Traditional Vietnamese Fish Cake Noodle Soup (Bún Chả Cá Việt Nam) Recipe

Ingredients

500 grams of fish fillet
1 tablespoon turmeric powder
1 tablespoon fish sauce
1 tablespoon sugar
2 tablespoons cornflour
1 liter vegetable stock
2 lemon grass stalks, smashed
4 kaffir lime leaves
2 red chili peppers, sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 large onion, chopped
2 tablespoons cooking oil
200 grams rice vermicelli noodles
Fresh herbs like mint, basil, coriander for garnish
1 cup bean sprouts
2 spring onions, chopped
Salt to taste

Steps and instructions

Cut the fish fillet into bite-sized pieces and marinate them with turmeric powder, fish sauce, sugar, and cornflour for about 30 minutes.
Heat the oil in a large pot and sauté the garlic, onion, and half of the sliced chili peppers until the onion becomes translucent.
Add the vegetable stock, lemon grass, and kaffir lime leaves into the pot. Bring the broth to a boil.
Gently drop the marinated fish into the boiling broth. Allow it to cook for about 15-20 minutes or until the fish is cooked thoroughly.
Meanwhile, prepare the vermicelli noodles as per the package instructions and set aside.
When the fish is cooked, season the broth with salt to taste and remove the lemon grass and kaffir lime leaves.
To serve, place a portion of the cooked noodles into a bowl, ladle over the fish and broth. Top with bean sprouts, remaining chili peppers, spring onions, and fresh herbs. Serve hot.

Tools for making

Cutting board - Used for preparing and cutting the ingredients.
Knife - Essential for cutting the fish fillet, chopping the onion, and mincing garlic.
Large pot - Used for cooking the fish broth.
Cooking spoon - Used for stirring and mixing the ingredients in the pot.
Strainer - Used for draining the cooked vermicelli noodles.
Bowls - Used for serving the dish.
Ladle - Used for scooping and serving the fish broth over the noodles.
Tongs - Used for handling the fish fillet while cooking.
Measuring spoons - Used for accurate measurement of ingredients like turmeric powder, fish sauce, and sugar.
Pot holders - Used to handle the hot pot during cooking.

Recipe variations

Use a different type of fish fillet such as salmon, tilapia, or cod.
Replace the fish fillet with shrimp or squid for a seafood twist.
Add grated ginger or lemongrass to the marinade for extra flavor.
Experiment with different spices or seasonings like paprika, cumin, or coriander.
Try using rice flour or all-purpose flour instead of cornflour for the fish marinade.
For a gluten-free option, use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce instead of fish sauce.
Add vegetables like sliced bell peppers, mushrooms, or bok choy to the broth for added texture and flavor.
Create a vegetarian or vegan version by substituting the fish with tofu or tempeh and using vegetable stock instead of fish stock.
Include some sliced pineapple or pineapple juice in the broth for a sweet and tangy taste.
Serve the dish with a side of pickled vegetables or a spicy dipping sauce for extra flavor.

Recipe overview

Bún Chả Cá is a traditional Vietnamese dish that is loved for its flavorful fish-based broth and hearty ingredients. The dish is a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and spicy flavors, making it a delightful meal to enjoy at any time of the day. In this recipe, we will guide you through how to make this classic Vietnamese dish at home. The process involves marinating fish fillets in turmeric and other seasonings, preparing a vibrant, aromatic broth, and serving it all over a bed of rice vermicicelli noodles. Topped off with a sprinkle of fresh herbs and a handful of bean sprouts, this dish is as comforting as it is nutritious. Whether you're new to Vietnamese cuisine or a long-time fan, this Bún Chả Cá recipe is sure to impress.

Common questions

Can I use a different type of fish for this recipe? Absolutely! While the traditional recipe calls for fish fillet, you can use any white fish of your choice.
Can I substitute the vegetable stock with chicken or fish stock? Yes, you can substitute the vegetable stock with chicken or fish stock to enhance the flavor.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe? Yes, you can make a vegetarian version by using tofu or tempeh instead of fish fillet and vegetable stock instead of fish or chicken stock.
Can I make this recipe spicy? Of course! If you prefer a spicier dish, you can add more sliced chili peppers or even include some chili paste or hot sauce to the broth.
Can I make the broth in advance? Yes, you can prepare the broth in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat the broth before adding the fish and serving.
Can I add other vegetables to this dish? Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like bok choy, mushrooms, or bell peppers during the cooking process to add more variety and nutrition to the dish.
Can I use dried rice noodles instead of vermicelli? Yes, you can use dried rice noodles instead of vermicelli. Just make sure to cook them according to the package instructions before serving.

Serving dishes and utensils

Large pot - Used to cook the broth and fish
Knife - To cut the fish fillet and chop onion
Cutting board - To safely cut and prepare ingredients
Mixing bowl - To marinate the fish fillet
Ladle - For serving the fish and broth
Tongs - To handle the fish fillet while cooking
Saucepan - To cook the vermicelli noodles
Strainer - To drain the cooked noodles
Bowls - For serving the dish
Chopsticks or forks - Utensils for eating

Origin stories

Bún Chả Cá, a beloved dish from Vietnam, tells the story of the country's rich culinary and cultural tapestry. Born in the bustling city of Da Nang, known for its beautiful coastlines and mighty rivers, this delicate fish noodle soup reflects the city's geographical bounty. The recipe's star ingredient, fish, pays homage to Da Nang's vibrant fishing industry. The locals believe in utilizing every part of their catch, wasting nothing, and this ethos is encapsulated in Bún Chả Cá, where even the fish bones are used to add depth and richness to the broth. Though the dish is a staple in Da Nang, it has made its way to all corners of Vietnam, with each region adding its unique twist, thus making Bún Chả Cá not just a dish, but a testament to Vietnam's diverse regional identities.

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.