Hu Tieu Ap Chao is a vibrant and flavorful Vietnamese noodle dish that combines stir-fried shrimp, crispy pork belly, and fresh vegetables. The combination of savory sauces and crunchy vegetables with tender noodles makes this dish an absolute delight.
Perfect for a quick dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is easy to prepare and packed with bold, authentic flavors. You can also experiment with different proteins like chicken or tofu for a variation. Whether served for a weeknight meal or a dinner gathering, Hu Tieu Ap Chao is sure to impress!
Full Recipe:
- 200g shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 200g pork belly, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 200g rice noodles
- 100g bean sprouts
- 1 small carrot, julienned
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
- Lime wedges, for garnish
- 2 spring onions, sliced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
- Cook rice noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add garlic and onion, stir-fry for about 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add pork belly to the skillet and cook until browned and crispy, about 4-5 minutes.
- Add shrimp and cook until pink and opaque, about 3 minutes.
- Stir in the oyster sauce, soy sauce, fish sauce, and sugar. Mix everything together and let it simmer for another 2 minutes.
- Add cooked rice noodles to the skillet and toss well to coat with the sauce and other ingredients.
- Stir in bean sprouts, carrots, and cilantro. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until heated through.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with lime wedges and sliced spring onions.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 450 kcal | Servings: 2 servings
Hu Tieu Ap Chao: A Flavorful Vietnamese Stir-Fry Noodle Dish
Vietnamese cuisine is known for its vibrant flavors and diverse dishes, often blending savory, sweet, and umami flavors to create memorable meals. One such dish that perfectly embodies this harmony is Hu Tieu Ap Chao, a stir-fried noodle dish that’s both satisfying and full of depth. This beloved dish from Southern Vietnam is a combination of wide rice noodles, tender beef, crunchy vegetables, and a rich, savory sauce. It’s simple to make and incredibly comforting, making it an excellent choice for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.
The Meaning of Hu Tieu Ap Chao
The name “Hu Tieu Ap Chao” may sound unfamiliar at first, but it is relatively straightforward once broken down. “Hu Tieu” refers to rice noodles, a staple in Vietnamese cuisine, and “Ap Chao” translates to sautéed or stir-fried in oil. So, Hu Tieu Ap Chao is essentially a stir-fried dish made with flat rice noodles. It is quite similar to Cantonese Beef Chow Fun, but with a Vietnamese twist.
In Vietnam, “Hu Tieu” is typically associated with noodle soups, particularly in the southern regions like Saigon. In contrast, pho, another well-known Vietnamese noodle dish, hails from Northern Vietnam. The noodles used in Hu Tieu are slightly different in texture from those used in pho, providing a chewy and satisfying base for the stir-fry. As for the “Ap Chao” part of the name, it refers to the stir-frying method that imparts a smoky flavor and a caramelized crust on the noodles, which is key to this dish’s deliciousness.
A Delicious Fusion of Vietnamese and Cantonese Cuisine
One of the fascinating things about Hu Tieu Ap Chao is its origins, which are rooted in both Vietnamese and Cantonese culinary traditions. This dish shares many similarities with Cantonese Beef Chow Fun, particularly in its use of wide, flat rice noodles and stir-fried beef. Many Vietnamese dishes, especially those from the southern region, have been influenced by Chinese cooking techniques and ingredients. This is likely how Hu Tieu Ap Chao made its way to Vietnam, becoming a staple in Chinese-Vietnamese restaurants.
In many Vietnamese households, Hu Tieu Ap Chao is a favorite comfort food, much like Beef Chow Fun is in Cantonese cooking. It is a versatile dish that can easily be adapted to suit different tastes and dietary preferences. Traditionally, Hu Tieu Ap Chao is made with tender beef, but chicken, pork, or shrimp can be used as well.
The Ingredients that Make Hu Tieu Ap Chao Special
Hu Tieu Ap Chao is made with a relatively simple set of ingredients that, when combined, create a wonderfully flavorful dish. The key ingredient is, of course, the wide rice noodles. These noodles provide the base for the dish and are what distinguish Hu Tieu Ap Chao from other noodle dishes like pho. The chewy texture of the noodles is complemented by the tender beef, which is often marinated to enhance its flavor and tenderness.
The sauce used in this dish is what ties everything together. It consists of a mixture of oyster sauce, soy sauce, dark soy sauce, sugar, and sometimes a touch of Sriracha for heat. This sauce is sweet, salty, and umami-rich, with the dark soy sauce giving the noodles a deep, rich color and flavor. The combination of these ingredients coats the noodles perfectly, making each bite satisfying and full of flavor.
In addition to the beef and noodles, Hu Tieu Ap Chao often includes vegetables like Chinese broccoli (gai lan), onions, bean sprouts, and green onions. These vegetables add crunch and freshness to the dish, balancing out the richness of the noodles and sauce. Chinese broccoli is a particularly popular addition because of its slightly bitter, earthy flavor, which contrasts beautifully with the savory sauce. The other vegetables provide additional texture and color, making the dish both visually appealing and flavorful.
Why You’ll Love Hu Tieu Ap Chao
There are many reasons why Hu Tieu Ap Chao has become a family favorite in many homes. First and foremost, it’s quick and easy to make. Despite being a stir-fry, the dish cooks in less than 45 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want a flavorful meal without a lot of prep work. The high-heat stir-frying technique ensures that everything cooks quickly, locking in the flavors while creating a slightly crispy texture on the noodles.
Another reason Hu Tieu Ap Chao is so popular is that it can be made better than takeout. While it’s a dish you might find at Chinese-Vietnamese restaurants, making it at home allows you to control the quality of the ingredients and the seasoning, resulting in a healthier and more cost-effective option. Plus, you can customize the dish to your liking by adding or omitting ingredients. For example, you can substitute the beef for chicken or even add tofu for a vegetarian version of the dish.
Hu Tieu Ap Chao is also a great dish for entertaining. It can be served family-style, making it perfect for potlucks, parties, or holiday gatherings. Its balance of savory, sweet, and umami flavors makes it a crowd-pleaser, and it pairs well with other Vietnamese dishes. Whether served as a main dish or as a side, it’s sure to impress your guests.
Making Hu Tieu Ap Chao at Home
The beauty of Hu Tieu Ap Chao lies in its simplicity. Once you have the ingredients ready, it’s just a matter of stir-frying everything in a hot wok or skillet. The key is to have everything prepped and ready to go before you start cooking, as stir-frying is a fast process. The beef should be marinated for maximum tenderness, and the rice noodles should be either boiled or softened in the microwave before being added to the pan.
When stir-frying the noodles, it’s important to use a good amount of oil to ensure the noodles don’t stick to the pan. The wok should be heated to a high temperature to create that signature smoky flavor, and the noodles should be tossed gently to avoid breaking. It may take a bit of practice, but once you get the hang of it, stir-frying becomes second nature.
Storing and Freezing Hu Tieu Ap Chao
If you have leftovers, Hu Tieu Ap Chao can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Simply let the dish cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. When reheating, you can microwave the dish in 1-minute intervals or heat it in a pan over medium heat until warm.
While Hu Tieu Ap Chao is best enjoyed fresh, it can also be frozen for later use. However, be aware that the texture of the noodles may change slightly after being frozen and thawed. To freeze, divide the dish into individual portions and place them in zip-top bags, squeezing out as much air as possible. The dish can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Conclusion
Hu Tieu Ap Chao is a delightful Vietnamese stir-fry noodle dish that combines the best of savory, sweet, and umami flavors. With its chewy rice noodles, tender beef, and fresh vegetables, it’s a comforting and satisfying meal that’s easy to make at home. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting a dinner party, this dish is sure to be a hit. Its versatility, quick cooking time, and bold flavors make it a perfect addition to your regular meal rotation. So why not give it a try and enjoy a taste of Vietnam in the comfort of your own home?