Authentic Vietnamese Chả Cá: A Detailed Recipe Guide

Ingredients

500 grams of white fish fillets, cut into 2-inch pieces
1 tablespoon of turmeric powder
2 tablespoons of fish sauce
2 tablespoons of sugar
4 cloves of garlic, minced
2 tablespoons of fresh ginger, minced
4 tablespoons of vegetable oil
1 bunch of dill, roughly chopped
1 bunch of green onions, sliced into thin rings
2 red chili peppers, sliced
1 cup of roasted peanuts, crushed
500 grams of rice noodles, cooked and drained
1 bowl of pickled vegetables

Steps and instructions

First, marinate the fish pieces with turmeric powder, fish sauce, sugar, minced garlic, and ginger. Let it sit for at least 1 hour to absorb the flavors.
Heat the vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the marinated fish pieces and cook until they turn golden brown on both sides. This should take about 3-4 minutes per side.
Add the chopped dill, sliced green onions, and sliced chili peppers to the pan. Stir well and cook for another 2 minutes until the herbs are slightly wilted.
Place the cooked noodles on a serving plate. Put the cooked fish and herb mixture on top of the noodles.
Sprinkle the crushed roasted peanuts over the fish and noodles. Serve with pickled vegetables on the side.
Enjoy your homemade Vietnamese Chả Cá while it's hot.

Tools for making

Cutting board - To prepare and cut the fish fillets and vegetables.
Knife - For slicing and mincing the garlic, ginger, and chili peppers.
Mixing bowl - To marinate the fish with the spices.
Pan - To cook the fish fillets and herbs.
Spatula - To flip the fish fillets while cooking.
Cooking spoon - To stir the fish and herb mixture in the pan.
Plate - To serve the cooked noodles, fish, and herbs.
Crushing tool - To crush the roasted peanuts.
Serving bowl - To serve the pickled vegetables.

Recipe variations

Use a different type of fish, such as salmon or catfish, instead of white fish.
Experiment with different marinades, such as lemongrass, soy sauce, or lime juice.
Add a tablespoon of sesame oil to the marinade for an extra nutty flavor.
Try coating the fish with a mixture of breadcrumbs and crushed peanuts before frying for added texture.
For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari instead of fish sauce.
Create a vegetarian version by substituting the fish with tofu or tempeh and adjusting the cooking time accordingly.
Add a handful of bean sprouts or sliced cucumber to the dish for a refreshing crunch.
Incorporate other herbs such as mint or cilantro to enhance the flavor profile.

Recipe overview

This is a recipe for Chả Cá, a traditional Vietnamese dish known for its vibrant flavors and unique textures. Originating from the streets of Hanoi, Chả Cá features beautifully marinated white fish fillets cooked with turmeric, ginger, and garlic, then served over a bed of rice noodles and garnished with a generous amount of fresh herbs, chili peppers, and crushed roasted peanuts. This dish is not only visually appealing but also a perfect blend of spicy, tangy, sweet, and savory notes. It is usually enjoyed hot, with a side of pickled vegetables for that extra crunch and tanginess. This recipe is straightforward to follow, and the resulting dish is sure to impress your family and friends with its authentic Vietnamese flavors. Dive in and enjoy the culinary journey to Vietnam with this delightful Chả Cá recipe!

Common questions

Can I use a different type of fish for this recipe? - Yes, you can use different types of white fish fillets such as cod, haddock, or tilapia.
How long should I marinate the fish? - It is recommended to marinate the fish for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to penetrate.
Can I use dried dill instead of fresh dill? - Fresh dill is preferred for this recipe as it adds a distinct flavor. However, if you don't have fresh dill, you can use dried dill in a smaller amount.
Do I have to use rice noodles? - Rice noodles are traditional for Chả Cá, but if you prefer, you can use other types of noodles like vermicelli or egg noodles.
What can I substitute for peanuts? - If you have a peanut allergy or prefer not to use peanuts, you can substitute them with crushed cashews or almonds for a similar crunch.
Can I make the pickled vegetables at home? - Yes, you can make pickled vegetables at home using carrots, daikon radish, vinegar, sugar, and salt. There are many recipes available online for homemade pickled vegetables.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe? - Yes, you can make a vegetarian version by substituting the fish with firm tofu. Marinate the tofu the same way and cook it until golden brown before proceeding with the rest of the recipe.

Serving dishes and utensils

Cutting board - Used for preparing and cutting the ingredients.
Knife - Essential for chopping and slicing the fish, garlic, ginger, and herbs.
Mixing bowl - Needed for marinating the fish fillets.
Frying pan - Used to cook the fish fillets and herbs.
Spatula - Helps in flipping and stirring the fish and herbs while cooking.
Serving plate - Used to present the final dish with cooked noodles and fish.
Crushing tool - Needed to crush the roasted peanuts.
Serving utensils - Such as tongs or forks, for serving the dish onto individual plates.

Origin stories

Chả Cá, a famous dish from Hanoi, Vietnam, holds a place not only in the hearts of the locals but has also charmed the palates of foreigners visiting the city. The name of the dish is actually the name of the street in Hanoi Old Quarter where it originated. Chả Cá Street, formerly Hang Son, has been known for serving this dish for over a hundred years. The reputation of this dish extends far beyond the borders of Vietnam. In fact, in 2003, Chả Cá was one of the Vietnamese dishes listed as a "must-try" in an article in The New York Times, written by world-renowned food critic R.W. Apple Jr. Today, Chả Cá is not just a dish, it's a symbol of tradition, culture, and the culinary art of Hanoi. It's an experience of savoring the traditional flavor of Vietnamese cuisine.

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.