Central Vietnam Must-Eat Noodle Dish: Mi Quang

Step 1

Place pork and shrimp them into a large mixing bowl and scrub them down with 2 tablespoons coarse salt then rinse thoroughly under cold running water. Drain dry.

Step 2

Slice the pork belly into long strips. Then slice it into thin pieces. Transfer to a bowl and marinate with a bit of salt, sugar, fish sauce, paprika and turmeric. Set aside.

Step 3

Detach the shrimp heads from the bodies. Set shrimp heads aside to make the broth later. Shell the shrimp if preferred and devein. Transfer the shrimp to a bowl and marinate with a bit of salt, sugar, fish sauce, paprika and turmeric. Set aside.

Step 4

To the bottom of a large pot, heat a tablespoon oil on medium-high. Add shrimp heads and pan fry for 5 minutes. Using the back of a ladle, smash the shrimp heads to release its head fat, which will naturally color the broth a beautiful red/orange.

Step 5

Add pork bones, yellow onion, and 2 quarts of water and bring the pot to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, leave the pot uncovered, and let it simmer for 45 minutes. Once done, remove all the solids and discard.

Step 6

Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet. Add half the shallots and garlic, and pan-fry until fragrant (20 seconds). Add the marinated pork belly slices, and cook for 5 minutes, or until the outside is caramelized. Transfer the pork belly to the stock pot and continue to cook the stock for an additional 15 minutes.

Step 7

Return to the empty skillet and heat the remaining tablespoon of oil. Add remaining shallots and garlic and pan-fry until fragrant (about 20 seconds). Add the marinated shrimp and cook for about three minutes or until they are no longer translucent. Once cooked, set the shrimp aside.

Step 8

Add remaining salt, sugar, fish sauce, paprika and turmeric. Adjust to taste. If you find the broth a little underwhelming, add a bit of MSG or chicken bouillon powder.

Step 9

Cook the noodles per packaged instructions. Wash and thinly slice choice of vegetables and herbs. Slice the lemons or limes into wedges. Set aside.

Step 10

Light wet rice crackers with water. You can use a water spritzer on both sides or dab them with a wet paper towel. Ensure that the microwave plate is clean and place the crackers directly on it. Heat them for 30 seconds, flip them over, and heat for another 30 seconds until they puff up evenly. Break the crackers into small pieces and set aside.

Step 11

Add your choice of vegetables to the bottom of the bowl.

Step 12

Layer the cooked noodles on top of the bed of vegetables.

Step 13

Pour about a cup of broth over the noodles, making sure to include slices of pork belly.

Step 14

Add shrimp, rice crackers, peanuts, and fried shallots on top of the noodles.

Step 15

Add thinly sliced green onions, cilantro, and yellow onions. Serve with lime or lemon wedges on the side and enjoy.