BÚN BỀ BỀ (Tôm tít) | Rice vermicelli with mantis shrimp

Bề bề, also known as mantis shrimp, is a popular seafood in the Ha Long Bay region. It is prized for its firm texture and slightly sweet, flavourful flesh.

In Ha Long, mantis shrimp can be prepared in many different ways, but one of the most popular dishes is bún bề bề: rice vermicelli served in a fragrant broth with mantis shrimp and a variety of fresh ingredients.

Simple, light and flavourful, this dish offers another delicious way to discover the seafood cuisine of Ha Long.

(Photo: Collectée)

Ingredients

500 g mantis shrimp
1 kg fresh rice vermicelli
4 blocks silken tofu
4 tomatoes
Ginger, spring onions, shallots and coriander
Fresh herbs, lettuce and water spinach
Seasoning to taste: salt, sugar, seasoning powder and oil

Ingredients for preparing rice vermicelli with mantis shrimp (Photo: Archive)

Preparing the Mantis Shrimp

Rinse the mantis shrimp thoroughly, then place them in a saucepan with one crushed shallot and a few slices of ginger.

Cook them in boiling water for about 5 minutes. Drain, leave to cool, then peel them carefully. Set the meat aside.

Preparing the Other Ingredients

Cut the tofu into small cubes, then fry them in a little oil until lightly golden and crisp. Drain and set aside.

Wash the tomatoes and cut them into wedges. Peel the shallots and chop them finely. Wash the spring onions and coriander, then slice them finely.

Wash the lettuce, fresh herbs and water spinach thoroughly, then drain well. They will be served alongside the rice vermicelli.

Preparing the Broth

Blend the mantis shrimp shells and heads with 600 ml of water, then strain the mixture carefully to obtain a clear broth.

In a saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon of oil, then add a little chopped shallot and the tomatoes. Sauté for about 5 minutes.

Pour the strained broth into the saucepan. Season with 1 tablespoon of seasoning powder, ½ tablespoon of salt, 1 tablespoon of sugar and 1 tablespoon of nuoc mam.

Simmer over low heat for about 15 minutes, then taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary before removing from the heat.

Cooking the broth (Photo: Archive)

Rice vermicelli with mantis shrimp
(Photo: Archive)

Serving and Enjoying

Place the rice vermicelli in a bowl, then add the mantis shrimp, fried tofu and a few fresh herbs.

Sprinkle with finely sliced spring onions and coriander, then pour the piping hot broth over the top.

Serve immediately and enjoy while hot.

Enjoy your meal!

REGIONAL DISHES

NORTHERN VIETNAM

HANOI

SAPA

HA LONG BAY

NINH BINH – HALONG BAY ON LAND

MAI CHAU

MOC CHAU

DIEN BIEN PHU

CENTRAL VIETNAM

PHONG NHA / QUANG BINH

QUANG TRI

HUE

DA NANG

HOI AN

SOUTHERN VIETNAM

NHA TRANG

PHAN THIET – MUI NE

HO CHI MINH CITY

MEKONG DELTA

PHU QUOC

CENTRAL HIGHLANDS

DA LAT

BUON MA THUOT

BÚN BỀ BỀ (Tôm tít) | Rice vermicelli with mantis shrimp

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