With a coastline stretching 3,260km along the country, Vietnam boasts an incredibly diverse range of seafood! Among these, one cannot overlook the specialty of sea snails, known as Indian Volute (melo melo).
1. Characteristics of Indian Volute
Indian volutes are one of the most beloved seafood items. They have a two-part structure: the inner white part, when cooked, becomes firm and crispy, while the soft, brownish part has a slightly chewy and fatty texture.
Seasoned seafood connoisseurs won't miss the chance to prepare sea snails in various ways, such as making a salad with banana blossoms, grilling them with spicy salt, grilling them with scallion oil, or stir-frying Indian volutes with water spinach. Each of these dishes provides an unforgettable dining experience for guests.
2. How to Cook Stir-Fried Indian Volutes with Water Spinach
Cooking stir-fried Indian volutes is quite simple. For this dish, slice the Indian volutes thinly and cut the water spinach into short segments. In a pan, add a bit of oyster sauce and finely chopped garlic, then stir-fry until the garlic becomes fragrant. Next, add the Indian volutes and stir-fry for about 5 minutes. When the Indian volutes are almost cooked, add the water spinach and stir-fry a few more times until both the Indian volutes and the greens are fully cooked.
Finally, season with a bit more oyster sauce and other ingredients to taste. Be careful not to overcook, as this will help maintain the crunchiness and natural sweetness of the dish. You can serve this dish with lime salt or a sweet and sour fish sauce dip, and garnish with some cilantro for added flavor.
3. Stir-Fried Indian Volutes with Water Spinach at a Seafood Restaurant in Bui Vien
Stir-fried Indian volutes with water spinach, accompanied by a sweet and sour fish sauce dip, as well as other delicious seafood, always receives praise from diners. The perfect combination of sweetness and crunchiness in the Indian volutes when cooked is truly delightful!
If you have the opportunity to visit Vietnam, especially Ho Chi Minh City, don't miss the chance to embark on a culinary journey with delectable seafood dishes at the Sen - Lua - Bien - Oc - Nong Thon Dai Viet restaurant chain located on bustling Bui Vien Street. And, in particular, don't forget to savor the crispy and flavorful stir-fried Indian volutes with water spinach – a dish that will surely impress you!
