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Banh Canh Cua

A rich Vietnamese noodle soup featuring thick tapioca noodles and tender crab in a savory broth.

75 minMediumServes 4480 cal/serving

VietnameseSoupStovetopStandardHigh ProteinDairy-FreeNut-FreeAlcohol-FreeNightshade-FreeCorn-Free

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs pork neck bones, rinsed
  • 10 cups water
  • 2 tbsp annatto oil
  • 1/4 cup shallots, minced
  • 1 lb lump crab meat, drained
  • 3 tbsp fish sauce
  • 1/4 cup tapioca starch
  • 16 oz banh canh noodles
  • 4 scallions, thinly sliced

Instructions

  1. 1

    In a large stockpot, simmer 2 lbs rinsed pork neck bones in 10 cups water for 45 minutes until tender and meat reaches 145 F, skimming any foam from the surface.

  2. 2

    Heat 2 tbsp annatto oil in a skillet over medium heat, add 1/4 cup minced shallots, and sauté for 2 minutes until fragrant.

  3. 3

    Add 1 lb drained lump crab meat and 3 tbsp fish sauce to the skillet, stirring gently for 2 minutes, then transfer into the broth pot.

  4. 4

    Mix 1/4 cup tapioca starch with equal parts cold water to form a slurry, then stir it into the broth to thicken.

  5. 5

    Add 16 oz banh canh noodles to the broth and cook for 3 minutes until translucent and tender.

  6. 6

    Ladle soup into bowls and garnish with 4 thinly sliced scallions before serving.

Questions

Can I make Banh Canh Cua gluten-free?

Yes. The gluten in this entry is 16 oz banh canh noodles. Swap the pasta for a gluten-free one, cooked a minute short of its package time. Everything else proceeds as written.

How long does Banh Canh Cua keep?

Refrigerate it up to four days, or freeze it in portions for up to three months. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or stock to loosen it.

Can I halve or double Banh Canh Cua?

Yes. As written it serves 4. Every ingredient in this entry carries precomputed half and double quantities, and the app's batch dial rewrites them inside each step. When doubling on the stovetop, use your widest pan or work in two batches so the food sears instead of steaming.

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