Teresa's Recipes
Bun Ca - Vietnamese Fish Noodle Soup
Bun Ca is a delightful Vietnamese fish noodle soup that tantalizes your taste buds with its aromatic fish broth, tender fish fillets, and a medley of fresh herbs. This dish is not just a meal; it's a vibrant experience that embodies the essence of Vietnamese cuisine, where every bowl is a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. The lightness of the rice noodles paired with the richness of the broth creates a comforting dish perfect for any occasion. Traditionally enjoyed in the bustling streets of Vietnam, Bun Ca is a beloved dish that showcases the country's culinary heritage.
Ingredients
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- 2 tablespoons Vegetable oil
- 2, chopped Scallions
- 1, sliced Onion
- 1 inch, sliced Ginger
- 4 cloves, minced Garlic
- 1 tablespoon Sugar
- 3 tablespoons Fish sauce
- 1, juiced Lime
- 1 cup (cilantro, mint, Thai basil), chopped Fresh herbs
- 1 cup Bean sprouts
- 8 ounces Rice noodles
- 1 cup, peeled and deveined Shrimp
- 2 cups (from white fish) Fish bones
- 1 pound (white fish such as cod or tilapia) Fish fillets
Dietary Notes
- Servings: 4
- Dish Type: Soup
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Calories: 380
- Fat: 12g
- Carbs: 45g
- Protein: 25g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Sugar: 2g
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic, sliced ginger, and onion. Sauté until fragrant and the onion becomes translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add the fish bones to the pot and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to enhance the flavor.
- Pour in enough water to cover the fish bones. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 30 minutes to create a rich fish broth.
- Once the broth is ready, strain it through a fine mesh sieve to remove the bones and solids. Return the clear broth to the pot.
- Season the fish broth with fish sauce, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
- Add the fish fillets and shrimp to the broth. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and the shrimp turns pink and opaque.
- While the fish and shrimp are cooking, prepare the rice noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Divide the cooked rice noodles among serving bowls.
- Ladle the hot fish broth, along with the fish fillets and shrimp, over the noodles.
- Garnish each bowl with bean sprouts, fresh herbs, chopped scallions, and lime wedges on the side.
- Serve immediately and enjoy the comforting warmth of Bun Ca!
Tips
- For a spicier kick, add sliced chili peppers to the broth while cooking.
- You can substitute the shrimp with other seafood like squid or scallops for variation.
- Feel free to add vegetables such as bok choy or spinach for added nutrition.