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Hen Xuc Banh Da (Vietnamese Baby Clams with Rice Crackers)
Hen Xuc Banh Da is a beloved Vietnamese street food that brings together the briny sweetness of baby clams and the satisfying crunch of rice crackers. This dish is not only a feast for the senses but also a celebration of the vibrant flavors of Vietnamese cuisine, showcasing fresh herbs, aromatic spices, and a savory broth that ties everything together. Traditionally enjoyed as a communal dish, it's perfect for sharing with family and friends, making every bite a delightful experience steeped in culture and history.
Ingredients
- Baby clams
- 1 pound, cleaned
- Rice crackers (banh da)
- 1 package, broken into pieces
- Chicken broth
- 4 cups
- Fish sauce
- 2 tablespoons
- Sugar
- 1 teaspoon
- Lemon grass
- 1 stalk, chopped
- Ginger
- 1-inch piece, grated
- Shallots
- 2, thinly sliced
- Garlic
- 3 cloves, minced
- Scallions
- 2, chopped (for garnish)
- Cilantro
- 1/4 cup, chopped (for garnish)
- Lime wedges
- for serving
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat a tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped lemongrass, grated ginger, sliced shallots, and minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the cleaned baby clams to the pot and cook until they open up, approximately 5 minutes. Discard any clams that do not open.
- Remove the clams from the pot and set aside, keeping the pot with the aromatics.
- Pour in the chicken broth, followed by the fish sauce and sugar. Bring to a rolling boil.
- Add the broken rice crackers to the broth, cooking for 2-3 minutes until they soften and soak in the flavors.
- Return the clams to the pot and gently stir to combine. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes to heat through.
- Serve the Hen Xuc Banh Da in individual bowls, generously garnished with chopped scallions and cilantro.
- Add lime wedges on the side for a zesty finish.
Tips
- For a spicier kick, add some sliced chili peppers when sautéing the aromatics.
- Feel free to substitute baby clams with other shellfish like mussels or shrimp for variation.
- Serve with a side of pickled vegetables to complement the dish.
Dietary Information
Servings: 4 Dish Type: Appetizer Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 20 minutes Calories: 220 Fat: 5g Carbs: 28g Protein: 15g Sodium: 800mg Sugar: 1g
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