Authentic Vietnamese Bun Ca: A Step-By-Step Guide

Ingredients

  • 500g of fish fillets
  • 200g of rice vermicelli
  • 1 teaspoon of turmeric
  • 2 tablespoons of fish sauce
  • 1 tablespoon of sugar
  • 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
  • 4 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 2 tomatoes, chopped
  • 1 liter of fish stock
  • 200g of dill, chopped
  • 200g of spring onions, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons of vinegar
  • 1 red chili pepper, sliced
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Steps and instructions

  1. Marinate the fish fillets with turmeric, fish sauce, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Let it sit for 30 minutes.
  2. Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot. Add the minced garlic and finely chopped onion. Sauté until fragrant.
  3. Add the chopped tomatoes to the pot and continue to sauté until they soften.
  4. Pour in the fish stock and bring the mixture to a boil.
  5. Once the stock is boiling, add the marinated fish fillets. Let everything simmer until the fish is cooked through.
  6. While the soup is cooking, boil the rice vermicelli in a separate pot according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain and rinse with cold water.
  7. Add the chopped dill and spring onions to the soup. Stir well.
  8. Season the soup with vinegar, additional fish sauce, and salt according to taste. Add the sliced red chili pepper for extra heat if desired.
  9. Divide the cooked rice vermicelli among serving bowls. Ladle the soup with the fish over the noodles. Serve hot.

Tools for making

  • Large pot - for cooking the soup
  • Separate pot - for boiling the rice vermicelli
  • Knife - for mincing garlic, chopping onions, and slicing chili pepper
  • Cutting board - to use with the knife for chopping ingredients
  • Measuring spoons - for accurate measurement of fish sauce, sugar, and vinegar
  • Stove - for cooking the soup and boiling water
  • Strainer - to drain the cooked rice vermicelli
  • Serving bowls - for serving the Bun Ca
  • Soup ladle - for scooping the soup into serving bowls

Recipe variations

  • Use different types of fish fillets such as cod, snapper, or catfish.
  • Replace rice vermicelli with other types of noodles like soba noodles or udon noodles.
  • Add shrimp or squid to the soup for a seafood medley.
  • Include vegetables like bok choy, carrots, or mushrooms for added texture and flavor.
  • Try using coconut milk in the soup for a creamy twist.
  • Add lemongrass or ginger to the broth for a fragrant and aromatic taste.
  • For a vegetarian option, replace the fish with tofu or tempeh.
  • Experiment with different herbs like cilantro or Thai basil for a unique flavor profile.
  • Adjust the level of spiciness by adding more or less chili pepper.
  • Serve with lime wedges or fish sauce on the side for individual seasoning.

Recipe overview

Bun Ca is a delightful Vietnamese dish that beautifully marries the flavors of fish and herbs in a refreshing, delicately tangy broth. This recipe will guide you through the process of creating a truly authentic Bun Ca experience in your own kitchen. The process involves marinating fish fillets and then simmering them in a flavorful broth alongside tomatoes, garlic, and onions. The soup is then served over rice vermicelli and enhanced with an array of fresh herbs and a hint of heat from chili peppers. The result is a deliciously complex soup that's light yet satisfying, perfect for a unique dinner or a comforting lunch.

Common questions

  1. What type of fish fillets should I use for Bun Ca?
  2. You can use any white fish fillets for this recipe, such as cod, haddock, or tilapia.
  3. Can I use dried dill instead of fresh?
  4. While fresh dill is recommended for the best flavor, you can substitute with dried dill if necessary. Use half the amount of dried dill compared to fresh.
  5. Can I use a different type of noodle instead of rice vermicelli?
  6. Traditionally, Bun Ca is served with rice vermicelli, but you can use other types of noodles like glass noodles or even spaghetti if you prefer.
  7. Can I make the fish stock from scratch?
  8. Absolutely! If you have the time, you can make your own fish stock using fish bones, aromatics, and water. Simmer the ingredients for an hour, then strain the stock before using it in the recipe.
  9. How spicy is Bun Ca?
  10. Bun Ca is typically mildly spicy, but you can adjust the heat level to your preference. If you prefer a spicier soup, you can add more sliced red chili peppers or even chili flakes.

Serving dishes and utensils

Origin stories

Bun Ca, or fish noodle soup, has its roots in the coastal city of Hai Phong, located in the northern region of Vietnam. This region is known for its rich seafood, and so it's not surprising that the locals found a way to incorporate their abundance of fresh fish into a wholesome, comforting dish. This soup is a marriage of the sea and the earth, combining the hearty fish with the aromatic herbs and spices typical of Vietnamese cuisine. It's an embodiment of the philosophy of yin and yang, with the cool, soft noodles and hot, flavorful soup providing a balanced, harmonious meal. Indeed, Bun Ca is more than just a dish; it's a testament to the resourcefulness and culinary wisdom of the people of Hai Phong.

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.