Delicious and Authentic Mì Xào Hải Sản (Vietnamese Seafood Stir Fry Noodles) Recipe

Ingredients

  • 200 grams of assorted seafood (shrimp, squid, mussels)
  • 200 grams of egg noodles
  • 1 onion, thinly sliced
  • 3 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 2 carrots, julienned
  • 1 bell pepper, julienned
  • 3 tablespoons of soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce
  • 1 tablespoon of fish sauce
  • 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon of salt
  • 1 teaspoon of sugar
  • 2 spring onions, sliced
  • 1 handful of fresh cilantro, chopped for garnish

Steps and instructions

  1. Thoroughly clean the seafood. If you're using squid, make sure to remove the ink sacs and beaks. Devein the shrimps and remove the mussel beards if applicable.
  2. Heat up a pan or wok with the vegetable oil. Add the minced garlic and sauté until it turns golden brown.
  3. Add the onions and sauté until they become translucent.
  4. Add the carrots and bell peppers into the pan and stir-fry for about 2 minutes.
  5. Add the seafood and continue to stir-fry for another 2 minutes, or until the seafood is cooked.
  6. While stir-frying the vegetables and seafood, cook the egg noodles in a separate pot of boiling water. Once they're cooked, drain them and set aside.
  7. Combine the soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, salt, sugar, and black pepper in a small bowl. Stir to mix well.
  8. Add the cooked egg noodles into the stir-fry pan, followed by the sauce mix. Stir to combine everything well.
  9. Remove the pan from heat and sprinkle the sliced spring onions on top.
  10. Plate the Mì xào hải sản and garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

Tools for making

  • Pan or Wok - A cooking utensil used for stir-frying the ingredients.
  • Pot - Used for boiling water and cooking the egg noodles.
  • Knife - To thinly slice the onion and julienne the carrots and bell peppers.
  • Cutting Board - To safely chop and prepare the vegetables.
  • Garlic Press - Optional, but helpful for mincing the garlic cloves.
  • Small Bowl - For mixing the sauce ingredients.
  • Tongs or Spatula - To stir and toss the ingredients while cooking.
  • Colander - To drain the cooked egg noodles.
  • Plates and Bowls - To serve the Mì xào hải sản.
  • Chopsticks or Fork - Utensils for enjoying the dish.

Recipe variations

  • Use different types of seafood like crab meat, clams, or scallops.
  • Replace the egg noodles with rice noodles or udon noodles for a different texture.
  • Add vegetables such as broccoli, bok choy, or snap peas for added freshness and crunch.
  • For a spicier version, add sliced chili peppers or chili flakes to the stir-fry.
  • Include other seasonings like ginger, lemongrass, or curry powder to enhance the flavor.
  • For a vegetarian or vegan option, replace the seafood with tofu or tempeh.
  • Experiment with different sauces such as hoisin sauce, sweet chili sauce, or sesame oil to give the dish a unique twist.
  • Garnish with toasted sesame seeds or crushed peanuts for added texture and nuttiness.
  • Add a squeeze of lime or lemon juice before serving for a tangy kick.
  • For a gluten-free option, use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce instead of regular soy sauce.

Recipe overview

Mì xào hải sản, or Vietnamese seafood stir-fried noodles, is a popular dish packed with vibrant flavors and a variety of textures. This recipe brings together tender egg noodles, fresh seafood, and crisp vegetables all stir-fried in a savory sauce. It's a quick and satisfying meal that can be prepared in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a quick lunch. Expect a delightful combination of the sweet and briny flavors from the seafood, the crunch from the vegetables, and the comforting taste of the egg noodles. The dish is then finished with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for an added burst of freshness. This recipe serves 2-3 people.

Common questions

  1. Can I use different types of seafood?
    Yes, you can use any combination of seafood that you prefer. Shrimp, squid, and mussels are commonly used, but feel free to customize it according to your taste.
  2. Can I use other types of noodles?
    While the recipe calls for egg noodles, you can substitute them with other types of noodles such as rice noodles or wheat noodles if desired.
  3. Is it necessary to cook the seafood separately?
    No, it is not necessary to cook the seafood separately. Stir-frying it together with the vegetables allows the flavors to meld and the seafood to cook evenly.
  4. Can I add more vegetables?
    Absolutely! You can add or substitute vegetables according to your preference. Popular additions include snap peas, bean sprouts, or baby corn.
  5. Can I make this dish vegetarian or vegan?
    Yes, you can make a vegetarian or vegan version of this dish by omitting the seafood and using vegetable-based oyster sauce and fish sauce alternatives.
  6. Can I adjust the seasoning to my taste?
    Of course! The seasoning measurements provided are a guideline. Feel free to adjust the amount of soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, salt, and sugar according to your taste preferences.
  7. Can I make this dish spicy?
    Yes, if you enjoy spicy flavors, you can add some chili flakes, sriracha, or fresh chili peppers to the stir-fry.

Serving dishes and utensils

Origin stories

Mì xào hải sản, a splendid stir-fried noodle dish laden with a bounty of seafood, hails from the vibrant culinary landscape of Vietnam. It tells the tale of a country that's deeply connected to the sea, where fresh seafood is plentiful and integral to everyday meals. A classic representation of Vietnamese cuisine's balance of flavors, this dish combines the sweetness of seafood, the savoriness of soy and fish sauces, and the freshness of vegetables. It reflects the Vietnamese philosophy of "five elements" cooking, where each dish should achieve a balance of five fundamental taste senses: sour, bitter, sweet, spicy, and salty. These principles shape the Vietnamese culinary scene, creating a harmonious blend that tells stories of the country's rich history and culture in every bite.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.

As an Amazon Associate, we may earn commission from qualifying purchases after you click on affiliate product links (thanks for that). But we hope the links will be relevant and beneficial to you as well.

Get popular new recipes in your Inbox once a week.