Bright, tangy, and brimming with vibrant ingredients, Canh Chua Ca, or Vietnamese Hot and Sour Fish Soup, is a delightful balance of flavors and textures. This comforting soup features tender white fish fillets simmered with juicy pineapple, tart tamarind, and fresh vegetables like tomatoes, okra, and bean sprouts, creating a harmonious blend of sweet, sour, and savory notes. Aromatic herbs like cilantro, Thai basil, and green onion beautifully enhance its fragrant broth, while an optional touch of birdβs eye chili adds a kick of spice. Perfect as a light main dish, this heartwarming soup pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, making it a versatile recipe thatβs equal parts healthy and satisfying. Ideal for lovers of Southeast Asian cuisine, this quick and easy soup comes together in just 35 minutes, making it a go-to meal for weeknight dinners!
Prepare the tamarind pulp by soaking it in 1/2 cup of hot water for 5 minutes. Mash the tamarind with a spoon, then strain to extract the juice. Discard the solids and set the tamarind juice aside.
Heat the cooking oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sautΓ© until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Pour in the water and bring it to a gentle boil.
Add the tamarind juice, fish sauce, sugar, and salt to the boiling water. Stir well to combine.
Carefully place the fish fillets into the pot. Lower the heat to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes.
Add the pineapple, sliced tomatoes, and okra to the soup. Simmer for an additional 7-8 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
If using, add the taro stem and bird's eye chili to the pot. Simmer for another 2 minutes.
Turn off the heat and gently stir in the bean sprouts.
Garnish the soup with chopped cilantro, Thai basil leaves, and sliced green onions before serving.
Carefully ladle the soup into bowls, making sure to include portions of fish, pineapple, vegetables, and broth in each serving. Enjoy your hot and sour soup with steamed rice or as a standalone dish!
Calories |
845 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 23.6 g | 30% | |
| Saturated Fat | 4.1 g | 20% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 200 mg | 67% | |
| Sodium | 6459 mg | 281% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 78.7 g | 29% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 14.4 g | 51% | |
| Total Sugars | 52.5 g | ||
| Protein | 92.9 g | 186% | |
| Vitamin D | 12.0 mcg | 60% | |
| Calcium | 380 mg | 29% | |
| Iron | 6.3 mg | 35% | |
| Potassium | 3037 mg | 65% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.