Authentic Vietnamese Mắm Cá Thuần Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 kilogram of fresh tunas
  • 500 grams of salt
  • 200 grams of sugar
  • 300 grams of chili
  • 100 grams of garlic
  • 300 grams of lemon or kumquat juice

Steps and instructions

  1. Clean the fresh tunas carefully, remove the intestines, gills and eyes, but keep the fish bones and skin.
  2. Marinate the fish with salt and sugar, then let it sit for overnight.
  3. The next day, wash the fish with warm water and drain it completely.
  4. Grind the chili and garlic together in a food processor until they become a smooth paste.
  5. Combine the paste with lemon or kumquat juice.
  6. Put the fish into a jar, then pour the chili-garlic-juice mixture over the fish.
  7. Make sure the fish is completely covered with the mixture.
  8. Seal the jar tightly and let it sit at room temperature for about a week.
  9. After a week, the Mắm cá thuần is ready to eat. It should be consumed within a month for the best taste.

Tools for making

  • Cutting board - Used for preparing and cutting the fresh tunas.
  • Knife - Essential for cleaning the fish and cutting it into desired pieces.
  • Food processor - Used to grind the chili and garlic into a smooth paste.
  • Jar - Used for fermenting and storing the Mắm cá thuần.

Recipe variations

  • Use different types of fish such as mackerel or sardines instead of tunas.
  • Add additional spices or herbs like lemongrass, ginger, or galangal for extra flavor.
  • Vary the amount of chili to adjust the spiciness level according to your preference.
  • Experiment with different citrus fruits like lime or grapefruit juice instead of lemon or kumquat.
  • Add thinly sliced onions or shallots for added texture and flavor.
  • Incorporate fish sauce or shrimp paste to enhance the umami taste.
  • Include diced pineapple or mango for a touch of sweetness.
  • For a vegetarian option, substitute the fish with tofu or tempeh.

Recipe overview

Mắm cá thuần is a delicious and traditional Vietnamese dish known for its unique blend of flavors. It is made by fermenting fresh tuna with a mixture of chili, garlic, and citrus juice, resulting in a tangy and spicy dish that's truly unforgettable. This dish requires a bit of time and patience, as the tuna needs to ferment for about a week, but the end result is well worth the wait. Expect a taste explosion with every bite of Mắm cá thuần and enjoy it with rice or bread. It's not only a staple in Vietnamese cuisine, but also a culinary experience to remember.

Common questions

  1. How long does it take to marinate the fish? The fish should be marinated overnight.
  2. How long should I let the fish sit at room temperature? The fish should sit at room temperature for about a week.
  3. Can I use other types of fish instead of tunas? While tunas are traditionally used for Mắm cá thuần, you can experiment with other types of fish if desired.
  4. Can I adjust the amount of chili and garlic? Yes, you can adjust the amount of chili and garlic according to your taste preferences.
  5. How should I store the Mắm cá thuần? Once it is ready, you can store the Mắm cá thuần in the refrigerator to prolong its shelf life.
  6. How long can I keep the Mắm cá thuần? It is best to consume the Mắm cá thuần within a month for the best taste.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Knife - Used for cleaning and preparing the fish.
  • Food processor - Helps to grind the chili and garlic into a smooth paste.
  • Jar - Used to store and ferment the Mắm cá thuần.
  • Sealing lid - Ensures that the jar is tightly sealed during the fermentation process.

Origin stories

Mắm cá thuần hails from the coastal regions of Vietnam, where fishing is a primary livelihood. This traditional dish is a testament to the resourcefulness of the Vietnamese people, as it utilizes every part of the fish, leaving nothing to waste. Crafted through a unique fermentation process, the flavors of this dish are notably deep, complex and incredibly distinctive. Each family often has their distinct recipe passed down through generations, with variations in the spice levels and fermentation time. In Vietnamese culture, it's often shared as a precious gift, embodying the warmth and generosity of this vibrant community.

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.