Buzz
West Lake shrimp cakes are a renowned and much-loved dish, and the process of making them is far from as challenging as many might think.
Originally crafted from distinctive ingredients such as river prawns or West Lake prawns, West Lake shrimp cakes held the top spot in the hearts of diners during the 1970s - 1980s. The golden, crispy shrimp cakes have left a lasting impression in the memories of many, embodying the vibrant culinary culture of Hanoi. PasGo is here to guide you through the simple steps of making these delectable shrimp cakes!
Ingredients for making West Lake shrimp cakes:
(Serving 5 people)
- Fresh river prawns: 500g
- All-purpose flour: 200g
- Tapioca flour: 100g
- Sweet potatoes: 300g (Choose ones with yellow flesh for a more visually appealing cake)
- Papaya: 1 small, carrots: 1 piece
- Eggs: 2
- Lettuce, mint, and coriander (according to personal preference)
- Onion: 1 bulb, garlic: 1 small bulb, lime: 1 fruit
- Cooking oil, fish sauce, salt, pepper, MSG, sugar, vinegar
How to make West Lake shrimp cakes:
Step 1:
- Combine wheat flour, tapioca flour, and 150ml water in a large bowl, mix well. Crack eggs into the bowl, whisk vigorously until the mixture becomes smooth, then let the batter rest for 30 minutes.
- Peel and wash the sweet potatoes, cut them into small strands, and soak in a diluted saltwater solution. After 15 minutes, remove the sweet potatoes, drain, and mix them thoroughly with the prepared batter.
- Peel and clean the carrots and papaya, julienne them, and soak in vinegar for 15 minutes. Then, drain the vegetables.
- Peel, clean, and finely mince the onions and garlic. Wash the chili peppers and finely chop them.
Step 2
- Clean the prawns, remove the legs and heads, and drain. Marinate the prawns with 1 tablespoon of seasoning powder, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon of pepper for 15 minutes.
- Add the prawns to the mixture of flour and sweet potatoes, mix well.
- Heat a pan with 3 - 4 tablespoons of cooking oil, scoop the mixture of flour, sweet potatoes, and prawns into the pan, adjust so that the prawns are in the middle, then fry until golden and crispy, evenly cooked. Remove and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.
Step 3:
- Prepare the dipping sauce: mix 2 tablespoons of fish sauce with 2 teaspoons of sugar, 1 tablespoon of lime juice, 1 tablespoon of filtered water, minced onions, garlic, and chopped chili. Season to taste, then add the prepared papaya and carrots.
- Arrange the shrimp cakes with lettuce and herbs on a plate.
So, the West Lake shrimp cakes are now complete. They must be eaten hot for the best experience. The cakes are piping hot, fragrant, and golden, visually appealing. However, the true enjoyment comes when you put them in your mouth and experience the perfect crispiness, delightful aroma, and rich, savory taste of the cake. Dip them in a bit of salty-sweet fish sauce, and enjoy the crispiness of papaya, the crunchiness of carrots, and the freshness of the raw herbs. Absolutely mouthwatering!
Indulge in the exquisite flavors of West Lake shrimp cakes – a culinary masterpiece! If your busy schedule hinders you from crafting this delicacy, head over to Ngon Phố - Aeon Mall for an aromatic experience. A fresh addition by the visionary founder of the renowned Quán Ăn Ngon restaurant chain, Ngon Phố continues to be a gastronomic haven for those passionate about Vietnamese cuisine. Discover signature dishes from all three regions, such as Thanh Trì rolled cake, Mekong Delta sizzling pancake, Hội An chicken rice, and the exquisite Southern-style river leaf fish... But that's not all – the restaurant seamlessly blends traditional and modern culinary delights, offering everything from buffet hotpot and barbecue to pizza and coffee, ensuring a diverse and enriching experience for all patrons.
Ngon Phố's dishes are carefully curated from the culinary essence of the three regions.
Ngon Phố's ambiance exudes diversity, sophistication, and a hint of nostalgia.
Don't forget to reserve your table through PasGo - the online reservation app that spares you from reading reviews – to unlock the latest offers from Ngon Phố!
>>> Explore detailed information about Ngon Phố restaurant right here.
Compiled by Thanh Mai - PasGo.vn
