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Canh Chua

A Vietnamese sour fish soup featuring sweet pineapple, juicy tomatoes, and fresh aromatic herbs in a savory tamarind broth.

35 minMediumServes 4220 cal/serving

VietnameseSoupStovetopPescatarianHigh ProteinLow CarbHalal-friendlyGluten-FreeNut-FreeDairy-FreeEgg-FreeShellfish-FreePork-FreeAlcohol-Free

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Ingredients

  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 2 tbsp garlic, minced
  • 6 cups water
  • 3 tbsp tamarind concentrate
  • 2 tbsp sugar
  • 3 tbsp fish sauce
  • 1 cup pineapple, chopped
  • 2 Roma tomatoes, wedged
  • 1 lb catfish fillets, sliced
  • 1 cup okra, sliced
  • 1 cup taro stem, sliced
  • 1 cup bean sprouts
  • 1/4 cup rice paddy herb, chopped

Instructions

  1. 1

    Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat, add 2 tbsp minced garlic, and saute for 1 minute until fragrant.

  2. 2

    Pour in 6 cups water and stir in 3 tbsp tamarind concentrate, 2 tbsp sugar, and 3 tbsp fish sauce, bringing the liquid to a boil.

  3. 3

    Add 1 cup chopped pineapple and 2 wedged Roma tomatoes, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer for 5 minutes.

  4. 4

    Gently add 1 lb sliced catfish fillets to the pot and simmer for 5 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 145°F.

  5. 5

    Stir in 1 cup sliced okra and 1 cup sliced taro stem, cooking for 2 minutes until tender-crisp.

  6. 6

    Turn off the heat, stir in 1 cup bean sprouts, and garnish with 1/4 cup chopped rice paddy herb before serving.

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Questions

What internal temperature should Canh Chua reach?

For Canh Chua, the target internal temperature is 145 F (about 65 C), given in step 4. A probe thermometer removes the guesswork.

Is there a substitute for tamarind in Canh Chua?

The entry for Canh Chua calls for 3 tbsp tamarind concentrate. In its place: Equal parts lime juice and brown sugar give the same sour-sweet effect. Pomegranate molasses also works where you have it.

Can I use a different white fish instead of the fish in Canh Chua?

Yes. Any firm white fish of similar thickness works: cod, haddock, pollock and halibut are interchangeable here. Timing follows thickness, not species. As written, the entry for Canh Chua uses 1 lb catfish fillets, sliced.

Is Canh Chua keto-friendly?

A serving of Canh Chua carries 18 g of carbohydrate, 3 g of it fiber. Against a strict 20 g keto day that is 90 percent of the budget; against a moderate 100 g low-carb day it is 18 percent.

Does Canh Chua contain fish?

Yes: 3 tbsp fish sauce and 1 lb catfish fillets, sliced. The full allergen list for this entry is fish. Packaged ingredients vary by brand, so check labels if the allergy is serious.

How much protein is in Canh Chua?

One serving (the recipe makes 4) has 26 g of protein in about 220 calories, alongside 18 g carbohydrate and 5 g fat, plus 3 g fiber and 890 mg sodium. The figures are estimates computed from the ingredient list. More like it: the high-protein soup collection.

Serve it with

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