Vietnamese Seafood Soup Recipes for a Light Dinner

Vietnamese cuisine is renowned for its vibrant flavors, aromatic herbs, and fresh ingredients. One of the gems of this culinary tradition is the diverse array of seafood soups that are perfect for a light dinner. Packed with nutrients and bursting with flavor, these soups not only satisfy the palate but also provide a healthy dining option. Here are some delicious Vietnamese seafood soup recipes that you can easily prepare at home.

1. Canh Chua Ca (Vietnamese Sour Fish Soup)

Canh Chua Ca is a beloved dish, famous for its tangy and savory profile. This soup is typically made with fish, tamarind, and a variety of vegetables.

Ingredients: Fresh fish (like catfish or tilapia), tamarind paste, pineapple, tomatoes, bean sprouts, and fresh herbs (like cilantro and basil).
Instructions: Start by simmering water with tamarind paste to create a savory broth. Add the cleaned fish, pineapple chunks, and tomatoes, allowing them to cook through. Finally, toss in the bean sprouts and herbs for a fresh finish. Serve hot!

2. Bún Riêu (Crab and Tomato Noodle Soup)

Bún Riêu is a delightful noodle soup that features a delicious tomato and crab base. This dish is light yet satisfying, making it an excellent choice for dinner.

Ingredients: Rice vermicelli noodles, crab meat, tomatoes, tofu, and herbs (like mint and cilantro).
Instructions: Prepare the broth by boiling tomatoes until softened, then mash them to extract flavor. Add crab meat and tofu, simmering for a few minutes. Cook the rice noodles separately and serve them in bowls topped with the broth mixture and fresh herbs.

3. Mì Hến (Noodle Soup with Clams)

This clams noodle soup is both comforting and refreshing, making it ideal for a light evening meal.

Ingredients: Small clams, rice noodle (bánh phở), scallions, and fish sauce.
Instructions: Clean the clams thoroughly. In a pot, add water and bring it to a boil, then add clams and cook until they open. Add fish sauce for taste and serve over cooked rice noodles, garnished with chopped scallions.

4. Hủ Tiếu (Vietnamese Noodle Soup with Seafood)

This versatile noodle soup can be customized with various seafood, perfect for those who love to experiment.

Ingredients: Rice noodles, shrimp, squid, fish cake, and fresh herbs (like cilantro and green onion).
Instructions: Boil water to prepare the broth. Add seafood and cook until tender. Place cooked noodles in bowls, ladle over the hot broth and seafood, and finish with herbs for a fragrant touch.

5. Canh Ngheu (Clam Soup)

Canh Ngheu is a light and flavorful clam soup that's easy to prepare and absolutely delicious. It’s often enjoyed with steamed rice.

Ingredients: Clams, ginger, green onions, and fish sauce.
Instructions: Boil water and add sliced ginger to infuse the broth with flavor. Add clams and cover until they open. Season with fish sauce and garnish with chopped green onions before serving.

Each of these Vietnamese seafood soup recipes is not only easy to make but also highlights the fresh and fragrant ingredients that are the hallmark of Vietnamese cuisine. Whether you’re looking for something savory, sour, or a tad sweet, these dishes promise to deliver delight in every spoonful. Enjoy these light and healthy meals any day of the week for a satisfying dining experience!