Since ancient times, Quang Yen shrimp patties have not only been a daily seafood dish in the countryside along the Bach Dang estuary, but also a delicious delicacy to treat guests from afar.
Quang Yen Shrimp Patties – A Culinary Gift Welcoming Guests to the Bach Dang Countryside
Quang Yen shrimp patties have been woven into the local customs of the people in Quang Yen town for generations. Passing through Quang Yen when visiting Quang Ninh, travelers will have the chance to savor this delectable dish. The shrimp used to make the patties must be farmed on Ha Nam Island or around Quang Yen town.
Quang Yen shrimp. Photo: Quang Ninh Newspaper.
Characterized by vast coastal tidal flats and numerous ponds and lagoons, Quang Yen town boasts great advantages for aquaculture development. Therefore, to make the shrimp patties, the shrimp must be fresh and alive—ideally just harvested and still vigorously jumping.
Fresh shrimp used to make patties. Photo: VanHoa.
The shrimp are washed thoroughly, peeled, deveined, and finely minced. Then, water chestnuts, shallots, and pork fat are diced and placed into a mortar to be pounded together, with seasonings added for a rich flavor. It is precisely the hand-pounding process, combined with the natural sweetness of water chestnuts and the rich creaminess of pork fat, that makes these shrimp patties a regular feature on festive menus during Tet or in banquets to honor guests.
Shrimp noodle soup is also popular in Quang Yen. Photo: Quang Ninh Newspaper.
After being finely pounded into a smooth paste, the shrimp mixture is shaped by hand into round patties or wrapped around lemongrass stalks. The fragrant aroma of lemongrass blending with the savory shrimp patty delights diners even more. Each patty is dipped in panko breadcrumbs and deep-fried so that the inside remains tender and moist while the outside turns golden and crispy.
Water chestnut. Photo: thuocdantoc.org.
While shrimp patties can be prepared and garnished in various ways, hand-pounding remains key to giving the shrimp paste its springy, tender texture and deeply infused seasoning. Quang Yen shrimp patties can be served with sweet and sour fish sauce, chili sauce, or a flavorful mix of chili sauce and creamy mayonnaise.
Shrimp patties served with banh day. Photo: That la ngon.
Quang Yen shrimp patties go best with steamed sticky rice or round glutinous rice cakes (banh day). The soft, chewy sticky rice and fragrant rice cakes pair harmoniously with the rich, naturally sweet patties. Whether at daily family meals, death anniversaries, Tet gatherings, or wedding feasts, preparing shrimp patties is a way for hosts to showcase their culinary skill and introduce visitors from afar to the authentic flavors of their homeland.
Shrimp patties. Photo: Quang Ninh Newspaper.
When traveling to explore Quang Ninh, remember to drop by the Bach Dang estuary area to savor Quang Yen shrimp patties—bursting with time-honored local flavors and the warm hospitality of the locals. Be sure to follow the iVIVU blog for more helpful travel guide articles on your journeys!
