Vietnamese Mì Quảng (Turmeric Noodles from Quang Nam)

  • Total time - 1 hour
  • Preparation - 30 minutes
  • Cooking time - 30 minutes
  • Servings: 4
  • Country: Vietnam
A rich bowl of Vietnamese Mì Quảng, with thick turmeric noodles, pork, shrimp, and herbs.

Mì Quảng is one of the most distinctive dishes in central Vietnam. Its strength lies in the rich, concentrated flavor of its broth, which is much more intense than in most noodle soups. This dish is a perfect example of how a small detail, like the amount of broth, can turn a meal into a unique culinary experience.

Ingredients

For the Broth and Toppings

  • 200 g pork shoulder or belly, sliced
  • 200 g raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 12 pieces quail eggs, hard-boiled
  • shallots and garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • fish sauce, sugar, black pepper
  • shrimp paste (mắm tôm), optional

For Serving

  • 400 g Mì Quảng noodles (or flat rice noodles)
  • roasted peanuts, crushed
  • Vietnamese sesame rice crackers (bánh tráng mè)
  • fresh herbs (mint, perilla, cilantro, Thai basil), shredded lettuce or banana blossom

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the broth and toppings

Marinate the sliced pork and shrimp with fish sauce, sugar, turmeric powder, and black pepper for about 15 minutes. In a pot, sauté minced shallots and garlic. Add the pork and cook until browned. Add the shrimp and cook until pink.

Step 2: Make the broth

Add water to the pot, just enough to cover the ingredients. Season with more fish sauce, sugar, and a little shrimp paste. Simmer for 10-15 minutes to let the flavors meld. Add the peeled quail eggs at the end.

Step 3: Prepare the noodles and vegetables

Cook the Mì Quảng noodles according to package directions. Rinse them with cold water and drain. Prepare the fresh herbs and vegetables.

Step 4: Assemble the dish

Place a portion of the noodles in a serving bowl. Top with the pork, shrimp, and quail eggs. Ladle a small amount of the warm, concentrated broth over the noodles and toppings. The broth should just coat the bottom of the bowl, as it is not a soup.

Step 5: Serve

Garnish the dish with crushed roasted peanuts and a large piece of the rice cracker. Serve immediately with a side of fresh herbs and vegetables. Break the cracker into pieces and mix it into the noodles for a crunchy texture.