Authentic Southern Vietnamese Sour Fish Soup Recipe

Sour fish soup with snakehead fish is a signature dish of Southern Vietnamese cuisine, featuring a unique flavor profile that harmoniously blends sour, spicy, sweet, and aromatic notes. Not only is this dish delicious, but it’s also nutritious, making it perfect for family meals. Let’s explore how to make sour fish soup in the Southern Vietnamese style through this article.

Ingredients Needed

To cook Southern Vietnamese sour fish soup, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• Snakehead fish: 500 grams
• Pineapple: 1/4 of a fruit
• Bean sprouts: 100 grams
• Okra: 5-6 pieces
• Tomatoes: 2 fruits
• Tamarind: 50 grams
• Rice paddy herb, cilantro
• Shallots, garlic, chili

Fresh ingredients enhance the rich flavor of the sour fish soup.

Steps to Follow

Step 1: Preparing the Ingredients

• Snakehead fish: Clean the scales, remove the guts, and wash thoroughly with salt or vinegar to remove the fishy smell. Then cut into bite-sized pieces.
• Pineapple: Peel, remove the eyes, and slice thinly.
• Okra: Wash, remove the stems, and slice diagonally.
• Tomatoes: Wash and cut into wedges.
• Rice paddy herb, cilantro: Pick and wash, then chop finely.
• Tamarind: Soak tamarind in hot water, then strain to get the juice.

Step 2: Making the Broth

• Sauté minced shallots and garlic in cooking oil until fragrant.
• Add tomatoes and sauté briefly to enhance the color of the soup.
• Pour water into the pot, bring to a boil, then add pineapple and cook for about 5 minutes to achieve a light natural sourness.

The broth is simmered to achieve a refreshing sour and natural sweetness.

Step 3: Completing the Soup

• Once the broth boils again, gently add the snakehead fish pieces. Avoid stirring vigorously to prevent breaking the fish.
• Add tamarind juice, and season with salt, sugar, and seasoning powder to taste.
• Continue by adding okra and bean sprouts, and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
• Finally, turn off the heat and sprinkle rice paddy herb and cilantro on top.

Tips for a Perfect Sour Fish Soup

• Choose wild-caught snakehead fish for a firmer and more flavorful meat compared to farmed fish.
• Avoid overcooking the fish to preserve its natural sweetness.
• Ensure the broth is boiling before adding the fish to prevent it from becoming fishy.
• Adjust the sourness by varying the amount of tamarind or pineapple according to your taste.

The completed sour fish soup boasts an enticing and rich flavor.

Conclusion

The recipe for Southern Vietnamese sour fish soup is not overly complicated but requires meticulous attention to detail in each step. With its refreshing sweet and sour taste, this dish is sure to satisfy your family. Try this recipe to make a delicious sour fish soup at home and share your experience!

Wishing you success and enjoyable meals with your family!