How to Make Vietnamese Sour Soup with Pineapple and Fish

Vietnamese Sour Soup, known as "Canh Chua," is a delicious and refreshing dish that perfectly balances sweet, sour, and savory flavors. The addition of pineapple and fish creates a rich and flavorful broth that is sure to please everyone at the table. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make this delightful dish.

Ingredients

To prepare Vietnamese Sour Soup with Pineapple and Fish, you will need the following ingredients:

500g fish (catfish or tilapia works well)
1 cup pineapple, cut into chunks
200g bean sprouts
2-3 tomatoes, quartered
1 onion, sliced
2 tablespoons tamarind paste (or juice from fresh tamarind)
1 tablespoon fish sauce
Fresh herbs (such as cilantro and basil) for garnish
Salt and pepper, to taste
4 cups water
Optional: red chili for a spicy kick

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Fish

Begin by cleaning and cutting the fish into serving-sized pieces. Season lightly with salt and pepper. If you’re using whole fish, ensure they are cleaned properly and gutted.

Step 2: Make the Broth

In a large pot, bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Add the sliced onion and let it simmer for about 5 minutes to infuse the flavor.

Step 3: Add the Pineapple and Tomatoes

Next, add the pineapple chunks and quartered tomatoes to the pot. Allow the mixture to boil for another 5 minutes, which will enhance the sweetness and sourness of the broth.

Step 4: Incorporate the Tamarind and Fish Sauce

Stir in the tamarind paste and fish sauce. Taste the broth and adjust seasoning with more tamarind or fish sauce as needed. The broth should be a pleasant balance of sweet, sour, and savory flavors.

Step 5: Add the Fish

Carefully add the seasoned fish pieces to the pot. Cook for about 5-7 minutes or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. Be careful not to overcook the fish to maintain its texture.

Step 6: Add the Bean Sprouts

In the final moments of cooking, add the bean sprouts and simmer for another minute. This will provide a nice crunch and freshness to the soup.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Once all ingredients are cooked and combined, remove the pot from heat. Serve the sour soup hot, garnished with fresh herbs like cilantro and basil. Optionally, you can add slices of red chili for an extra kick.

Tips for the Perfect Vietnamese Sour Soup

Choose the freshest fish possible for the best flavor.
Adjust the level of sourness by varying the amount of tamarind paste.
Feel free to add other vegetables such as okra or bell peppers for more variety.
Enjoy this soup with a side of steamed rice or on its own for a light meal.

This vibrant and zesty Vietnamese Sour Soup with Pineapple and Fish is not only easy to make but also incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re a fan of Vietnamese cuisine or trying it for the first time, this dish is sure to be a hit. Enjoy your culinary adventure!