How to Make Stir-Fried Soft Egg Noodle with Assorted Meat and Seafood (Mì Xào Mềm Thập Cẩm)

 

Ingredients

 

To make Mì Xào Mềm Thập Cẩm, you'll need the following ingredients:

 

For the Noodles:

 

• 400g soft egg noodles
• Two tablespoons of vegetable oil

 

For the Meat and Seafood:

 

• 200g chicken breast, thinly sliced
• 200g pork tenderloin, thinly sliced
• 150g beef sirloin, thinly sliced
• 200g shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 150g squid, cleaned and cut into rings
• One teaspoon cornstarch
• One tablespoon of soy sauce
• One tablespoon of oyster sauce
• One teaspoon sugar
• One teaspoon of black pepper

 

For the Vegetables:

 

• One carrot, julienned
• One bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 100g broccoli florets
• 100g snow peas
• 100g baby corn, halved lengthwise
• Two cloves garlic, minced
• One small onion, thinly sliced

 

For the Sauce:

 

• Three tablespoons soy sauce
• Two tablespoons of oyster sauce
• One tablespoon fish sauce
• One teaspoon sugar
• One teaspoon of black pepper
• One tablespoon of cornstarch dissolved in 2 tablespoons of water

 

Garnish:

 

• Fresh cilantro, chopped
• Sliced green onions
• Toasted sesame seeds

 

 

Step-by-Step Instructions

 

1. Preparing the Ingredients

 

Start by preparing all your ingredients. Slice the chicken, pork, and beef into thin strips. Clean and prepare the shrimp and squid. Wash and cut all the vegetables as specified in the ingredient list. Preparing everything before you start cooking will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

 

2. Marinating the Meat and Seafood

 

Combine the chicken, pork, beef, shrimp, and squid in a large bowl. Add one teaspoon of cornstarch, one tablespoon of soy sauce, one tablespoon of oyster sauce, one teaspoon of sugar, and one black pepper. Mix well to ensure all the meat and seafood are evenly coated with the marinade. Let it sit for about 15-20 minutes to allow the flavours to penetrate.

 

3. Cooking the Noodles

 

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the soft egg noodles and cook according to the package instructions, usually around 3-4 minutes. Once cooked, drain the noodles and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent them from sticking together. Drizzle two tablespoons of vegetable oil over the noodles and toss to coat. This will help keep them separate and to avoid clumping.

 

4. Stir-Frying the Meat and Seafood

 

Heat a large wok or skillet over high heat. Add a slight vegetable oil to coat the bottom of the pan. Add the marinated chicken, pork, beef, and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until brown. Add the shrimp and squid and stir-fry for another 2 minutes until the seafood is cooked. Remove the meat and seafood from the wok and set them aside.

 

5. Stir-Frying the Vegetables

 

In the same wok, add a little more oil if needed. Add the minced garlic and sliced onion, and stir-fry for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add the julienned carrot, bell pepper, broccoli florets, snow peas, and baby corn. Stir-fry the vegetables for about 3-4 minutes until they are tender-crisp.

 

6. Combining Everything

 

Return the cooked meat and seafood to the wok with the vegetables. Give everything a good toss to combine. Add the cooked noodles to the wok and gently toss to mix everything.

 

7. Making the Sauce

 

In a small bowl, mix three tablespoons of soy sauce, two tablespoons of oyster sauce, one tablespoon of fish sauce, one teaspoon of sugar, and one teaspoon of black pepper. Pour the sauce over the noodle mixture into the wok. Stir gently to ensure the noodles, meat, seafood, and vegetables are evenly coated with the sauce.

 

8. Thickening the Sauce

 

Add the cornstarch mixture (1 tablespoon cornstarch dissolved in 2 tablespoons water) to the wok to thicken the sauce. Stir well and cook for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and everything combines well.

 

9. Garnishing and Serving

 

Transfer the stir-fried noodles to a serving platter. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro, sliced green onions, and toasted sesame seeds. Serve hot and enjoy your homemade Mì Xào Mềm Thập Cẩm.

 

 

Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Stir-Fried Noodles

 

 

1. Use Fresh Ingredients

 

Fresh ingredients make a significant difference in the flavour and texture of your dish. Try to use fresh meat, seafood, and vegetables whenever possible. Frozen ingredients can be used if fresh ingredients are unavailable, but make sure to thaw them properly before cooking.

 

2. Prep Everything Before Cooking

 

Stir-frying is a fast-cooking method, so you must have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go before you start cooking. This ensures you can quickly add ingredients to the wok without overcooking or burning anything.

 

3. High Heat is Key

 

Stir-frying should be done over high heat to achieve the desired texture and flavour. High heat helps to sear the meat and vegetables, giving them a nice caramelization and keeping them crisp.

 

4. Don't Overcrowd the Wok

 

Avoid overcrowding the wok as it can lower the cooking temperature and result in steaming rather than stir-frying. If you have a lot of ingredients, cook them in batches to ensure even cooking and a better texture.

 

5. Balance the Flavors

 

The key to a delicious stir-fry is balancing the flavours. Taste the dish before serving and adjust the seasonings if needed. Add more soy sauce for saltiness, oyster sauce for sweetness, fish sauce for umami, or sugar to balance the flavours.

 

 

Nutritional Benefits of Mì Xào Mềm Thập Cẩm

 

 

Mì Xào Mềm Thập Cẩm is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Here's a look at the nutritional benefits of some of the main ingredients:

 

1. Protein

 

Assorted meat and seafood provide a rich source of protein that is essential for building and repairing tissues. Chicken, pork, and beef are excellent sources of high-quality protein, while shrimp and squid offer lean protein with additional health benefits like omega-3 fatty acids.

 

2. Vitamins and Minerals

 

The vegetables in this dish, such as carrots, bell peppers, broccoli, and snow peas, are rich in vitamins and minerals. Carrots are high in vitamin A, which is good for vision. Bell peppers are loaded with vitamin C, an antioxidant that boosts the immune system. Broccoli provides fibre, vitamins C and K, and folate, while snow peas offer vitamins A, C, and K and fibre.

 

3. Healthy Carbohydrates

 

Soft egg noodles provide carbohydrates that supply energy. While noodles are often seen as less healthy, when balanced with proteins and vegetables, they form a nutritious meal that can fit into a healthy diet.

 

4. Healthy Fats

 

Using vegetable oil in moderation provides healthy fats for absorbing fat-soluble vitamins and providing long-lasting energy.

 

 

Variations of Mì Xào Mềm Thập Cẩm

 

 

While the traditional version of Mì Xào Mềm Thập Cẩm is delicious, you can experiment with different variations to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs.

 

1. Vegetarian Version

 

For a vegetarian version, skip the meat and seafood and use tofu or tempeh as a protein source. Add more vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and spinach to make the dish hearty and nutritious.

 

2. Spicy Version

 

Add some chilli paste or fresh chilli peppers to the dish if you like your food with a kick. You can also use spicy sauces like sriracha or sambal oelek to increase heat.

 

3. Gluten-Free Version

 

To make a gluten-free version, use gluten-free noodles such as rice or eggs. Ensure that all sauces, such as soy sauce and oyster sauce, are also gluten-free.

 

4. Low-Carb Version

 

For a low-carb alternative, substitute the soft egg noodles with zucchini noodles (zoodles) or shirataki noodles. These options provide a similar texture with fewer carbohydrates.

 

To Summarize

 

Mì Xào Mềm Thập Cẩm is a versatile and flavorful dish that brings together a variety of meats, seafood, and vegetables in a delightful stir-fry. It's a perfect example of how Vietnamese cuisine can be both delicious and nutritious. With this guide, you can confidently prepare this dish at home, impressing your family and friends with your culinary skills.

By following the step-by-step instructions and incorporating the tips and tricks provided, you can create a restaurant-quality stir-fried noodle dish that's sure to become a favourite. Whether you're cooking for a special occasion or simply enjoying a meal at home, Mì Xào Mềm Thập Cẩm is a dish that will always satisfy. Happy cooking!

Here are some delicious food and drinks to try when ordering from PHO restaurants in Toronto:

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Seafood Rice Noodle in Soup (Hủ Tíu Đồ Biển)

Shrimp Wonton Soup (Súp Hoành Thánh)

Seafood Egg Noodle in Soup (Mì Đồ Biển)

Chicken Noodle Soup (Phờ Gà CHAY)

Stir Fried Vegetable with Seafood (Cơm Rau Cải Xào Đồ Biển)

Stir Fried Crispy Egg Noodle with Seafood (Mì Xào Giòn Đồ Biển)

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