How to Make Canh Chua – Vietnamese Sour Fish Soup Recipe!

Imagine a soup that’s sour, but not just sour. It’s sweet, savory, and aromatic as well. You take just one sip, and your mouth is flooded with tangy tamarind and the bold richness of fish sauce. This is not just a comfort food; it’s Canh Chua, the most iconic and traditional dish of southern Vietnam.

It is one of the most flavorful and balanced dishes of Vietnam. But wait, aren’t hot and sour soups usually heavy? Have you ever experienced that you taste any kind of broth once and never again because of its over tangy flavor and bold spices? That’s where this sour soup breaks the mold. This dish is a perfect blend of flavours, and it surprises you, not just once, but every time you make it.

In a world full of overly complex Canh Chua recipes, Vietnamese sour soup is a reminder that tradition and simplicity can also give you comfort food. In this article, you will discover authentic Canh Chua ingredients with an easy recipe with its nutritional benefits. So let’s dive into the flavourful world of Vietnamese sour soup.

What is Vietnamese Sour Soup (Canh Chua)?

Vietnamese Sour Soup is one of the most favourite dishes in Southern Vietnamese cuisine. The name itself breaks down the essence of the dish. Canh means spicy, and Chua means sour. But it’s not just a sour soup, it’s a symphony of flavors. It is usually prepared with white-fleshed fish like catfish, tomatoes, pineapple chunks, and tamarind extract.

This famous soup hails from a fertile region named the Mekong Delta. This region is rich in freshwater fish and tropical produce. Locals of this region had taken advantage of the region’s natural bounty to create delicious meals. Over generations, this Vietnamese sour soup has evolved into a dish that reflects both cultural tradition and local geography.

If you are a seafood lover, you can check the most delicious Mexican Cocktail named as “Campechana”

Many people enjoy it as a starter, and some have it as a main course with a side of jasmine rice. If I say this dish feeds your body and soul, it wouldn’t be wrong. Its unique contrast of flavors makes it unforgettable from the very first bite. If you want a genuine and traditional taste of Vietnam, this Vietnamese sweet sour soup is an essential experience.

Protein in Vietnamese Soup

Protein plays a central role in every dish. Regarding Canh Chua, traditionally, fish is the protein of choice. The best fish for canh chua is catfish, but you can also use other options like shrimp, squid, chicken, or tofu. It depends on your dietary preferences and availability.

The most iconic version is Canh Chua Cá, and it is made with freshwater catfish. Vietnamese call it Cá Trê.

In Southern Vietnam, people use catfish heads, fish fillets, and steak cuts for the convenience and more flavourful stock. The catfish heads make the broth richer and deliver that authentic taste of Vietnamese sour soup. If you can’t find catfish or are running out of it, then you can simply use salmon. It is similar in fatty richness, and it holds its shape well in hot broth.

The key is to choose fish that is meaty yet tender, with minimal bones and enough flavor.

For a plant-based variation, you can use tofu, which makes an excellent substitute, especially when fried beforehand and soaked up in the broth.

In short, the protein you use in hot and sour Vietnamese soup shapes the soul of the dish. Whether you go with classic catfish or get creative with tofu or seafood, each version brings its own charm to this beloved Vietnamese sweet sour soup.

Vegetables in Vietnamese Sour Soup

A different mix of vegetables adds color and flavor, making Canh Chua extra special. The fresh ingredients not only add layers of flavour but also bring essential texture and brightness to the soup. Each ingredient plays a unique role in creating the signature and the most delicious sweet-sour Vietnamese soup.

Some Vegetables commonly used in Canh Chua:

You can add tomatoes, if you want to provide natural sweetness and give the broth a beautiful red hue.

Some people also pineapples to bring tropical tanginess and subtle sweetness to balance the sourness.

If you want to add a refreshing crunch and lightness to each spoonful, you can add bean sprouts.

In Southern Vietnam, people love to add okra because it gives a soft and silky texture.

Fresh herbs such as cilantro, rice paddy herb, and Thai basil can also be used for a fragrant finish.

These vegetables are more than just add-ons, because they transform this soup into a balanced and satisfying bowl that delights with every bite.

The Base of Vietnamese Fish Soup Recipe

It has a tangy and fragrant broth, and this is what makes it stand out from other dishes. Its hot and sour base is made by combining tamarind paste or tamarind water with fish sauce. Along with tamarind, the broth includes a few more basic ingredients to balance and round out the flavors, such as:

Palm sugar or brown sugar to add a gentle sweetness and to soften the sourness of tamarind.

Fish sauce adds umami taste, savory taste, and makes the broth richer because it’s fermented liquid made from fish.

Garlic and shallots are also considered the base of Vietnamese sour soup, because they give the broth a fragrant base aroma.

You can also use chilli peppers to add spice, if you enjoy heat.

The final result is a broth that hits all the major flavor notes:

Salty

Sweet

Sour

Spicy (if chilli is added)

This is the reason why people call Canh Chua as most refreshing yet addictive dish. You keep coming back for more because it satisfies all your taste cravings at once.

Canh Chua Ingredients

To make a perfect Canh Chua with irresistible flavors, you just need some basic and specialized ingredients. Here’s a list of Vietnamese sweet and tangy soup ingredients:

1 lb fish fillet (catfish, tilapia, or salmon)

2 cups pineapple (cubed)

2 medium tomatoes (wedged)

1 cup okra (sliced)

2 cups bean sprouts

1 stalk taro stem (optional)

1 small onion (sliced)

3 cloves garlic (minced)

1 tbsp tamarind paste (or 1/4 cup tamarind water)

1 tbsp fish sauce

1 tbsp sugar (adjust to taste)

Salt and pepper to taste

Thai basil and rice paddy herb for garnish

5 cups water or seafood stock

Here’s a snapshot of Vietnamese sour soup ingredients that can make your shopping easier:

Canh Chua Recipe

With the above-mentioned ingredients, you just need to follow an easy Vietnam fish soup recipe to make the most incredible Vietnamese soup.

Let’s take a look at the recipe that only has 6 steps:

Step 1: Prepare The Broth

Take a large pot and bring 5 cups of water or seafood stock to a gentle boil.

Stir in 1 tablespoon tamarind paste (or ¼ cup tamarind water)

1 tablespoon fish sauce

1 tablespoon sugar

Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Then simmer it for 5 to 10 minutes to allow flavors to blend.

Step 2: Fry The Garlic and Onions

Take a separate pan and heat a bit of oil.

Then add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 sliced small onion.

Cook them until they smell good and turn light golden, then add them to the boiling soup.

Step 3: Add Hearty Vegetables

Add 2 cups of pineapple cubes

2 medium wedged tomatoes

1 cup sliced okra to the broth.

Let everything simmer for about 7 to 10 minutes until the vegetables soften.

Step 4: Cook The Fish

Now it’s time to cook the fish. Gently add 1 lb of fish fillet (catfish, tilapia, or salmon)

Then simmer it for 5 to 8 minutes or until the fish is cooked through and tender.

The key point that you should keep in mind is, avoid stirring too much to keep the fish from breaking apart.

Step 5: Add Final Touches

To add the final touches, take 2 cups of bean sprouts

1 stalk of sliced taro stem (if you are using it ) right at the end.

Then simmer it for an additional 2 to 3 minutes to preserve its crispiness.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

The last step you have to do is turn off the heat, and serve hot with steamed jasmine rice.

You can also garnish it with fresh Thai basil and rice paddy herb.

Enjoy it as a standalone soup!

Conclusion

If you’re craving a soup that delivers comfort and soul-soothing satisfaction, Vietnamese sweet and sour soup is your answer. With its hot and sour Vietnamese soup base, refreshing vegetables, and savory fish, it stands as a unique gem in the world of soups. This soup is a must-try because it’s healthy, flavorful, and can be adjusted easily for personal tastes.

So next time you’re meal planning, give your dinner a Vietnamese twist, and let Canh Chua warm your heart.