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Discover Mi Quang: A Flavorful Journey Through the Heart of Central Vietnam

Mi Quang (Mì Quảng) is a traditional noodle dish from Quang Nam province in Central Vietnam, celebrated for its vibrant colors and rich flavors. Made with wide rice noodles infused with turmeric, it features various toppings like shrimp, pork, chicken, or frog, along with fresh herbs, roasted peanuts, and crispy rice crackers. Served with a small amount of intensely flavored broth, Mi Quang allows the ingredients’ flavors to stand out, distinguishing it from other Vietnamese noodle soups.

At Viet Kitchen, we’ll guide you through the steps to create an authentic Mi Quang at home. With our detailed instructions, you can bring the rich and vibrant flavors of Central Vietnam into your own kitchen and experience a taste of this iconic dish.

How to Make Mi Quang

Ingredients (Serves 2):

Mi Quang noodles: 300g (wide rice noodles, preferably turmeric-infused)
Shrimp and pork (or chicken): 200g each
Turmeric powder: 1 teaspoon
Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
Shallots: 2, thinly sliced
Fish sauce: 2 tablespoons
Soy sauce: 1 tablespoon
Roasted peanuts: 50g, crushed
Fresh herbs: Mint, basil, cilantro (about 100g total)
Bean sprouts: 100g
Crispy rice crackers : 2 large pieces
Broth: 300ml (chicken or pork broth)
Cooking oil: 1 tablespoon

Detailed Instructions:

Prepare the Proteins:
- Marinate the Meat: Combine the shrimp and pork (or chicken) with fish sauce, soy sauce, turmeric powder, and minced garlic. Let it marinate for at least 20 minutes.
- Cook the Meat: Heat cooking oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the shallots and sauté until fragrant. Add the marinated shrimp and pork (or chicken) and cook until the meat is browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Set aside.
Prepare the Broth:
- In the same pan used to cook the meat, add the broth and bring it to a gentle simmer. Season with a bit of fish sauce and soy sauce to taste. The broth should be rich and flavorful but not too much, as it is used sparingly in the dish.
Cook the Noodles:
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the Mi Quang noodles and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 4-5 minutes. Drain the noodles and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
Assemble the Mì Quảng:
- Layer the Ingredients: In a large bowl, place a portion of the cooked noodles at the bottom. Top with the cooked shrimp and pork (or chicken), fresh herbs, bean sprouts, and crushed peanuts.
- Add the Broth: Pour a small amount of the warm broth over the noodles, just enough to moisten them.
- Garnish and Serve: Break the crispy rice crackers into pieces and place them on top of the dish. Garnish with additional herbs or a squeeze of lime if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy the rich and complex flavors of Mi Quang.

Additional Tips:

Turmeric Noodles: If you cannot find turmeric-infused noodles, you can add a small amount of turmeric powder to the boiling water when cooking regular wide rice noodles.
Customizing the Dish: Mi Quang can be made with various proteins such as duck, frog, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. The dish is very versatile, so feel free to experiment with different toppings.
Serving Style: Mi Quang is traditionally served with a small amount of broth. It’s more of a dry noodle dish, unlike other Vietnamese soups, allowing the vibrant toppings and noodles to stand out.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Mi Quang

Advantages: Mi Quang is a versatile dish that can be customized with various proteins and toppings. Its combination of textures and flavors makes it a unique and satisfying meal that is both hearty and refreshing.

Disadvantages: The preparation of Mi Quang requires several steps, and sourcing specific ingredients like turmeric-infused noodles or crispy rice crackers might be challenging outside of Vietnam.

5 Famous Mi Quang Spots in Vietnam:

Mì Quảng Bà Mua – 19 Trần Bình Trọng, Đà Nẵng
Mì Quảng Bà Vị – 166 Lê Đình Dương, Đà Nẵng
Mì Quảng Thi – 251 Hoàng Diệu, Đà Nẵng
Mì Quảng Phố Cổ – 106 Lê Lợi, Hội An
Mì Quảng Hồng Phát – 52 Nguyễn Huệ, Hội An

Enjoying Mi Quang in Vietnam

If you find yourself in Central Vietnam, especially in Quang Nam, Da Nang or Hoi An, don’t miss the opportunity to savor Mi Quang at one of these famous spots. The unique combination of flavors, colors, and textures, along with the cultural richness of the region, makes enjoying Mi Quang a must-try culinary experience.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What makes Mì Quảng unique?
- Mì Quảng is unique for its turmeric-infused noodles, vibrant toppings, and the small amount of flavorful broth that distinguishes it from other noodle dishes.
Can Mì Quảng be made vegetarian?
- Yes, Mì Quảng can be made vegetarian by substituting the meat with tofu or mushrooms and using vegetable broth.
Where does Mì Quảng originate from?
- Mì Quảng originates from Quang Nam province in Central Vietnam and is deeply rooted in the region’s culinary traditions.
How is Mì Quảng different from other Vietnamese noodle dishes?
- Unlike other Vietnamese noodle soups that are often served with a lot of broth, Mì Quảng is meant to be a drier dish with just a small amount of broth, allowing the noodles and toppings to be the main focus.
Can I substitute the noodles in Mì Quảng ?
- If turmeric-infused noodles are not available, you can use regular wide rice noodles and add a pinch of turmeric during cooking to achieve a similar color and flavor.

Conclusion

Mi Quang is a flavorful and colorful dish that embodies the rich culinary heritage of Central Vietnam. With its unique turmeric-infused noodles, a variety of savory toppings, and just a touch of broth, Mi Quang offers a delightful and satisfying meal experience. Whether you’re enjoying it in Vietnam or recreating it at home, Mi Quang is a dish that will transport you to the heart of Central Vietnam.

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