Specialty grilled field mouse with salt and chili from the Western region

Buzz

Grilled field mouse with salt and chili is a standout dish among the specialties of the West, commonly prepared by locals after the harvest season.

When the fields are still bare and the rice has been harvested, field mice are at their fullest and most tender. Preparing delicious mouse meat requires careful initial steps. The mice, after being caught or purchased, are cleaned thoroughly. To remove any gamey odor, chefs rinse the mouse meat with salt and ginger. Once drained, the meat is marinated with lemongrass, chili, and garlic for about 20 - 30 minutes.

Subsequently, the meat is grilled over charcoal for about 30 minutes until it turns golden and emits a fragrant aroma. During grilling, the salt evenly permeates, creating a rich flavor profile for the mouse meat. Connoisseurs consider grilled mouse a delicious, nutritious, and affordable dish, a specialty found nowhere else but in this region of rivers and streams.

Depending on the preferences of the diner, the mouse meat may be finely chopped or served whole. If you're being treated to mouse meat at someone's home, the host often presents it whole so guests can both nibble and enjoy a few cups of wine. Inside, the meat is white and has a slightly chicken-like flavor. Fresh off the grill, mouse meat is very tender and sweet, with a satisfying crunch of bones in the mouth. No need for elaborate seasonings, just a sprinkle of salt, pepper, and a touch of lime and chili gives the mouse meat its distinctive grilled flavor.

Whether prepared in humble kitchens or served in restaurants, grilled field mouse with salt and chili evokes the vast expanse of the Western region's rivers and streams for diners. The price for a plate of grilled mouse meat with salt and chili is around 70,000 - 80,000 VND. You can enjoy this dish at many restaurants in Can Tho, Long Xuyen, and other provinces in the Western region.

According to Vnexpress.net

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References: Travel guide by Mytour

MytourApril 5, 2016

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key steps in preparing grilled field mouse with salt and chili?

The preparation of grilled field mouse involves several important steps. First, the mice must be thoroughly cleaned. Next, to eliminate any gamey smell, rinse the meat with salt and ginger. After draining, marinate the meat with lemongrass, chili, and garlic for 20-30 minutes before grilling over charcoal for about 30 minutes until golden and fragrant.

Why is grilled field mouse considered a unique dish in the Western region?

Grilled field mouse is considered unique due to its preparation and flavor profile. The dish utilizes freshly caught mice, which are especially tender and flavorful after the rice harvest. This local delicacy is often enjoyed with simple seasonings, reflecting the culinary traditions of the region, and is not commonly found elsewhere.

How is grilled field mouse typically served and enjoyed by diners?

Grilled field mouse is typically served whole for guests to enjoy. This presentation allows diners to nibble while savoring the dish, often accompanied by wine. The tender meat has a chicken-like flavor, and the satisfying crunch of bones adds to the eating experience. Simple seasonings enhance the dish's distinctive taste.

Where can you find grilled field mouse dishes in the Western region of Vietnam?

You can find grilled field mouse dishes in various restaurants across the Western region, particularly in Can Tho, Long Xuyen, and surrounding provinces. The price for a plate typically ranges from 70,000 to 80,000 VND, making it an affordable specialty that captures the essence of the local cuisine.