Nui chiên nước mắm, or crispy fried rice noodles with garlic butter fish sauce, is a Vietnamese street food sensation that's quickly gaining popularity worldwide. Its irresistible combination of textures—crispy, chewy noodles mingling with tender protein—and the umami-rich, savory-sweet fish sauce creates a dish that's both deeply satisfying and surprisingly easy to make at home. The fragrant garlic butter sauce elevates this simple noodle dish to a culinary masterpiece, perfectly balancing the saltiness and sweetness.
This addictive dish is more than just a meal; it's an experience. Imagine the satisfying crunch of the perfectly fried noodles, the rich aroma of garlic and fish sauce, and the burst of flavor in every bite. Ready to create this culinary delight yourself? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions to make your own incredible Nui chiên nước mắm.
Tools Needed
- Frying pan
- Ladle
- Chopsticks
- Basket
- Container with lid
Ingredients
- Rice noodles (tail type): 150g
- Garlic: 10 cloves
- Cooking oil
- Sugar: 1.5 tbsp
- Fish sauce: 1 tbsp
- Chili sauce: 1 tbsp
- Tomato sauce: 1 tbsp
- Korean chili powder: 0.5 tbsp
- MSG: 0.5 tsp
- Butter: 0.5 tbsp
- Garlic powder: 0.5 tsp (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Crispy Noodles and Garlic
- Chop the garlic finely.
- Heat cooking oil in a pan over high heat. Add garlic and fry until golden brown and crispy. Remove and set aside.
- Add more oil to the pan. Fry the rice noodles in batches until crispy. Remove and drain on a basket.
Step 2. Make the Garlic Butter Fish Sauce
- In a pan, combine cooking oil, sugar, fish sauce, chili sauce, tomato sauce, Korean chili powder, MSG, butter, and garlic powder (optional). Stir well.
Step 3. Toss Noodles in Sauce
- Cook the sauce over low heat until boiling. Add the fried rice noodles and stir to coat evenly with the sauce.
- Continue stirring until the sauce thickens and dries slightly. Turn off the heat.
Step 4. Cool and Store
- Let the noodles cool down. Transfer to a container and store for later use. You can optionally spread them on a basket and let them sit in the sun for 1-2 hours to further dry them.
Read more: Crispy Tofu with Onions: A Delicious Vietnamese Beer Snack
Tips
- Don't let the garlic overcook; slightly golden is best to avoid bitterness.
- Make sure the oil is very hot before frying the noodles to ensure crispiness.
- Don't overcrowd the pan while frying the noodles. Fry in batches for best results.
- Remove the fried noodles immediately to prevent them from turning yellow and burning.
- Use a ladle and chopsticks to mix the noodles and sauce thoroughly.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I use different types of noodles?
Yes! While rice noodles are traditional, you can experiment with other thin noodles like vermicelli or even angel hair pasta. Just adjust cooking time accordingly.
2. What if I don't have fish sauce?
While fish sauce is key to the authentic flavor, you can substitute with soy sauce mixed with a touch of oyster sauce and a pinch of sugar to mimic the umami and saltiness.
3. How do I keep the noodles crispy?
Ensure your noodles are completely dry before frying. Fry them in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, and don't overcrowd the pan when adding the sauce. Serve immediately for the best crunch.
With its irresistible blend of textures and flavors, this Crispy Fried Rice Noodles with Garlic Butter Fish Sauce recipe is sure to become a new favorite. The ease of preparation makes it perfect for a weeknight meal, yet the sophisticated taste elevates it for any occasion. So gather your ingredients and get ready to experience the magic of this Vietnamese culinary gem!