Saigon Harmony Noodles

Introduction to Saigon Harmony Noodles

Saigon Harmony Noodles, a staple from the vibrant streets of Ho Chi Minh City, offers a symphony of flavors that embody the essence of Vietnamese cuisine. Its origins trace back to a fusion of traditional Vietnamese cooking and French colonial influences, manifesting in a rich, aromatic dish that speaks volumes about Vietnam's history and culinary evolution. As the capital of Southern Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon, is famous for its bustling streets lined with food stalls, each with its unique take on Vietnamese classics. Saigon Harmony Noodles, with its perfect blend of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors, complemented by the freshness of herbs, represents this vibrant food culture.

This dish combines the delicate textures of rice noodles and the robustness of shrimp and chicken, enhanced by a medley of aromatic herbs and spices. It is an easy-to-make dish, perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests who appreciate global flavors. Now, let's dive into crafting this delightful dish known as Saigon Harmony Noodles.

Ingredients

• Rice noodles - 200g
• Shrimps - 150g (peeled and deveined)
• Chicken breast - 200g (thinly sliced)
• Bean sprouts - 100g
• Carrot - 1 (julienned)
• Spring onions - 3 stalks (chopped)
• Lime - 1 (juiced)
• Fish sauce - 3 tbsp
• Soya sauce - 2 tbsp
• Sugar - 1 tbsp
• Garlic - 3 cloves (minced)
• Ginger - 1-inch piece (grated)
• Fresh mint - 1/4 cup (chopped)
• Fresh basil - 1/4 cup (chopped)
• Peanuts - 1/4 cup (crushed)
• Chili - 1 (sliced, optional)
• Oil - 2 tbsp
• Water - 1 cup

Preparation Steps

Step 1: Preparing the Ingredients

Begin by soaking the rice noodles in warm water for about 10 minutes until they soften. Drain and set aside. Chicken breast should be sliced thinly to ensure it cooks evenly and quickly. Peel and devein the shrimps, and then proceed to rinse them under cold running water. Set aside on a plate. While the noodles are soaking, prepare your vegetables: julienne the carrot, chop the spring onions, and lay out the bean sprouts.

For the aromatics and garnish, mince the garlic, grate the ginger, and chop the mint and basil. Crush the peanuts coarsely to add texture and flavor to the final dish. Finally, slice the chili thinly if desired, to be used for an extra spicy kick.

Cooking Instructions

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In a large pan, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and ginger, sautéing until fragrant - this should take about 2 minutes. Take care not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter quickly.

Step 3: Cook the Proteins

Add the sliced chicken to the pan, cooking it until it starts to brown slightly, which should take about 4-5 minutes. Follow this by adding the prepared shrimps to the pan, sautéing everything together until the shrimp turn pink and are cooked through - approximately 3 more minutes.

Step 4: Cooking the Noodles

Add the soaked rice noodles to the pan, tossing them gently with the chicken and shrimp. Pour the mixed sauce over the noodles, which is made by combining fish sauce, soya sauce, and sugar in a small bowl. Stir well to ensure the noodles are well coated and continue to cook for about 2 minutes to absorb the flavors.

Step 5: Add the Vegetables

Mix in the bean sprouts, carrot, and most of the spring onions (reserving some for garnish) into the noodle mixture. Sauté for another minute or until the vegetables are slightly tender but still crunchy.

Add the lime juice for a tangy finish and toss everything once more.

Plating and Garnishing

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Transfer the Saigon Harmony Noodles to a serving platter or individual plates. Sprinkle the chopped fresh mint, basil, crushed peanuts, reserved spring onions, and sliced chili (if using) over the top of the noodles for a fresh aromatic finish and added texture.

Enjoying Saigon Harmony Noodles

Saigon Harmony Noodles are best enjoyed fresh and warm, with a side of lime wedges for those who want to add extra tanginess. Pair this dish with a light Vietnamese beer or a crisp iced tea to refresh your palate between bites. The complexity of its flavors—balanced between sweet, savory, and tangy—offers a delightful culinary experience reminiscent of a stroll through the streets of Saigon. Relish each bite and let the harmonious flavors transport you to the vibrant world of Vietnamese street food culture.

For those who are new to Vietnamese cuisine, this dish serves as an excellent introduction to the nuanced flavors and textures that define the region's food. Perfect for a family meal or a solo culinary adventure, Saigon Harmony Noodles invite you to explore and appreciate the dynamic essence of Vietnamese flavors in your own kitchen.