Cha Ca

Name: Cha Ca
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Vietnamese
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs white fish fillets, cubed; 1 tsp ground turmeric; 2 tbsp fresh galangal, minced; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 2 tbsp fish sauce; 3 tbsp vegetable oil; 2 cups fresh dill, chopped; 6 scallions, sliced

Firm white fish marinated in turmeric and aromatics, pan-fried with fresh dill and scallions.

35 minMediumServes 4280 cal/serving

VietnameseDinnerStovetopPescatarianHigh ProteinLow CarbHalal-friendlyGluten-FreeNut-FreeDairy-FreeEgg-FreeShellfish-FreeSoy-FreePork-FreeAlcohol-FreeNightshade-Free

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Ingredients

1.5 lbs white fish fillets, cubed
1 tsp ground turmeric
2 tbsp fresh galangal, minced
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 tbsp fish sauce
3 tbsp vegetable oil
2 cups fresh dill, chopped
6 scallions, sliced

Instructions

1

In a large bowl, mix 1 tsp ground turmeric, 2 tbsp minced fresh galangal, 4 minced garlic cloves, and 2 tbsp fish sauce.
2

Add 1.5 lbs cubed white fish fillets and toss to coat, then marinate for 20 minutes.
3

Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
4

Add 1.5 lbs cubed white fish fillets and sear for 3 to 4 minutes per side until cooked through and internal temperature reaches 145°F.
5

Toss in 2 cups chopped fresh dill and 6 sliced scallions, cooking for 1 minute until wilted before serving.

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Questions

How long does Cha Ca take?

As written, 35 minutes: 25 of prep and 10 of cooking. The longest single stretch is the hands-off wait in step 2, 20 minutes.

What internal temperature should Cha Ca reach?

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

How long should Cha Ca marinate?

Step 2 reads: "Add 1.5 lbs cubed white fish fillets and toss to coat, then marinate for 20 minutes." Follow the time in step 2. Shorter still seasons the surface. Much longer is not better with acidic marinades, which turn the outside of meat or fish mushy.

What can I use instead of galangal in Cha Ca?

The entry for Cha Ca calls for 2 tbsp fresh galangal, minced. In its place: Fresh ginger with a little lime zest is the workable substitute. Galangal is more piney and peppery, so the result reads slightly different.

Does Cha Ca contain fish?

Yes: 2 tbsp fish sauce. The full allergen list for this entry is fish. Packaged ingredients vary by brand, so check labels if the allergy is serious.

Serve it with

Com Trang side
Pork Rind Salad salad
Mo Hanh sauce
Salt Coffee drink

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