Strangely named specialty in Quang Ninh that not everyone knows, 1 fish can feed 3-4 people

Not only does it have a unique name, this specialty is also favored by the people of Quang Ninh because of its firm, chewy, delicious meat and natural sweet flavor. One fish can be used to prepare a whole feast, enough for 3-4 people to enjoy.

Tien Yen crocodile is a specialty of Quang Ninh , recognized as one of the top 100 Vietnamese specialties 2021-2022 by the Vietnam Record Organization (Vietkings) and Top Vietnam Organization (VietTop).

Although it has a strange name, in fact, the Ca Sai (some places also call it Xay) is a hybrid duck-goose breed commonly raised in Tien Yen commune (old Tien Yen district).

Thanks to the delicious meat quality and economic value, this breed of livestock has gradually been expanded and concentrated in localities in eastern Quang Ninh such as Ba Che, Dam Ha, Binh Lieu...

The crocodile is a familiar pet to the people of Tien Yen, but not all Quang Ninh people or tourists who come here to travel know about it. Photo: Challenge Me

Ms. Nguyen Nhan - owner of a poultry farm in Tien Yen commune said, because it was crossbred from two types of poultry, the crocodile inherited outstanding advantages.

The meat of the crocodile is firm, has a natural sweet and aromatic taste and has little odor. In particular, the meat is not too soft or fatty like duck meat and not too lean or dry like goose meat.

“The crocodile is a hybrid breed that has been raised locally for a long time, grazing naturally in lagoons and ponds and using available food sources such as rice, corn, duckweed, snails, etc., so the meat is firm, flavorful and does not have the foul, fishy smell of ducks and geese,” said Ms. Nhan.

Cleaned crocodiles are sold for 80,000-100,000 VND/kg. Photo: Luong Huyen

According to the farm owner, the crocodiles are raised from 7 months to 1 year, weigh from 2.5-3kg, and have wings long enough to cross each other, then they can be used for meat.

If the crocodile is young, its meat will be bland, crumbly, and not tasty. If raised for a long time, it will become old and its meat will be tough and difficult to process.

“To choose a good crocodile, you have to observe and choose the ones that are big enough. The easiest way to recognize them is by looking at their wings. The ones that stand with their wings crossed over each other, with the feathers at the end of the wings forming a cross shape, are usually the ones with good meat quality,” she added.

Attractive boiled crocodile dish. Photo: Challenge Me

Similar to other poultry, crocodiles are also used to prepare many delicious dishes, from simple dishes such as boiled, grilled, stir-fried... to more sophisticated dishes such as plum sauce.

For boiled dishes, people only need to clean and boil the crocodile with a little salt or ginger like boiling chicken, duck, or goose. Depending on the size of each bird, the boiling time can vary from 25-30 minutes.

Boiled crocodile meat can be dipped in salt and chili, mixed with cooked blood to increase the attractive flavor of the dish. Photo: Challenge Me

In Tien Yen, the plum and ca say dish is also a favorite delicacy. In fact, in many local restaurants and eateries, this dish is also included in the menu to serve diners from near and far.

To make the dish "rầu mai ca xan", Tien Yen people use some familiar ingredients and spices such as coconut water, galangal, me, shrimp paste...

Clean the crocodile meat, chop it into small pieces and marinate it. Wait for about 10-15 minutes for it to absorb well, then put it on the stove and stir until it is slightly cooked. Then, add coconut water (or coconut milk), crocodile blood... and cook together, simmer until it boils, then season to taste.

Cook this mixture for about 25-30 minutes until the meat is tender and flavorful.

To make the dish more delicious, people often cook it over two fires and add crocodile blood to make the dish dark brown, the broth thick and rich. Photo: Quang Ninh TV

Depending on the regional culture and each family's taste, the dish of plum and taro is often slightly varied. Some places add sweet potatoes or taro, which not only helps the dish become smoother and more nutritious, but also absorbs fat from the meat, making the flavor rich without being too rich.

Plum and saury dish is best eaten hot, with noodles, rice or bread, suitable for both adults and children.

A crocodile can be processed into many dishes, enough to feed 3-4 people. Photo: Challenge Me

Ms. Phuong My (in Hanoi) has been to Tien Yen several times and enjoyed dishes made from crocodiles. She commented that the meat of this animal is delicious and has a distinctive smell.

“Because it was bred from ducks and geese, the crocodile has an ideal weight, not as small as ducks but not as big as geese.

A 3.5kg fish can be used to make several full dishes, enough to feed a family of 3-4 people," said Ms. My.

She also revealed that from a crocodile, local people skillfully utilize all parts to make a series of delicious dishes such as: Head, neck, wings, stewed with bones or bamboo shoot soup; Boiled water to cook porridge; Stir-fried giblets with bean sprouts or green beans; Roasted or boiled thighs.

Plum stew uses the breast meat and the entire body bones.

“At first glance, crocodile meat looks no different from duck or goose meat, but if you look closely, you will see that it has a golden skin after the feathers are removed. The meat does not have a foul smell or be too fatty,” she commented.

Hai Phong specialty processed in half a day, soft and fatty, attracting customers from near and far . After a meticulous processing process, this specialty is not only loved in Hai Phong but also attracts customers from near and far because it is soft and fatty, clean of both meat and bones, and is best enjoyed with hot rice.

Source: https://vietnamnet.vn/dac-san-ten-la-o-quang-ninh-khong-phai-ai-cung-biet-1-con-3-4-nguoi-an-no-2448790.html