Authentic Vietnamese Bún Chả Cá Sắn Recipe

Ingredients

500 grams of Cassava (boiled and smashed)
500 grams of Fish paste
2 tablespoons of Sugar
2 tablespoons of Fish sauce
1 tablespoon of Pepper
2 liters of Water
2 tablespoons of Cooking oil
1 cup of Green onion (chopped)
1 cup of Dill (chopped)
2 tablespoons of Fried shallots
2 Lemongrass stalks (finely chopped)
5 pieces of Dried Shrimp (soaked in hot water)
2 Egg yolks
1 tablespoon of Cornstarch

Steps and instructions

Mix the fish paste with the boiled and smashed cassava. Add sugar, fish sauce, pepper, and mix well until it forms a uniform mixture.
Shape the mixture into small balls and set aside.
Heat 2 liters of water in a pot. Once boiling, add the cassava and fish balls. Let it cook until the balls float to the surface.
In a pan, heat the cooking oil and sauté the lemongrass until fragrant. Add the soaked dried shrimp and continue to sauté until the shrimp become crispy.
Add the sautéed lemongrass and shrimp to the pot with the cassava and fish balls. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes.
In a separate bowl, mix the egg yolks with cornstarch. Slowly add this mixture to the pot, stirring continuously to avoid clumps.
When the soup has thickened to your liking, add chopped green onion and dill. Stir well.
Serve hot, garnished with fried shallots.

Tools for making

Pot - A large pot to boil the cassava and fish balls.
Pan - A pan to sauté the lemongrass and dried shrimp.
Bowl - A bowl to mix the egg yolks and cornstarch.
Knife - A knife to chop the green onion, dill, and lemongrass.
Cooking spoon - A spoon to stir the soup and mix the ingredients.
Strainer - A strainer to drain the soaked dried shrimp.
Measuring spoons - Measuring spoons to accurately measure the sugar, fish sauce, and pepper.

Recipe variations

Instead of cassava, you can use mashed sweet potatoes or taro as a base for the fish paste.
For a different flavor, you can add minced garlic and ginger to the fish paste mixture.
If you prefer a crispy crust, you can coat the fish balls with breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes before frying them.
For a gluten-free option, you can use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free cereal as a coating for the fish balls.
To make it vegetarian or vegan, you can replace the fish paste with tofu or tempeh and adjust the seasonings accordingly.
For a spicier version, you can add chopped chili peppers or chili flakes to the fish paste mixture.
For a seafood twist, you can add small pieces of shrimp or crab meat to the fish paste mixture.
Instead of frying the fish balls, you can steam them for a healthier option.

Recipe overview

Bún Chả Cá Sắn is a delightful and comforting Vietnamese dish that wonderfully showcases the country's culinary traditions. The recipe revolves around the use of cassava and fish paste, which are combined to make satisfyingly tender and delicious balls. They are then simmered in a rich broth infused with lemongrass and dried shrimp, bringing an explosion of flavors that will tantalize your palate. The dish requires some preparation, but the result is well worth it. As you follow this recipe, you'll be taken through the process of creating the cassava and fish balls, preparing the aromatic broth, and combining everything into a hearty soup. Topped off with the flavorsome garnish of fried shallots, this dish is a delightful combination of textures and flavors. Whether you're new to Vietnamese cuisine or a seasoned fan, this Bún Chả Cá Sắn recipe is bound to become a favorite. Enjoy the cooking journey!

Common questions

Can I use a different type of fish for the fish paste? Yes, you can use different types of white fish like cod or haddock to make the fish paste.
Can I substitute cassava with another ingredient? If you can't find cassava, you can substitute it with boiled and mashed taro or sweet potatoes.
How do I know when the cassava and fish balls are cooked? The cassava and fish balls will float to the surface when they are cooked. This usually takes about 10-15 minutes.
Can I skip the dried shrimp? Yes, if you don't have dried shrimp or prefer not to use them, you can omit them from the recipe. The dish will still be delicious.
What can I serve with Bún Chả Cá Sắn? Bún Chả Cá Sắn is traditionally served with rice noodles, fresh herbs like lettuce, mint, and cilantro, and a dipping sauce made with fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, and chili.
Can I make the fish balls in advance? Yes, you can make the fish balls in advance and refrigerate them until you are ready to cook them in the soup. This can be a time-saving option for meal preparation.

Serving dishes and utensils

Pot - A large pot for boiling the cassava and fish balls.
Pan - A frying pan for sautéing the lemongrass and dried shrimp.
Bowl - A bowl for mixing the egg yolks and cornstarch.
Stirring Spoon - A spoon for stirring the soup and mixing the ingredients.
Knife - A knife for chopping the green onion and dill.
Strainer - A strainer for draining the soaked dried shrimp.
Measuring Spoons - Measuring spoons for accurately measuring the sugar, fish sauce, and pepper.

Origin stories

Bún Chả Cá Sắn, a warm and comforting soup, hails from the city of Da Nang in Central Vietnam. It's an indispensable part of Da Nang's culinary identity, with a unique blend of fish and cassava – a root vegetable that's a staple in many tropical regions. The city, surrounded by both the sea and the mountains, boasts a diverse range of fresh produce, and this dish is a testament to that abundance. Interestingly, while many Vietnamese soups are typically served with rice noodles, this one uniquely uses cassava, offering an intriguing blend of textures and flavors. The contrast between the crispy fried shallots, the tender cassava-fish balls, and the aromatic soup makes every bite an adventure – a true taste of Da Nang's vibrant food scene.

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.