How to Make Vietnamese Grilled Fish Soup

Vietnamese Grilled Fish Soup, also known as Canh Chua Ca, is a delicious and refreshing dish that is perfect for any occasion. This flavorful soup combines tender grilled fish with a tangy broth and a medley of fresh herbs and vegetables. Follow these steps to create your very own authentic Vietnamese Grilled Fish Soup at home.

Ingredients

To prepare this delightful dish, you'll need the following ingredients:

500g of fresh fish (such as catfish or tilapia)
2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
1 onion, thinly sliced
2 tomatoes, quartered
1 pineapple, cut into chunks
1-2 green chilies, sliced (optional, for heat)
2 tablespoons of fish sauce
1 tablespoon of tamarind paste
4 cups of water or fish stock
Fresh herbs: coriander, mint, and basil, for garnish
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Fish

Start by cleaning the fish. Rinse it under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels. You can choose to marinate the fish with some salt and pepper for added flavor. Preheat your grill or grill pan on medium-high heat, and grill the fish for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until it's cooked through and has nice grill marks. Once grilled, set the fish aside to cool slightly before flaking it into large pieces.

Step 2: Make the Broth

In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onion and sauté until it becomes translucent. Then, add the quartered tomatoes and pineapple chunks, cooking them for about 5 minutes until they soften. Stir in the fish sauce and tamarind paste, blending well with the vegetables.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

Pour in the water or fish stock, and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once boiling, lower the heat and let the broth simmer for about 10-15 minutes to develop flavors. Taste the broth and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. If you want a spicier punch, add the sliced green chilies at this stage.

Step 4: Add the Fish

Gently add the grilled fish pieces into the pot. Allow them to warm up in the broth for 3-4 minutes, ensuring the fish absorbs the delicious flavors of the soup.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Once the fish is heated through, your Vietnamese Grilled Fish Soup is ready to be served. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh herbs like coriander, mint, and basil. Serve it hot with steamed rice or rice noodles for a complete meal.

Conclusion

Vietnamese Grilled Fish Soup is a wonderfully fragrant and lively dish that showcases the essence of Vietnamese cuisine. With its balance of sweet, sour, and savory flavors, this soup is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy your cooking adventure and the delightful taste of homemade Canh Chua Ca!