Once, I had an encounter with field mouse meat.

Field mice typically dig burrows in rice paddies; their food source includes rice, sprouts, and various types of snails. During the rice harvest season at the end of the year, they reproduce in large numbers, and each one is plump and juicy. People dig up the burrows or set traps to catch field mice, clean them thoroughly, and rub the meat with a mixture of ginger and salt to remove the fishy smell.

Một lần dan díu với món chuột đồng - Ảnh 1.

Not everyone dares to try field mouse dishes.

Grilled rat meat with salt and chili : Marinate the meat with salt and chili for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate. Place it on a grill over hot charcoal until the meat turns golden brown, the fat sizzles, and a fragrant aroma fills the air. Tear off a piece of hot, crispy meat and savor the taste. You'll feel the firm, flavorful rat meat, the sweet and fatty taste blended with a hint of salty and spicy chili, a truly unique flavor. This dish, served with sticky rice and a bowl of wild greens soup, is unmatched by any gourmet meal.

Stir-fried field rat meat with betel leaves : Mince the meat and marinate with spices. Heat oil in a pan, sauté garlic until golden and fragrant, add the meat and stir-fry until cooked, season to taste, then add chopped betel leaves and mix well. Remove from heat and sprinkle with a little pepper for added aroma. The natural sweetness of the meat, combined with a slightly bitter taste and the fragrant aroma of the betel leaves, makes for a delicious meal with rice!

Or take the dish of field rat braised in coconut milk: Simply marinate the meat with minced garlic, shallots, sugar, fish sauce, and salt until well-seasoned, then fry until golden brown. Afterward, pour in enough fresh coconut milk to cover the meat, simmer over low heat until the coconut milk evaporates and coats the rat meat, giving it a golden brown color. This dish is often served with bread at parties in the Mekong Delta, and its deliciousness is unmistakable.

Once, my family and some friends from Ho Chi Minh City went back to our hometown in Tien Giang for a party. The host served field rat meat marinated in fish sauce, salt, chili paste, five-spice powder, and flour, then deep-fried until golden brown. Many in the group didn't realize it was field rat meat and ate it with relish. When they found out, they started shouting in surprise, but since it was so delicious, they... kept eating.

If you ever have the chance to visit the Mekong Delta during the flood season, overcome your fear and try field rat dishes. Just one try and you'll be hooked by the amazing taste this unique dish offers.