Authentic Vietnamese Bún Chả Cá Lãnh Hồ Recipe

Ingredients

  • 500g of snakehead fish fillet
  • 3 shallots
  • 2 lemongrass stalks
  • 1 tablespoon of fish sauce
  • 1 tablespoon of turmeric powder
  • 1 bunch of dill
  • 5 cups of water
  • 1 tablespoon of salt
  • 500g of fresh rice noodles
  • 2 tomatoes
  • 1 pineapple
  • 2 tablespoons of cooking oil
  • Fresh herbs (cilantro, mint, perilla, and lettuce)
  • 1 tablespoon of sugar
  • 2 tablespoons of vinegar
  • 2 red chili peppers
  • 2 cloves of garlic
  • 1 knob of ginger

Steps and instructions

  1. Start by preparing the fish: Clean the snakehead fish fillet and marinate it with minced shallots, finely chopped lemongrass, fish sauce, and turmeric powder. Set it aside for 30 minutes.
  2. Prepare the broth: In a large pot, bring 5 cups of water to a boil. Add salt, chopped tomatoes, and chopped pineapple. Simmer for 15 minutes.
  3. Shape the marinated fish into round patties and pan-fry them in a skillet with 2 tablespoons of cooking oil until they're golden brown on both sides. Set them aside.
  4. Once the broth is ready, gently place the fried fish patties into the pot.
  5. Prepare the noodles: Bring a separate pot of water to a boil and cook the rice noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  6. Prepare the garnish: Clean the fresh herbs, chop the dill, and slice the red chili peppers. Mince the garlic and ginger.
  7. In a small bowl, mix together the sugar, vinegar, and a bit of water to make a dipping sauce. Add the minced garlic and sliced chili peppers.
  8. Assemble the dish: Place a portion of noodles in a bowl, ladle some broth and a couple of fish patties over the noodles. Sprinkle with a generous amount of dill and serve with the garnish of fresh herbs and dipping sauce on the side.

Tools for making

Recipe variations

  • Use a different type of fish fillet such as catfish or tilapia instead of snakehead fish.
  • Add shrimp or squid to the broth for a seafood combination.
  • Replace the fish patties with grilled or roasted fish fillets for a different texture.
  • Try using different herbs for garnish such as Thai basil, sawtooth herb, or Vietnamese coriander.
  • For a vegetarian version, replace the fish with tofu or tempeh and use vegetable broth instead of fish broth.
  • Add sliced onions or scallions to the dipping sauce for extra flavor.
  • To make it spicy, add a few dashes of chili oil or sriracha sauce to the broth or dipping sauce.
  • Experiment with different types of noodles such as vermicelli noodles or whole wheat noodles.
  • Add vegetables like bean sprouts, cucumber, or shredded carrots to the dish for added freshness and crunch.

Recipe overview

Bún Chả Cá Lãnh Hồ is a delicious Vietnamese dish that originates from Da Nang city. The star of this dish is the fish cake, made from snakehead fish and a medley of aromatic herbs and spices. The fish cake is served over a bed of fresh rice noodles and bathed in a savory broth that's been simmered with tomatoes and pineapple. The sweet tangy broth, tender fish cakes, and soft rice noodles create a harmonious blend of textures and flavors. This dish is usually garnished with fresh herbs and served with a side of chili garlic dipping sauce. With this recipe, you will learn how to prepare Bún Chả Cá Lãnh Hồ from scratch. It's a perfect dish for a hearty lunch or dinner. Enjoy a taste of Da Nang at your own dining table!

Common questions

  1. Can I use a different type of fish? - Yes, you can use other types of firm white fish like cod or haddock as a substitute for snakehead fish.
  2. Can I use dried noodles instead of fresh rice noodles? - While fresh rice noodles are traditional for this recipe, you can use dried rice noodles if you are unable to find fresh ones. Just follow the package instructions for cooking.
  3. Can I use dried dill instead of fresh dill? - Fresh dill is preferred for its flavor and aroma, but if you don't have access to fresh dill, you can use dried dill as a substitute. Use about half the amount of dried dill compared to fresh.
  4. Can I omit the chili peppers if I don't like spicy food? - Yes, you can omit or reduce the amount of chili peppers in the garnish if you prefer a milder taste.
  5. Can I make the broth in advance? - Yes, you can prepare the broth in advance and refrigerate it. When ready to serve, reheat the broth and add the fish patties before assembling the dish.
  6. Can I freeze the leftovers? - It is not recommended to freeze this dish as the texture of the fish patties and noodles may change upon thawing and reheating.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Cutting board - A sturdy surface for preparing ingredients and slicing fish fillets.
  • Knife - A sharp knife for chopping herbs, mincing garlic and ginger, and filleting the fish.
  • Skillet - A non-stick skillet for frying the fish patties.
  • Large pot - A pot for boiling water and simmering the broth.
  • Small bowl - A bowl for mixing the dipping sauce.
  • Serving bowls - Bowls to serve the dish.
  • Soup ladle - A ladle for serving the broth.
  • Chopsticks - Traditional utensils for eating the dish.

Origin stories

Bún Chả Cá, a popular dish in Vietnam, hails from the coastal city of Da Nang, where local cuisine is seasoned with the sea's bounty. The dish reflects the ingenuity of the local cooks, who, with simple ingredients at hand - fish from the abundant waters, herbs from the lush gardens, and rice from the fertile fields - created this culinary masterpiece. This dish, with its complex flavors and textures, mirrors the city's vibrant yet laid-back atmosphere. Interestingly, the term "Lãnh Hồ" in Bún Chả Cá Lãnh Hồ signifies "cold lake," which does not imply that this dish should be served cold. Instead, it's a nod to the serene and peaceful ambiance of Da Nang's surroundings. Therefore, every slurp of this flavorful soup brings you closer to the tranquil beauty of this coastal city.

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.