Since ancient times, Quang Yen shrimp patties have been more than just a seafood dish served at meals in the countryside by the Bach Dang estuary; they are also a delicious delicacy offered to guests from afar.
Quang Yen Shrimp Patties – A Culinary Gift for Guests from the Bach Dang Countryside
The dish Quang Yen shrimp patties has long become part of the customs of the people of Quang Yen Town. Those traveling through Quang Yen in Quang Ninh will have the chance to enjoy this delicious dish. The shrimp used to make the patties must be shrimp raised on Ha Nam Island or from Quang Yen town.
Quang Yen shrimp. Photo: Quang Ninh Newspaper.
With its large areas of coastal tidal flats and many ponds and lagoons, Quang Yen Town has many advantages for developing aquaculture. Therefore, the shrimp used to make the patties must be fresh and alive—ideally newly harvested and still lively enough to jump.
Fresh shrimp used to make shrimp patties. Photo: VanHoa.
The shrimp are washed, shelled, deveined and finely chopped. The water chestnut, shallots and pork fat are then diced, placed in a mortar and pounded, before seasonings are added for a rich flavor. It is the hand-pounding, along with the natural sweetness of the water chestnut and the slight richness of the pork fat, that makes shrimp patties a regular feature on Tết celebration platters and banquet trays prepared for guests.
Shrimp noodle soup is also popular in Quang Yen. Photo: Quang Ninh Newspaper.
After being pounded until smooth, the shrimp mixture is shaped by hand into rounds or wrapped around lemongrass stalks. The fragrance of lemongrass mingles with the shrimp patties, making them even more appealing to diners. The patties are dipped in breadcrumbs and deep-fried so that the inside remains tender while the outer coating turns crisp.
Water chestnut. Photo: thuocdantoc.org.
Shrimp patties can be prepared and garnished in many different ways, but the most important step is hand-pounding, which gives the shrimp meat a chewy texture and allows it to absorb the seasonings. The dish Quang Yen shrimp patties can be served with sweet-and-sour fish sauce, chili sauce, or a combination of chili sauce and rich mayonnaise.
Shrimp patties served with banh day. Photo: That La Ngon.
Quang Yen shrimp patties are best enjoyed with plain sticky rice or banh day. The soft, chewy grains of sticky rice and the fragrant, glutinous rice flavor of banh day blend with the shrimp patties’ richness and sweetness. At family meals, death anniversaries, Tết celebrations, weddings and engagement ceremonies, shrimp patties are prepared to showcase the host’s culinary skill and introduce guests from afar to a dish from the local homeland.
Shrimp patties. Photo: Quang Ninh Newspaper.
If you visit Quang Ninh to explore the region, remember to stop by the Bach Dang estuary area and enjoy Quang Yen shrimp patties, filled with the flavors of the ancient local cuisine and the warm hospitality of the people here. And be sure to follow the iVIVU blog for more useful travel guide articles to help you plan your trip!
