Since ancient times, Quang Yen shrimp patties have not only been a daily seafood dish in the countryside along the Bach Dang River estuary, but also a delectable delicacy offered to welcome guests from afar.
Quang Yen Shrimp Patties – A Culinary Gift to Welcome Guests in the Bach Dang Countryside
Quang Yen shrimp patties have been deeply woven into the local traditions of the people of Quang Yen town for generations. When visiting Quang Ninh and passing through Quang Yen, travelers will have the chance to savor this delicious dish. The shrimp used to make the patties must be raised on Ha Nam Island or sourced from the Quang Yen town area.
Quang Yen shrimp. Photo: Quang Ninh Newspaper.
With its extensive coastal tidal flats and numerous ponds and lagoons, Quang Yen town boasts great advantages for developing aquaculture. Therefore, to make shrimp patties, the shrimp must be fresh and lively, especially freshly harvested and still actively flipping.
Fresh shrimp used for making shrimp patties. Photo: VanHoa.
The shrimp are washed clean, peeled, deveined, and minced. Water chestnuts, shallots, and pork fat are then diced and pounded together in a mortar, seasoned with spices to enhance the flavor. It is precisely the traditional hand-pounding method, combined with the natural sweetness of water chestnuts and the rich savoriness of pork fat, that makes shrimp patties a staple on festive Tet feasts or guest-welcoming banquets.
Shrimp noodle soup is also popular in Quang Yen. Photo: Quang Ninh Newspaper.
After being pounded into a smooth paste, the shrimp mixture is hand-shaped into round patties or wrapped around lemongrass stalks. The fragrant aroma of lemongrass infused into the shrimp patty makes each bite even more enticing. The patties are dipped in breadcrumbs and deep-fried in hot oil until tender and juicy inside, with a golden, crispy crust outside.
Water chestnut. Photo: thuocdantoc.org.
Shrimp patties can be prepared and presented in various ways, but hand-pounding remains key to giving the shrimp paste its springy texture and well-infused flavor. Quang Yen shrimp patties can be served with sweet and sour dipping fish sauce, chili sauce, or a creamy blend of chili sauce and mayonnaise.
Shrimp patties served with round glutinous rice cakes (bánh dày). Photo: That la ngon.
Quang Yen shrimp patties are best enjoyed with steamed sticky rice or bánh dày (round glutinous rice cakes). Soft, chewy sticky rice and fragrant rice cakes blend harmoniously with the rich, naturally sweet shrimp patties. During family meals, ancestral death anniversaries, Tet celebrations, and engagement or wedding parties, shrimp patties are prepared to showcase the host's culinary skill as well as introduce visitors from afar to the flavors of the hometown.
Shrimp patties. Photo: Quang Ninh Newspaper.
If you travel to explore Quang Ninh, remember to drop by the Bach Dang River estuary to indulge in Quang Yen shrimp patties, filled with timeless local flavors and the warm hospitality of the locals. Don't forget to follow the iVIVU blog for more helpful travel guides for your journeys!
