Sa sung, a type of seafood unique to certain coastal regions, is not only a delicious dish but also a symbol of the harmonious blend between nature and Vietnam’s culinary culture. Exploring Sa sung, one does not only find joy in the flavors of the dish but also a deep sense of love for nature and creativity in the culinary art of the Vietnamese people.
1. Exploring Sa sung – A specialty of the coastal region
1.1. What is Sa sung?
In Vietnam, sa sung is known by various names, with each region having its own unique term, such as sea worm, land ginseng, or sea earthworm, among others.
Sa sung can be found in many beautiful beaches, such as Cam Ranh (Khanh Hoa) and Can Gio (HCMC). However, the most famous locations are Van Don and Mong Cai (Quang Ninh), where Sa sung is not only a local specialty but also a symbol of the area. Here, Sa sung is more than just a delicacy; it is a source of pride for the locals, carrying the distinct flavors of the land, sea, and people.
Sa sung, a soft-bodied invertebrate, is a valuable product of the ocean, typically found in sandy coastal areas where the tide rises and falls. This creature likes to hide in sand crevices and caves, sometimes as deep as 30 meters beneath the sea. Its appearance resembles an earthworm, with a reddish-brown color. The surface of the sá sùng has fine, thread-like patterns along its length, resembling veins but larger and lighter in color. A fresh sá sùng typically measures between 7-15 cm long with a thick body. After drying, its length reduces to about 6-10 cm. The harvest of sá sùng occurs when the sea level is low, typically from March to August each year, the period when Sa sung is most abundant and valuable. Experienced fishermen usually set out early in the morning when the tide has just receded to search for remnants of sá sùng from the night before.
1.2. Benefits of Sa sung
Sa sung is not only a type of seafood but also an unsung hero of the ocean, playing an important role in the recycling of organic matter and helping to maintain ecological balance. These creatures, rich in nutrients, contain 18 amino acids and 17 essential minerals for the human body. They are not only a tasty dish but are also considered a valuable medicinal ingredient in traditional Eastern medicine, helping to cool the body and enhance health.
According to modern medical research, Sa sung is known for its potential in treating certain respiratory and musculoskeletal conditions, acting as a folk remedy with significant health benefits. This value makes Sa sung not just a product of the sea, but also an indispensable part of Vietnam’s health and wellness journey.
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2. How to prepare Sa sung
Preparing sá sùng is truly an art, a meticulous and intricate process. First, a small knife is used to carefully slit along its body, then the inside is turned out and scrubbed thoroughly with salt. This step not only helps remove all the sand but also eliminates the characteristic fishy odor. After rinsing it several times under strong running water, when the inside turns off-white, this marks the completion of the first step. To clean it quickly and effectively, many people use lemon or vinegar, as the mild acidity helps remove any stains.
One important thing to remember when preparing sá sùng is that its natural sweetness is enough to delight the taste buds. A little salt to enhance the flavor, and some chili if you like a bit of spice, is all you need to create a delicious and flavorful dish.
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3. Some delicious dishes made from Sa sung
3.1. Sa sung porridge
Sa sung porridge is a distinctive dish from the coastal regions of Vietnam, carrying the essence of the sea and the skillful cooking of the people. In particular, the porridge is cooked in the “eat as you cook” style, ensuring each ingredient retains its freshness. The Sa sung in the porridge is not only tender but also maintains its crunchy, chewy texture, creating an irresistible appeal. When enjoyed, you’ll savor the aromatic flavor of the porridge, blending with the mild spiciness of julienned ginger and the refreshing taste of lightly blanched perilla leaves.
3.2. A key ingredient in Pho’s unique flavor
Pho, a delicious dish that has become a trademark of Vietnam, is not only alluring for its rich beef broth and the fragrance of various herbs but also due to a secret ingredient – Sa sung. In some provinces, sá sùng is considered a “superfood” that promotes health and has become an ideal companion in pho. When cooked with the broth, Sa sung adds a rich, sweet, and delicate flavor, making it unforgettable for diners.
3.3. Crispy fried Sa sung
One simple yet fantastic way to prepare sá sùng is by deep-frying it. Simply season with a little spice, coat it with flour, and fry it in hot oil, and Sa sung will quickly turn into a crunchy snack that is a hit at gatherings. When fried, it preserves the savory taste of the sea, with its signature chewy-crisp texture. Together with a golden crispy coating, this dish will captivate anyone from the very first bite, combining the satisfying crunch with the fresh, clean taste of the sea—perfect for a fun time with a cold drink.
3.4. Grilled Sa sung
Sa sung, like other dried seafood, is often first thought of for its simplest yet most alluring method of preparation: grilling. When placed on a grill over hot coals, the ocean’s flavor comes alive, blending with the delicious scent of smoky charred goodness spreading through the air. Just a touch of spicy salt and chili for dipping, and grilled Sa sung becomes a perfect snack for socializing with a cold beer. The natural sweetness of Sa sung, combined with its crispy texture from grilling, will make it impossible to stop eating, leaving you wanting more.
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3.5. Sa sung soup with betel leaves
Anyone who has ever tasted this dish will immediately realize that the aroma of betel leaves is truly perfect when combined with the sweet, delicate flavor of sá sùng. A spoonful of this refreshing soup, with a slight kick of chili and a piece of chewy, delicious Sa sung, paired with hot rice, is simply unbeatable! If you have the chance to visit some northern provinces, you’ll easily encounter a bowl of sá sùng soup with betel leaves on family dinner tables, a testament to the subtlety of local cuisine.
3.6. Stir-fried Sa sung
An irresistible dish that makes a meal more visually appealing and enticing is stir-fried Sa sung. Fresh ingredients like lemongrass, chili, celery, and sour bamboo shoots blend together to create a perfect symphony of flavors. Sa sung is stir-fried until golden, with the delightful aroma of garlic, onion, and pepper, and a touch of fish sauce to enhance the dish’s unique flavor. The sweet and tempting Sa sung meat is not only a great addition to family meals but can also become a perfect snack for socializing with friends.
4. Where to enjoy and buy Sa sung
4.1. Some places to buy Sa sung
Here are some places where you can buy delicious sá sùng in Quang Ninh:
- Ha Long 1 Market, Van Xuan Town, Bach Dang District, Quang Ninh Province
- Group 1, Area 6, Yet Kieu Ward, Ha Long City, Quang Ninh Province
- Van Don Seafood 399: 399 Ly Anh Tong Street, Cai Rong Town, Van Don District, Quang Ninh Province
4.2. Tips for buying dried Sa sung as gifts for loved ones
You should choose Sa sung with thick bodies, an off-white color, and uniform size. The inside of the Sa sung should be thoroughly cleaned, with no sand remaining. Particularly, when you bring the sá sùng close to your nose, you should smell its characteristic fragrance, light and gentle, like the aroma of dried Chinese medicinal herbs – truly enchanting.
However, there are a few things to avoid when buying Sa sung. Dried Sa sung that appears yellowed or unattractive is not a good choice; it may have been stored for too long or even moldy, which could be harmful to health. In many seafood markets, you can easily find sá sùng that has been dried to an appealing off-white color. However, don’t let appearances fool you! Sá sùng with flat bodies is usually of lower quality, with a bland taste that cannot compare to those with round, full, and fresh bodies.
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Sa sung is not just a unique type of seafood but also a symbol of the fusion between nature and cuisine. Hopefully, through this article, you’ll have more exciting experiences and discover many unique ways to prepare this special seafood, making each meal even more memorable.
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