Ingredients for Delicious Fish Soup
– 500g fresh fish steaks
– 1 tomato
– 1-2 bitter melons (or substitutes such as star fruit or unripe mango)
– 3-5 tablespoons of fermented rice paste (mẻ)
– Half a pineapple. You can also add bean sprouts, okra, or other vegetables of your choice. Bitter melon is commonly used in Phu Tho province to add a tangy flavor to sour soups.
– Aromatic herbs: scallions, rice paddy herb, and dill
– Turmeric, chili, salt, seasoning powder, MSG, and fish sauce
How to Cook Delicious, Odor-Free Fish Soup
Rinse the fish and pat it dry.
Cut the turmeric into thin strips. Chop the tomato into wedges and slice the pineapple thinly.
Marinate the fish with a little turmeric, seasoning powder, fish sauce, and shallots (add some chili if you like it spicy).
Roast the bitter melon until the skin turns slightly yellow. Peel, rinse, and set aside for the soup. Bitter melon is the key ingredient for this soup, but avoid choosing yellow ones as they are not sour enough. Go for dark green bitter melons, which have a pleasant sourness that will make your soup delicious.
Some people would sauté the marinated fish with a little fish sauce at this point. For the fermented rice paste, strain it to get the liquid, and pour it into a pot. Bring it to a boil before adding the tomato and pineapple. You’ll get a fragrant, mildly sour broth from this mixture.
Now, gently place the fish steaks into the broth one by one. The secret to odor-free fish soup lies in the turmeric, fermented rice paste, and this particular step. Instead of dumping all the fish in at once, add them one by one, waiting for the broth to boil again after each addition. This ensures that your soup remains fresh and free from any fishy smell.
If you have a thermal cooker, transfer the soup to it after boiling for about 10 minutes on the stove. Only take it out when you’re ready to eat, and your fish will be perfectly tender and warm. If you don’t have a thermal cooker, simply simmer the soup for 15-20 minutes until the fish is cooked. Adjust the seasoning with salt, seasoning powder, and fish sauce to taste, then add the chopped herbs.
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with sliced chili, rice paddy herb, and dill. The soup will be visually appealing with the vibrant colors of turmeric, tomato, and herbs, and it will smell absolutely delicious without any fishy odor.
Serve the soup with fresh herbs, bean sprouts, and rice paddy herb. For the latter, pick the tender parts and cut them into short lengths.
The Secret to Delicious Fish Soup: How to Ensure Your Fish Is Tender, Flavourful, and Free from Any ‘Fishy’ Taste
With this mouth-watering fish soup recipe, you’ll be able to create a delicious and memorable dish that will leave your taste buds wanting more. The perfect blend of ingredients ensures that the fish is tender and flavorful, without any hint of that unwanted fishy taste. It’s a true culinary delight that will impress both your family and friends.