Delicious and Authentic Bún Chả Cá Bớp Recipe: Vietnamese Fish Cake Noodles Soup

Ingredients

  • 500g of snakehead fish
  • 1 tablespoon of turmeric powder
  • 1 tablespoon of fish sauce
  • 2 tablespoon of sugar
  • 1 tablespoon of salt
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 red chilli, finely chopped
  • 6 kaffir lime leaves
  • 2 stalks of lemongrass, finely chopped
  • 1 litre of water
  • 200g of rice vermicelli noodles
  • 2 spring onions, chopped
  • 1 handful of fresh mint leaves
  • 1 handful of fresh coriander leaves
  • 1 lime, cut into wedges
  • 1 handful of bean sprouts

Steps and instructions

  1. Clean the snakehead fish thoroughly and cut into medium-sized pieces.
  2. Marinate the fish with turmeric powder, fish sauce, sugar, salt, minced garlic, chopped chilli, kaffir lime leaves and chopped lemongrass. Let it sit for 15-20 minutes.
  3. Boil the water in a large pot. Once it begins to boil, add the marinated fish and cook on medium heat for about 15-20 minutes.
  4. While the fish is cooking, soak the rice vermicelli noodles in warm water for about 10 minutes until they soften. Drain them and set aside.
  5. Once the fish is cooked, remove the fish pieces from the broth and set aside. Keep the broth simmering on low heat.
  6. Add the softened rice vermicelli noodles, chopped spring onions, fresh mint leaves, fresh coriander leaves and bean sprouts to the simmering broth. Let it simmer for another 5-10 minutes.
  7. Place the cooked fish pieces in serving bowls, then ladle the broth and noodles over the fish. Serve hot with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the soup before eating.

Tools for making

  • Cutting board - Used for preparing and cutting the fish and other ingredients.
  • Knife - Essential for cutting the fish, chopping herbs, and other preparation tasks.
  • Mixing bowl - Used to marinate the fish with the spices and seasonings.
  • Large pot - Used to boil the water and cook the fish.
  • Strainer - Used to drain the soaked rice vermicelli noodles.
  • Serving bowls - Used to serve the final dish.
  • Ladle - Used to transfer the broth and noodles into the serving bowls.

Recipe variations

  • Use a different type of fish such as catfish or tilapia instead of snakehead fish.
  • Experiment with different spices and herbs like ginger, lemongrass, or Thai basil for added flavor.
  • Add vegetables such as sliced bell peppers, carrots, or bok choy to the broth for a more wholesome soup.
  • For a vegetarian or vegan option, replace the fish with tofu or mushrooms and use vegetable broth instead.
  • Try adding a squeeze of lemon or a dash of soy sauce for an extra tangy or savory taste.
  • Serve the dish with additional condiments like chili oil, fish sauce dipping sauce, or pickled vegetables for added texture and flavor.

Recipe overview

Bún Chả Cá Bớp is a traditional Vietnamese dish that is a feast for the senses. With its vibrant mix of colors, textures, and flavors, this recipe is sure to be a hit at your dinner table. The star of the dish is snakehead fish, which is marinated in a flavorful blend of spices and herbs, then cooked in a rich broth until tender. This is served over rice vermicelli noodles and a medley of fresh herbs and vegetables, making for a fulfilling and satisfying meal. The dish is finished with a squeeze of fresh lime, adding a tangy zest that brings all the flavors together. Expect a delightful balance of spicy, sweet, sour, and savory notes in this delightful soup. So, get your pots and pans ready as we dive into the process of making Bún Chả Cá Bớp.

Common questions

  1. Can I use a different type of fish for this recipe?
    Yes, you can use other types of fish such as catfish or tilapia as a substitute for snakehead fish.
  2. Can I use dried rice vermicelli noodles instead of fresh?
    Yes, you can use dried rice vermicelli noodles. Follow the package instructions for cooking time.
  3. Can I use ground turmeric instead of turmeric powder?
    Yes, you can use ground turmeric as a substitute for turmeric powder. Use the same amount of ground turmeric as specified in the recipe.
  4. Can I omit the chilli for a milder flavor?
    Yes, you can omit the chilli if you prefer a milder flavor. Alternatively, you can reduce the amount of chilli according to your preference.
  5. How long can I store the leftovers?
    You can store the leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat before consuming.
  6. Can I add additional vegetables to the soup?
    Yes, you can add vegetables such as sliced mushrooms or bok choy to the broth if desired.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Large pot - Needed for boiling the fish and preparing the broth.
  • Knife and cutting board - To clean and cut the snakehead fish into pieces.
  • Measuring spoons - Required for accurately measuring the turmeric powder, fish sauce, sugar, and salt.
  • Garlic mincer - To finely mince the cloves of garlic.
  • Chopping board - Needed for chopping the red chilli, kaffir lime leaves, and lemongrass.
  • Soup ladle - Essential for serving the soup and broth.
  • Strainer - To drain the softened rice vermicelli noodles.
  • Serving bowls - Used for serving the cooked fish and broth with noodles.
  • Serving spoons - Required for serving the soup and noodles.

Origin stories

Bún Chả Cá Bớp, a delectable dish from Vietnam's vast culinary repertoire, carries the traditions and flavors of the central region, notably the vibrant city of Da Nang. This city, known for its coastal charm and fishing culture, offers a bounty of seafood, and snakehead fish is a local favorite. As a result, Bún Chả Cá Bớp emerged as a comforting bowl of soup celebrating the city's maritime bounty. It's a culinary symbol of the city, and to this day, you can see locals and tourists alike huddling around street food stalls, savoring their hot, aromatic bowls of Bún Chả Cá Bớp. As the saying goes in Da Nang, if you haven't tasted Bún Chả Cá Bớp, you haven't truly experienced the 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.