Preparation
50 minutes Cooking
40 minutes Serves
2 people
Hue shrimp cakes are a famous specialty that anyone who has tried it will find hard to forget. The beautiful, shiny outer layer has a chewy texture and a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors, making it a pride of Hue cuisine. Let’s get into the kitchen and try making this famous Hue shrimp cake recipe.
1 Ingredients for Hue Shrimp Cakes
- 250g shrimp
- 20g pork fat
- 1 duck egg
- 200ml coconut water
- 2 shallots
- 3 cloves garlic
- Seasonings: salt, MSG, pepper, sugar, fish sauce.
- Steamer
Ingredients for Hue Shrimp Cakes
Tip:
Choose shrimp with a slightly curved body, firm and taut flesh, no need to be too big. The shell should be flexible and intact, with the head and legs firmly attached. Look for shiny, smooth shells with bright, translucent flesh.
For the pork fat, select those with a milky-white color and good elasticity. Avoid any that are slimy or have yellowing skin, and make sure there are no unusual putrid odors. To ensure the best quality, purchase pork fat from reputable shops, food counters, supermarkets, or large markets with inspection marks.
2 How to Make Hue Shrimp Cakes
Step 1 Prepare the Ingredients
Peel and devein 250g of shrimp, then remove the heads and back veins. Next, rub the shrimp with ½ teaspoon of salt, rinse with clean water, and pat dry. Soak the shrimp in 200ml of coconut water for 30 minutes, then remove them and blot with a clean towel to absorb any excess moisture.
Rinse the pork fat briefly with water and cut it into small cubes.
Peel and slice the shallots and garlic thinly.
Separate the duck egg yolk and place it in a bowl. Add ⅓ teaspoon of sesame oil and whisk together. Be careful not to overbeat and create foam.
Preparing the Ingredients
Step 2 Pound the Shrimp
After soaking the shrimp in coconut water and blotting dry, season with ⅓ teaspoon each of salt, MSG, pepper, and palm sugar. Add the sliced shallots and garlic, then pound the mixture until smooth.
Next, add ½ of the duck egg white and continue to pound the mixture for another 2 minutes.
Pounding the Shrimp
Step 3 Mix the Shrimp Paste
Transfer the pounded shrimp mixture to a large plate. Add the cubed pork fat and mix well. Knead the shrimp paste for about 5-10 minutes until the shrimp meat tightens.
Mixing the Shrimp Paste
Step 4 Wrap and Steam the Cakes
Line a plate with parchment paper and shape the shrimp paste into your desired form. Brush the entire surface with the remaining duck egg white.
Place the steamer over the stove and wait for the water to boil. Once boiling, put the shrimp paste with the parchment paper lining into the steamer. Cover the pot with a cloth to prevent water droplets from falling onto the cakes. Steam on high heat for 30 minutes with the lid closed.
Wrapping and Steaming the Cakes
Step 5 Final Touches
After 30 minutes, open the lid and use a dry paper towel to absorb any excess moisture from the surface of the cakes. Then, brush the cakes with the duck egg yolk.
Continue steaming on medium heat with the lid ajar until the egg yolk dries.
Final Touches
3 The Finished Product
The Hue shrimp cakes have an eye-catching orange color. They are chewy, fragrant, and perfectly seasoned. You can enjoy the shrimp cakes as is or serve them with bread, rice rolls, or rice paper wraps.
Hue Shrimp Cakes – The Finished Product
Making Hue shrimp cakes is simple and easy, isn’t it? This weekend, get the ingredients and try making this delicious dish for your family and friends! Good luck and happy eating!
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Uncover a culinary gem in the heart of Hue, Vietnam. This unique restaurant, known as Banh Uot Cuon Thit Nuong, has been a family-run institution for three generations and has garnered an exceptional reputation. With a rich history and a dedication to culinary excellence, this humble eatery has become a must-visit destination for food enthusiasts seeking an authentic taste of Hue’s renowned cuisine.