Delicious and Authentic Sour Fish Soup with Kapok Flowers

Sour fish soup with kapok flowers is a rustic dish yet full of flavor, highly favored in Vietnamese family meals. Not only is it easy to prepare, but it also brings a refreshing and cooling sensation. Let’s explore how to make this dish with the detailed recipe below.

Ingredients Needed

To cook sour fish soup with kapok flowers, you will need the following ingredients:

• Catfish: 500 grams (choose fresh fish for a tastier dish)
• Kapok flowers: 200 grams (washed and drained)
• Tomatoes: 2-3 (cut into wedges)
• Okra: 100 grams (cut into bite-sized pieces)
• Bean sprouts: 100 grams
• Tamarind: a small piece (soaked to extract the juice)
• Green onions, rice paddy herb, cilantro (finely chopped)
• Seasonings: salt, sugar, seasoning powder, fish sauce, cooking oil

Steps to Follow

Step 1: Preparing the Ingredients

• Catfish: Clean the fish and cut it into bite-sized pieces. Marinate the fish with a bit of salt, seasoning powder, and fish sauce for about 15 minutes to absorb the flavors.
• Kapok flowers: Remove the tough stems, wash thoroughly, and drain.
• Vegetables: Wash the tomatoes, okra, bean sprouts, and herbs. Finely chop the green onions, rice paddy herb, and cilantro for garnishing and enhancing the flavor of the dish.

Step 2: Making the Broth

• Heat some cooking oil in a pot, then sauté minced garlic until fragrant.
• Add the tomatoes and sauté briefly to enhance the color and flavor.
• Pour in about 1.5 liters of water and bring to a boil. Once boiling, add the soaked tamarind, stirring well to extract the sour juice.

Step 3: Cooking the Sour Soup

• When the broth returns to a boil, gently add the catfish. Cook over medium heat to ensure the fish cooks evenly and does not break apart.
• Add the okra, bean sprouts, and kapok flowers to the pot. Season to taste with salt, sugar, seasoning powder, and fish sauce.
• Simmer for an additional 3-5 minutes, then turn off the heat. Sprinkle green onions, rice paddy herb, and cilantro on top to make the dish more appealing.

Tips for a Better Sour Fish Soup

• Choosing fresh catfish will help the soup have a natural sweetness and firmer meat.
• Avoid overcooking to preserve the crunchiness of the kapok flowers and other vegetables.
• Adjust the sourness by adding or reducing the tamarind juice according to your taste.

Conclusion

Sour fish soup with kapok flowers is a simple yet nutritious and flavorful dish. With the detailed recipe above, you can easily make this dish at home to treat your family. Give it a try and share your results with others!

If you enjoy other sour soups, don’t forget to explore more delicious recipes on the “Sổ Tay Món Ăn” website. Wishing you success!