionally used, but ground chicken or turkey can work as well. Choose a leaner ground meat to avoid excessive greasiness.
3. How can I adjust the saltiness?
Taste the mixture before steaming and add a little sugar to balance the saltiness of the fish sauce if needed. You can also adjust the amount of fish sauce used initially.
With its rich flavors and relatively simple preparation, Mắm Chưng Trứng Muối is a rewarding dish to master. This recipe offers a delicious and authentic taste of Vietnamese home cooking, perfect for both seasoned cooks and enthusiastic beginners. Enjoy the satisfying results of your culinary adventure!