Since ancient times, Quang Yen shrimp patties have not only been a seafood staple in everyday meals of the countryside by the Bach Dang River estuary, but also a delicious delicacy served to guests from afar.
Quang Yen Shrimp Patties – A Culinary Gift Welcoming Guests to the Bach Dang Countryside
The specialty of Quang Yen shrimp patties has woven itself into the long-standing customs of the locals in Quang Yen town. Visiting Quang Ninh via Quang Yen, travelers will have the chance to savor this delightful dish. The shrimp used to make the patties must be raised on Ha Nam Island or sourced from the urban area of Quang Yen.
Quang Yen shrimp. Photo: Quang Ninh Newspaper.
Characterized by vast coastal tidal flats, ponds, and lagoons, Quang Yen town boasts numerous advantages for aquaculture development. Therefore, to make shrimp patties, the shrimp must be fresh and alive—ideally freshly harvested and still snapping briskly.
Fresh shrimp used to make shrimp patties. Photo: VanHoa.
The shrimp are thoroughly cleaned, peeled, deveined, and finely minced. Then, water chestnuts, shallots, and pork fat are diced and pounded in a mortar before seasonings are added for a rich flavor. It is precisely the hand-pounding technique, combined with the natural sweetness of water chestnuts and the rich savor of pork fat, that makes shrimp patties a perennial presence on feast tables during Tet or when hosting esteemed guests.
Shrimp noodle soup is also popular in Quang Yen. Photo: Quang Ninh Newspaper.
After being pounded into a smooth paste, the shrimp mixture is shaped by hand into round patties or wrapped around lemongrass stalks. The aromatic scent of lemongrass infused with the shrimp paste makes the dining experience even more enticing. Each patty is dipped in breadcrumbs and deep-fried until tender and juicy inside, with a golden, crispy coating on the outside.
Water chestnut. Photo: thuocdantoc.org.
Shrimp patties can be prepared and presented in various ways, but the most crucial step remains hand-pounding, which gives the shrimp paste its springy texture and allows the seasoning to penetrate deeply. Quang Yen shrimp patties can be served with sweet and sour fish sauce, chili sauce, or a blend of chili sauce and creamy mayonnaise.
Shrimp patties served with round glutinous rice cakes (banh day). Photo: That la ngon.
Quang Yen shrimp patties pair best with steamed white sticky rice or round glutinous rice cakes (banh day). The soft, chewy grains of sticky rice or fragrant glutinous rice cakes blend harmoniously with the rich, naturally sweet shrimp patties. In everyday meals, ancestral death anniversaries, Tet holidays, weddings, and engagement parties, preparing shrimp patties showcases the culinary finesse of the host while introducing visitors from afar to the authentic flavors of the hometown.
Shrimp patties. Photo: Quang Ninh Newspaper.
If you travel to explore Quang Ninh, remember to stop by the Bach Dang River estuary to taste Quang Yen shrimp patties, brimful of time-honored local flavors and the warm hospitality of the local people. And be sure to follow the iVIVU blog for regular updates on useful travel guides for your journey!
