How to Make Vietnamese Stir-Fried Glass Noodles (Mien Xao)

Vietnamese street food whispers tales of bustling markets, fragrant herbs, and vibrant flavors. At the heart of this culinary landscape lies mien xao, a dish as simple as it is satisfying. Stir-fried glass noodles, known as mien xao in Vietnamese, encapsulate the essence of Vietnamese cuisine – fresh ingredients, balanced flavors, and a touch of culinary magic. Want to learn how to recreate this iconic dish at home and experience a taste of Vietnam? Let Com Com Restaurant, nestled in the heart of London, be your guide. This article will delve into the art of making mien xao, offering tips, variations, and insights into the cultural significance of this beloved dish.

The Story of Mien Xao at Com Com Restaurant

At Com Com Restaurant, mien xao is more than just a dish; it’s a celebration of Vietnamese heritage. The origin of mien xao, like many street food staples, is rooted in resourcefulness and a deep appreciation for simple, fresh ingredients. Our chefs at Com Com Restaurant draw inspiration from these traditions, using only the finest ingredients to create a mien xao that honors its humble beginnings while elevating it to a culinary experience. What makes Com Com Restaurant’s mien xao stand out is the delicate balance of flavors – savory, sweet, tangy, and umami, all dancing harmoniously on your palate.

Mien Xao Ingredients at Com Com Restaurant

Gathering Your Ingredients: A Trip to the Vietnamese Market (or Your Local Supermarket!)

The beauty of mien xao lies in its adaptability. While the core ingredients remain constant – glass noodles, vegetables, and a protein of your choice – the variations are endless. At Com Com Restaurant, we source the freshest produce, ensuring that every bite bursts with flavor. Here’s what you’ll need to create your own mien xao masterpiece:

• Glass Noodles (Mien): The star of the show! These delicate noodles, made from mung bean starch, are readily available in most Asian supermarkets.
• Protein: Chicken, beef, pork, shrimp, tofu – the choice is yours! Com Com Restaurant offers a variety of protein options to cater to every taste.
• Vegetables: A vibrant mix of vegetables adds texture and color. Think carrots, onions, bell peppers, mushrooms, bean sprouts, and cabbage. Feel free to get creative!
• Aromatics: Garlic, ginger, and shallots form the fragrant base of the dish.
• Sauce: A blend of soy sauce, fish sauce, oyster sauce, and a touch of sugar creates the signature mien xao flavor.

How to Make Vietnamese Stir-Fried Glass Noodles: A Step-by-Step Guide

Ready to embark on your culinary adventure? Follow these simple steps to create your own delicious mien xao:

1. Soak the Noodles: Soak the glass noodles in warm water for about 15-20 minutes until softened. Drain well.
2. Prepare Your Ingredients: Chop your vegetables and protein into bite-sized pieces. Mince the garlic, ginger, and shallots.
3. Stir-Fry the Aromatics: Heat oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the garlic, ginger, and shallots and stir-fry until fragrant.
4. Add the Protein: Add your chosen protein and stir-fry until cooked through.
5. Add the Vegetables: Add the vegetables and stir-fry for a few minutes until slightly softened but still crisp.
6. Incorporate the Noodles: Add the drained glass noodles to the wok.
7. Pour in the Sauce: Drizzle the sauce over the noodles and vegetables, tossing everything together until well coated.
8. Serve and Enjoy: Garnish with fresh herbs like cilantro and a squeeze of lime.

Stir-frying Mien Xao at Com Com Restaurant

Tips and Variations from Com Com Restaurant’s Kitchen

• Noodle Tip: Don’t overcook the noodles! They should be tender but not mushy.
• Vegetarian Delight: Substitute the protein with tofu or mushrooms for a vegetarian mien xao. At Com Com Restaurant, we offer a delicious vegetarian mien xao with tofu and a variety of fresh vegetables.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of chili flakes for a touch of heat.
• Get Creative with Vegetables: Experiment with different vegetables like broccoli, snow peas, or bok choy.

Nutritional Benefits: A Healthy and Delicious Meal

Mien xao is not only delicious but also a relatively healthy meal. Glass noodles are low in calories and fat, while the vegetables provide essential vitamins and minerals. At Com Com Restaurant, we prioritize fresh, high-quality ingredients to ensure a nutritious and satisfying dining experience.

Pairing Your Mien Xao: The Com Com Restaurant Experience

At Com Com Restaurant, we recommend pairing your mien xao with a refreshing Vietnamese iced coffee or a crisp glass of beer. For a truly authentic experience, try our Goi Cuon (fresh spring rolls) or Nem Ran (fried spring rolls) as a starter.

Mien Xao Plated at Com Com Restaurant

Frequently Asked Questions about Mien Xao at Com Com Restaurant

• What type of noodles are used in Mien Xao? Mien Xao is made with glass noodles, also known as cellophane noodles or bean thread noodles. These are made from mung bean starch.

• Can I make Mien Xao vegetarian? Absolutely! Tofu and mushrooms make excellent vegetarian substitutes for meat.

• What is the best way to store leftover Mien Xao? Store leftover Mien Xao in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Where can I find glass noodles? Glass noodles are readily available in most Asian supermarkets and online.

• What makes Com Com Restaurant’s Mien Xao special? Com Com Restaurant uses the freshest ingredients and traditional cooking techniques to create a truly authentic and delicious Mien Xao.

A Taste of Vietnam at Com Com Restaurant

So, are you ready to bring the vibrant flavors of Vietnam into your kitchen? Mien xao is a testament to the simplicity and sophistication of Vietnamese cuisine. With fresh ingredients and a little culinary finesse, you can recreate this iconic dish at home. Or, for a truly authentic experience, visit Com Com Restaurant in Battersea, London, and let us transport you to the bustling streets of Vietnam with every bite. We are located at 183-185 Battersea Park Rd, London SW11 4LB, UK, open daily from 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM. You can also call us at 020 7720 9928 or email us at [email protected]. We offer delivery, bringing the taste of Vietnam straight to your door. Come experience the magic of mien xao at Com Com Restaurant – we can’t wait to see you!