Hanoi Crunch Squares
History and Background
Hanoi Crunch Squares are inspired by the vibrant and dynamic flavors of Vietnam, particularly the bustling capital city of Hanoi. Known for its rich culinary history and street food culture, Hanoi offers a fusion of flavors and textures that are celebrated in this dish. The tradition of serving food in unique, bite-sized portions is a cornerstone of Vietnamese cooking. This dish blends crispy textures with savory and slightly sweet flavors, offering a delightful experience that brings the spirit of Hanoi to your kitchen.
Ingredients
- Rice Paper
- Cooked Pork (thinly sliced)
- Shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- Fresh Lime Juice
- Fish Sauce
- Sugar
- Garlic (minced)
- Chili Peppers (thinly sliced)
- Fresh Herbs (such as mint and cilantro)
- Lettuce
- Carrots (julienned)
- Cucumbers (thinly sliced)
- Scallions (chopped)
- Vegetable Oil
- Peanuts (crushed)
Preparation
Marinade and Crisping Preparations
Begin by marinating the shrimp and cooked pork. In a bowl, combine fresh lime juice, fish sauce, sugar, minced garlic and chili peppers. Stir until the sugar is dissolved. Add the shrimp and cooked pork to the mixture, ensuring they are evenly coated. Cover and let it marinate in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes.
Preparing the Vegetables
While the proteins marinate, prepare the vegetables. Wash and pat dry the lettuce. Julienne the carrots and thinly slice the cucumbers. Chop the scallions and set aside. Soften the rice paper by gently dipping in warm water for a few seconds until pliable.
Cooking Process
Assembling the Squares
Lay the softened rice paper on a clean surface. Place a leaf of lettuce at the center, and layer with cooked pork, shrimp, carrots, cucumbers, and a handful of fresh herbs. Roll the rice paper tightly around the fillings, folding in the sides as you go to form a square parcel.
Crisping the Squares
Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully place the assembled rolls in the pan. Fry each side until golden and crisp, turning gently to ensure even cooking. Once crispy, remove the parcels and drain them on a paper towel.
Serving Suggestions
Arrange the Hanoi Crunch Squares on a serving platter. Sprinkle with crushed peanuts and more fresh herbs. These squares pair beautifully with a side of fresh lime juice and extra fish sauce for dipping. Serve warm as an appetizer or a satisfying snack. Don’t forget to set your cooking timer to keep track of the crisping phase. Enjoy the delightful contrasts of textures and flavors that capture a taste of Vietnam’s vivid street food scene.