Hue's Charmers

Introduction to Hue's Charmers

Hue's Charmers is a delightful culinary creation inspired by the vibrant culture of Hue, Vietnam. Nestled in the central region of Vietnam, Hue is known for its splendid imperial palaces and its rich culinary heritage. The traditional cuisine of Hue often showcases a harmonious balance of flavors—sweet, salty, sour, and spicy.

Historically, Hue was the capital of Vietnam from 1802 to 1945 under the Nguyen Dynasty, and its unique cooking style reflects its regal past. Dishes from Hue are known for their presentation and complexity, often involving a variety of fresh local ingredients and intricate processes. Hue's Charmers encapsulates these elements, resulting in an exquisitely balanced dish that reflects this heritage, while also being accessible to modern home chefs.

Ingredients for Hue's Charmers

• Rice Noodles - 200 grams
• Shrimp - 250 grams
• Oyster Sauce - 3 tablespoons
• Soy Sauce - 2 tablespoons
• Fish Sauce - 1 tablespoon
• Garlic - 3 cloves, minced
• Ginger - 1 piece, grated
• Scallions - 2 pieces, chopped
• Carrot - 1 medium-sized, julienned
• Red Bell Pepper - 1, sliced into thin strips
• Egg - 2, lightly beaten
• Fresh Coriander - A handful
• Roasted Peanuts - 1/4 cup, crushed
• Lime - 1, sliced into wedges
• Cooking Oil - 2 tablespoons

Preparation Steps

1. Shrimp: Clean and devein the shrimp. Pat them dry with a paper towel.

2. Prepare the vegetables: Julienne the carrot and slice the bell pepper into thin strips. Chop the scallions finely. Set them aside.

3. Prepare a simple sauce by mixing oyster sauce, soy sauce, and fish sauce in a bowl.

Cooking Process

Sautéing the Shrimp

1. Heat cooking oil in a large pan over medium-high heat.

2. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

3. Add the shrimp to the pan, stir-fry them until they turn pink and opaque, about 3-4 minutes. Remove them from the pan and set aside.

Cooking the Noodles

1. In the same pan, add a bit more cooking oil if necessary. Pour the beaten eggs into the pan, scramble them lightly, and then mix with the vegetables.

2. Add the prepared rice noodles to the pan, tossing them gently with the eggs and vegetables.

Bringing It All Together

1. Return the shrimp to the pan and pour over the prepared sauce. Toss everything together over low heat for about 2 minutes to combine the flavors well.

2. Top with chopped fresh coriander and crushed roasted peanuts.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Hue's Charmers warm, garnished with wedges of lime for a fresh, tangy burst. The dish is perfect as a light lunch or a vibrant dinner option paired with a chilled Vietnamese iced tea or a light floral green tea.

Feel free to adjust the spiciness with some sliced chili if you prefer. Enjoy the intricate balance of flavors that emanates from the blend of these fresh ingredients.