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How to cook Bun Oc Hai Phong (Haiphong Snails Vermicelli) 100% local formular? It’s very easy for all the local ladies and mothers. In this article, Hai Phong Tours would like to disclose the secret details. Let’s go ahead.
History and Distinctive Flavor of Bun Oc Hai Phong (Haiphong snails vermicelli)
Before learning how to cook Bun Oc Hai Phong, let’s go over history and distinctive Flavor of Bun Oc Hai Phong. It originates from the coastal region of Northern Vietnam, particularly the city of Hai Phong. This is a traditional dish that has existed for a long time and has become a local delicacy. The dish has gained popularity and is beloved not only in Hai Phong but also in many other regions across the country.
Hai Phong snail vermicelli has its own distinctive characteristics and flavors. The vermicelli is made from pure rice flour, giving it a soft, smooth texture with elasticity. The snail broth is fragrant and sweet, with a refreshing taste thanks to the absorption of the snail’s flavors and spices.
The dish is enhanced with fresh and delicious raw vegetables and various spices, creating a harmonious and unique combination.
Ingredients for Preparing Bun Oc Hai Phong (Haiphong snails vermicelli)
Authentic Bun Oc Hai Phong (Haiphong snails vermicelli) will taste even better when accompanied by pork. Therefore, in addition to snails, you need to prepare fresh pork as well.
Here are the details to cook Bun Oc Hai Phong:
- Snails: 500 grams (you can choose different types such as apple snails, mud creeper snails, etc.)
- Fresh pork: 500 grams (can be substituted with 200 grams of pork blood pudding)
- Purple onions: 2 bulbs, finely chopped
- Green onions: 1 bunch, finely chopped
- Betel leaves, perilla leaves
- Garlic: 5-6 cloves, finely chopped
- Chili peppers: 2-3 peppers, finely chopped
- Shrimp paste: 2-3 tablespoons
- Sugar: 1-2 tablespoons
- Salt: 1 teaspoon
- Black pepper: 1/2 teaspoon
- Fish sauce: 2-3 tablespoons
- Cooking oil: 2-3 tablespoons
It’s important to pay attention to the seasoning quantities to ensure the proper and suitable flavor for your personal taste. You can adjust the quantities according to your own preferences. Especially if you’re cooking for a larger group, make sure to balance the ingredients accordingly.
Steps to Cook Bun Oc Hai Phong (Haiphong snails vermicelli)
1. Cleaning the Snails: Soak the snails in a container or colander to clean them. Soak them in salt water to remove sand and debris inside the snails. Then, rinse the snails thoroughly with cold water and scrub the shells with a brush to clean them.
2. Slicing the Pork: Slice the pork into thin pieces and prepare pork blood pudding if desired. Rinse the pork and pork blood pudding with cold water.
3. Preparing the Broth: The broth, also known as the “nước lèo,” is a crucial element in creating the distinctive flavor of Hai Phong snail vermicelli. Follow these steps:
- Boil the broth: Pour water into a pot and bring it to a boil. Once the water is boiling, continue to boil for about 10-15 minutes to remove impurities and create the base for the broth.
- Add the snails for cooking: After the broth is boiling, add the snails to the pot. Boil the snails for about 5-10 minutes until they are cooked and absorb the flavor from the broth.
- Season the broth: Add seasonings such as shrimp paste, sugar, salt, and black pepper to the broth to enhance the flavor. Season to taste and stir to dissolve the seasonings in the broth.
People from Hai Phong often prefer to eat the snails separately. After you cook the snails and prepare the pork, you’ll have a flavorful combined broth that you can enjoy with vermicelli separately or together as you prefer. You can choose between thicker or thinner vermicelli noodles based on your preference.
4. Cooking the Vermicelli: First, rinse the vermicelli in cold water to remove any impurities. Boil water and soak the vermicelli until cooked. Then, rinse the vermicelli with cold water to prevent sticking. Now you can place the cooked vermicelli in a bowl and arrange the other ingredients, making the vermicelli bowl more appealing.
5. Presentation & Enjoyment:
- Place the cooked vermicelli in a bowl and cut it into smaller lengths for easy eating.
- Arrange various types of fresh vegetables such as herbs, mint, bean sprouts, and green onions on top of the vermicelli.
- Arrange the prepared snails and pork on top of the vermicelli.
- Add a touch of chopped purple onions and green onions for a pop of color.
Now you’re ready to enjoy. However, the dish will be even more flavorful if you prepare a dipping sauce. You can make a garlic fish sauce dipping sauce using Cát Hải fish sauce from Hai Phong for an authentic taste.
Feel free to adjust the steps and ingredients according to your preferences for a delicious homemade Bun Oc Hai Phong (Haiphong snails vermicelli)!
Tips and Notes to Cook Bun Oc Hai Phong (Haiphong snails vermicelli)
- When choosing snails to Cook Bun Oc Hai Phong, select fresh ones that are not smelly or spoiled. Buy snails from a reliable source to ensure quality.
- When preparing pork, pay attention to its tenderness. Fry the pork in hot cooking oil. After frying, drain excess oil from the pork and slice it into thin pieces.
- During the process of cooking Hai Phong snail vermicelli, make sure to follow food safety guidelines. Wash your hands before handling ingredients and ensure proper storage of ingredients to avoid bacterial contamination.
- Hai Phong snail vermicelli will taste even better when enjoyed as an appetizer with dishes like crab spring rolls or shrimp and pork summer rolls.
Enjoy your cooking and your delicious homemade Bun Oc Hai Phong (Haiphong snails vermicelli)! Hai Phong Tours thanks for your reading.
