Authentic Vietnamese Bún Chả Cá Hải Sản: A Seafood Noodle Soup Delight

Ingredients

  • 500g of white fish fillets
  • 200g of mixed seafood (shrimp, squid, mussels)
  • 2 tablespoons of turmeric powder
  • 1 tablespoon of fish sauce
  • 1 tablespoon of sugar
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 2 liters of fish stock
  • 500g of rice vermicelli noodles
  • 1 bunch of dill, chopped
  • 1 bunch of spring onions, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Steps and instructions

  1. Cut the fish fillets into medium-sized pieces and place them in a bowl along with the mixed seafood. Add the turmeric powder, fish sauce, sugar, minced garlic, and some salt and pepper. Mix well and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.
  2. In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent.
  3. Add the fish stock to the pot and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer.
  4. Add the marinated fish and seafood to the pot. Let it cook for about 15-20 minutes or until the seafood is fully cooked.
  5. While the soup is simmering, prepare the rice vermicelli noodles according to the package's instructions. Once cooked, drain the noodles and set them aside.
  6. When the seafood is fully cooked, add the chopped dill and spring onions to the pot. Stir well and let it simmer for a few more minutes.
  7. To serve, place some noodles in a bowl, ladle the soup over the noodles and enjoy your delicious Bún Chả Cá Hải Sản.

Tools for making

  • Cutting board - Used for cutting and preparing the ingredients.
  • Knife - A sharp knife is needed for cutting the fish fillets, onions, and dill.
  • Bowl - Used for marinating the fish and seafood.
  • Large pot - Used for cooking the soup.
  • Stirring spoon - Used for stirring the soup and ingredients.
  • Pot strainer - Used for draining the cooked rice vermicelli noodles.
  • Soup ladle - Used for serving the soup over the noodles.
  • Tongs - Used for handling the cooked fish and seafood.
  • Measuring spoons - Used for accurately measuring the turmeric powder, fish sauce, and sugar.
  • Fish stock - A key ingredient for flavoring the soup.

Recipe variations

  • Use different types of fish fillets such as salmon, cod, or tilapia.
  • Experiment with different types of seafood like scallops or crab meat.
  • Add vegetables such as sliced bell peppers, carrots, or bok choy to the soup.
  • Add chili peppers or chili paste for a spicy kick.
  • Replace the fish stock with vegetable or chicken stock for a different flavor profile.
  • For a meat-free option, substitute the fish and seafood with tofu or tempeh.
  • Try different herbs and aromatics like lemongrass or ginger for added flavor.
  • Serve the dish with a side of fresh herbs, bean sprouts, and lime wedges for extra freshness and tanginess.
  • Create a coconut-based broth by adding coconut milk or cream to the soup.
  • Add a splash of soy sauce or sesame oil for an Asian twist.

Recipe overview

Bún Chả Cá Hải Sản is a delightful Vietnamese dish that translates to seafood noodle soup. It's a hearty and comforting bowl loaded with flavors of the sea. This soup features a variety of seafood, including white fish, shrimp, squid, and mussels, making it a seafood lovers' paradise. The soup base is made from a savory fish stock, enhanced with aromatic ingredients like garlic, onions, and a hint of turmeric. Fresh herbs like dill and spring onions add an extra layer of flavor. Despite its complex flavors, this dish is surprisingly easy to make at home. Follow the steps in our recipe to create a bowl of Bún Chả Cá Hải Sản that will transport your tastebuds to the coastal regions of Vietnam.

Common questions

  1. Can I use different types of seafood in this recipe?
    Yes, you can use different types of seafood based on your preference. Shrimp, squid, mussels, and other seafood options work well in this recipe.
  2. How long should I marinate the fish and seafood?
    It is recommended to marinate the fish and seafood for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate.
  3. What can I substitute for fish stock?
    If you don't have fish stock, you can use vegetable stock or chicken stock as a substitute.
  4. Can I use a different type of noodle?
    While rice vermicelli noodles are traditional for this recipe, you can substitute them with other types of noodles such as egg noodles or soba noodles if desired.
  5. Do I have to use turmeric powder?
    Turmeric powder adds a distinct flavor and color to the dish, but if you don't have it on hand, you can omit it or substitute it with curry powder.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Large pot - to cook the soup
  • Bowl - to marinate the fish and seafood
  • Chopping board - for cutting the fish fillets and chopping the onions
  • Knife - for cutting the fish fillets, chopping the onions, and mincing garlic
  • Spatula - for sautéing the onions and stirring the soup
  • Ladle - for serving the soup
  • Strainer - to drain the cooked rice vermicelli noodles

Origin stories

Bún Chả Cá Hải Sản is a classic dish from the central coast region of Vietnam, particularly from the city of Da Nang. This coastal city is well-known for its abundance of fresh seafood, and this dish is a testament to that culinary culture. What makes Bún Chả Cá Hải Sản special is the use of turmeric, one of the staple spices in Vietnamese cuisine, which gives the broth its characteristic golden hue and a distinct flavor. The dish is typically enjoyed as a light lunch or dinner, often served with a side of fresh herbs, and a dipping sauce made from fish sauce, sugar, and lime. The perfect balance of savory, sweet, and sour flavors in this dish is a reflection of the harmonious culinary philosophy of Vietnam. Just like the gentle waves lapping the shores of Da Nang, this comforting soup brings a sense of tranquility and contentment with each spoonful.

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.