Mắm chưng hột vịt, or Vietnamese Steamed Fish Sauce with Shrimp, is a culinary marvel that transcends the simple sum of its parts. This intensely flavorful dish, a staple in Vietnamese cuisine, offers a complex tapestry of umami richness, subtle sweetness, and a hint of briny tang. The fragrant blend of fermented fish sauce, succulent shrimp, and earthy aromatics creates a dish that's both surprisingly addictive and deeply satisfying. It's more than just a condiment; it's an experience, a journey for your taste buds.
Beyond its deliciousness lies a surprisingly accessible preparation. While the ingredients may seem exotic, the process itself is straightforward and manageable even for novice cooks. This recipe breaks down the art of creating perfect Mắm chưng hột vịt into easily followed steps, guiding you through each stage to achieve a vibrant and flavourful result. Ready to embark on this culinary adventure? Let's get started with the step-by-step instructions.
Tools Needed
- Blender or food processor
- Steamer
- Gloves
- Chopsticks
Ingredients
- Shrimp: 150g
- Minced pork: 150g
- Fish sauce (Linh fish sauce and mam ca sac): 150g
- Duck eggs: 3
- MSG: 1/4 tablespoon
- Sugar: 1/2 tablespoon
- Shallots: 5 bulbs
- Green onions: 1 bunch
- Pepper
- Salted eggs: 5
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Ingredients and Mixture
- Grind the shrimp until crushed. Don't grind it too finely.
- Combine minced pork, fish sauce, and duck eggs (reserve 2 yolks).
- Add MSG, sugar, chopped shallots (reserve some for garnish), and pepper. Mix well using gloves.
- Finely chop green onions; reserve some for garnish.
Step 2. Assemble and Initial Steam
- Arrange halved salted egg yolks and reserved shallots in the steamer dish.
- Steam the fish sauce mixture for 20 minutes.
Step 3. Garnish and Final Steam
- Garnish with the reserved duck egg yolks, pepper, green onions, and chili slices.
- Steam for another 5 minutes, or until the egg yolks reach your desired doneness.
Read more: Vietnamese Chicken Stew (Ca Ri Ga): A Flavorful Comfort Dish
Tips
- Use duck eggs for a richer flavor.
- Reserve some shallots and green onions for a visually appealing garnish.
- Add a little extra sugar to balance the saltiness of the fish sauce.
- Optional: Add oil color to the egg yolks for a more vibrant appearance.
- Adjust the amount of pepper to your preference.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I substitute the shrimp with other seafood?
Yes! Squid, mussels, or even crab would work well. Adjust cooking time as needed based on the seafood's size and type.
2. How long can I store the finished Mắm chưng hột vịt?
Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. The flavors will deepen slightly over time.
With its rich umami flavor and surprising ease of preparation, Mắm chưng hột vịt is a rewarding dish to add to your culinary repertoire. This versatile condiment elevates any meal, from simple rice to grilled meats and vegetables. So, gather your ingredients and experience the magic of this truly unique Vietnamese delicacy!