Authentic Bún Chả Cá Bình Định Recipe: Delicious Vietnamese Fish Ball Noodle Soup from Bình Định Province

Ingredients

500 grams of fish fillet
200 grams of fish paste
1 tablespoon turmeric powder
1 tablespoon fish sauce
1 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons tapioca starch
1 liter of water
100 grams of tomatoes
100 grams of pineapple
2 stalks of lemongrass
2 shallots
3 cloves of garlic
2 bird's eye chillies
1 bunch of dill
1 bunch of spring onion
1 bunch of coriander
1 bunch of Vietnamese mint
Fish sauce, sugar, vinegar, and chilli to taste for dipping sauce
Fresh rice vermicelli for serving

Steps and instructions

Cut the fish fillet into small pieces and mix with the fish paste, turmeric powder, fish sauce, sugar, salt, and tapioca starch. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.
Shape the fish mixture into small patties and steam them for 10-15 minutes until they are cooked thoroughly.
While the fish cakes are steaming, prepare the broth. In a pot, add water, tomatoes, pineapple, lemongrass, shallots, garlic, and chillies. Bring it to a boil and let it simmer for 30 minutes.
When the fish cakes are done, add them into the broth and continue to simmer for another 10 minutes.
Prepare the dipping sauce by mixing fish sauce, sugar, vinegar, and chilli to taste.
Roughly chop the dill, spring onion, coriander, and Vietnamese mint. Set aside.
When ready to serve, put some fresh rice vermicelli in a bowl, top with the fish cakes and broth, and garnish with the chopped herbs.
Serve the Bún Chả Cá Bình Định hot with the dipping sauce on the side.

Tools for making

Cutting board - Used for preparing and chopping ingredients.
Knife - Essential for cutting the fish fillet and other ingredients.
Mixing bowl - Used for combining the fish with the marinade ingredients.
Steamer - Needed to steam the fish cakes until they are cooked.
Pot - Used for making the broth.
Strainer - Necessary for straining the broth.
Serving bowls - Used to serve the Bún Chả Cá Bình Định.
Chopping knife - Used for chopping the herbs.
Serving utensils - Used for dishing out the fish cakes and broth.

Recipe variations

Use a different type of fish for the fish cakes, such as salmon or cod.
Add shrimp or crab meat to the fish paste mixture for added flavor.
Replace the fish paste with minced pork or chicken for a meat-based version.
For a vegetarian option, replace the fish with tofu or tempeh and use vegetable broth instead of fish broth.
Experiment with different herbs and vegetables for garnish, such as Thai basil, mint, or bean sprouts.
Try a different type of dipping sauce, such as peanut sauce or sweet and sour sauce.
Add vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or zucchini to the broth for added texture and color.
Instead of steaming the fish cakes, you can also pan-fry or grill them for a different texture.
For a gluten-free option, use cornstarch or rice flour instead of tapioca starch.
Add a crispy element by coating the fish cakes in breadcrumbs or panko before cooking.

Recipe overview

Bún Chả Cá Bình Định is a delightful Vietnamese dish that showcases the perfect blend of fresh and comforting flavors. This recipe features succulent fish cakes cooked to perfection, immersed in a tangy and flavorful broth made from tomatoes, pineapple, and an array of aromatic Vietnamese herbs. Served over fresh rice vermicelli and garnished with a mix of dill, spring onions, coriander and mint, this dish is a feast for the senses. Accompanied by a tangy dipping sauce, Bún Chả Cá Bình Định offers a tantalizing taste of the Vietnamese cuisine that you can bring to your own kitchen. Follow the steps in this recipe to experience the joy of creating this hearty and comforting dish at home. Enjoy the process as much as the end result!

Common questions

Can I use a different type of fish? Yes, you can use other types of white fish such as cod or haddock as a substitute for the fish fillet.
Can I use pre-made fish paste? If you can't find fish paste, you can make your own by blending fresh fish meat in a food processor until it becomes a paste-like consistency.
Can I use a different type of noodle? While the traditional choice is rice vermicelli, you can use other types of noodles such as udon or soba if you prefer.
Can I omit the pineapple? If you don't have pineapple or prefer not to use it, you can simply omit it from the recipe.
Can I make the fish cakes without steaming them? Steaming is the traditional method for cooking the fish cakes, but you can also pan-fry them if desired. This will result in a slightly different texture and flavor.

Serving dishes and utensils

Cutting board - To prepare and cut the ingredients.
Knife - For slicing and chopping the fish, vegetables, and herbs.
Steamer - To steam the fish cakes.
Pot - To simmer the broth.
Strainer - To strain the broth and remove any solids.
Bowls - For serving the Bún Chả Cá Bình Định.
Chopsticks - Utensils commonly used for eating noodles and fish cakes.
Soup ladle - To serve the broth and fish cakes.
Dipping sauce bowls - For serving the dipping sauce.
Serving spoons - For serving the herbs and garnishes.

Origin stories

Bún Chả Cá Bình Định, or Binh Dinh Fish Cake Noodle Soup, is a renowned dish from the coastal province of Binh Dinh in Central Vietnam. The region, known for its thriving fishing industry, has a culinary tradition that majorly revolves around seafood. What sets this soup apart is the unique amalgamation of tastes - the tanginess of tomatoes and pineapples, the heat from chillies, the freshness of herbs, and the distinct flavor of fish cakes - all soaked up by the soft rice vermicelli. The soup is a testament to the resourcefulness and ingenuity of the local people, turning their abundant catch from the sea into a dish that is deeply comforting and satisfying. The creation of the broth is an art in itself; each ingredient is carefully chosen and delicately balanced to create a harmony of flavors. It's a fantastic representation of the culinary philosophy of the region: simple, fresh ingredients brought together to create something truly extraordinary.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.