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Canh Chua Recipe recipe photo - Canh Chua Recipe by Jan

Canh Chua Recipe

Published: April 22, 2025 Prep Time: About 20 minutes Cook Time: About 25 minutes Total Time: About 45 minutes Serves: 6 Difficulty: Medium Category: Soup Cuisine: Vietnamese

Ingredients

  • 1 pound catfish fillets, cut into chunks
  • 6 cups water
  • 2 tablespoons tamarind paste
  • 2 tablespoons fish sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 tomato, cut into wedges
  • 1 cup pineapple chunks
  • 1 cup okra, cut into pieces
  • 1 cup bean sprouts
  • 2 green onions, cut into 2-inch pieces
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro
  • 2 red chilies, sliced
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Instructions

  1. In a large pot, heat oil and sauté garlic until fragrant
  2. Add water and bring to a boil
  3. Add tamarind paste, fish sauce, and sugar
  4. Add catfish and simmer for 10 minutes
  5. Add tomato, pineapple, and okra
  6. Simmer for 10 minutes until vegetables are tender
  7. Add bean sprouts and green onions
  8. Cook for 2 minutes
  9. Garnish with cilantro and chilies
  10. Serve hot with steamed rice

Special Notes

This Vietnamese sour soup is a perfect balance of sweet, sour, and savory flavors. The tamarind paste provides the characteristic tanginess while the pineapple adds sweetness. The okra and bean sprouts add texture and freshness. This soup is traditionally served with steamed rice and is perfect for hot weather. The combination of flavors is refreshing and light, making it a popular choice in Vietnamese cuisine.

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