Banh canh ca loc rau dang is a flavorful and delicious dish, favored by many. To learn how to cook this mouth-watering dish at home, read on.


Preparation
20 minutes
Cooking
40 minutes
Servings
2 – 3 people

Banh canh ca loc rau dang is a delectable dish with a distinct Mekong Delta flavor. Its allure lies in the harmonious blend of savory broth, chewy rice noodles, and tender, flavorful fish. Join us in the kitchen today as we recreate this special dish!

  • 1 (approximately 800g)
  • 1 handful of rau dang (bitter herb)
  • 2 sets of pork bones
  • 200g rice noodles (banh canh)
  • 1/2 medium onion
  • 1/2 medium carrot
  • , , ginger
  • , fish sauce
  • 50g dried shrimp
  • Fried shallots
  • Common seasonings: , , , , ,…

Ingredients for Banh Canh Ca Loc Rau Dang

Step 1 Prepare the Broth

For a flavorful broth, combine pork bones, dried shrimp, ginger, and grilled onion in a pot with 2.5 liters of water. Remember to skim off any foam that forms on the surface to ensure a clear broth. Meanwhile, garnish and slice the carrot and turnip. After about 20 minutes of cooking the broth, add the carrot and turnip to the pot.

Step 2 Prepare the Fish

When purchasing the fish, ask the seller to clean and scale it, removing any large scales and the blood clot near the fish’s chest. Once you get home, rinse the fish with diluted vinegar or lemon juice.

Cut the fish into chunks and fillet the meat, discarding the bones.

For more tips: 

Step 3 Marinate the Fish

Marinate the fish fillets with 1 tablespoon of fried shallots, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon of MSG. Let the fish absorb the flavors for about 15-20 minutes, then add it to the pot and cook until done. Remove the fish and set it aside.

Step 4 Season the Broth

Enhance the flavor of the broth by adding 1 tablespoon of seasoning powder, 1 teaspoon of MSG, 1 tablespoon of sugar, and 1 teaspoon of salt. For extra aroma, add some chopped green onions and sliced onions to the pot and turn off the heat.

Step 5 Blanch the Noodles

Carefully blanch the rice noodles in the broth until they reach your desired tenderness. Be cautious not to overcook the noodles, as they may become mushy and fall apart.

Blanching the Rice Noodles

Step 6 Final Touches and Serving

Assemble the noodles, fish, carrots, and turnips in a bowl, then ladle the savory broth on top. Sprinkle with chopped ginger, green onions, and black pepper to taste, and don’t forget to add the rau dang for that unique bitter note. Your delicious Banh Canh Ca Loc Rau Dang is now ready to be enjoyed!

Tip

Final Product

Banh canh ca loc rau dang boasts a delicate and savory broth. The fresh and tender ca loc fish blends perfectly with the broth. The highlight of this dish is the rau dang, a bitter herb native to Central Vietnam. The balance of sweet and bitter flavors prevents the dish from becoming cloying.

When selecting ca loc, opt for medium-sized fish, neither too small nor too large. The body should feel firm and not soft or flabby.

Additionally, you can assess the freshness of the fish by examining its anal fin. If the fin is small, the fish is fresh; if it’s large, the fish may be stale or chemically treated.

A good ca loc will have firm flesh during preparation, minimal belly fat, and no unpleasant odor.

It’s advisable to purchase ca loc from trusted sources, such as familiar markets or reputable supermarkets, to ensure both quality and reasonable pricing.

Step 1: Begin by removing the fish scales (unless you plan to keep them for the dish). Then, cut off the fins and tail.

Step 2: Remove all the internal organs and the cloudy membrane inside the belly. Don’t forget to take out the white nerve located along the fish’s ribs.

Step 3: Using a knife or scissors, cut off the gills on both sides and trim the head. If you’re uncomfortable with this process, it’s best to use a knife and work on a dry, non-slip surface to prevent accidents.

Banh Canh Ca Loc Banh Gao

is another tempting variation, featuring chewy rice noodles and tender ca loc fish. It’s definitely worth a try!

Banh Canh Ca Loc Banh Gao

Banh Canh Ca Loc Quang Tri

will tantalize your taste buds with its aromatic blend of lemongrass and pepper. The soft yet chewy noodles and well-seasoned fish make this dish a true delight.

Banh Canh Ca Loc Quang Tri

Creating these mouth-watering dishes is easier than you think. Why not give them a try and surprise your family with these delectable treats? Happy cooking!

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