Ingredients for Sour Clams Soup
Fresh clams: 1 kg
Pineapple: 1/2 fruit (approximately 300g)
Tomatoes: 2 fruits
Shallots: 2 bulbs
Vietnamese coriander, scallions: 50g
Seasonings: Salt, sugar, fish sauce, seasoning powder, pepper
Chili (optional, for spice): 1 fruit
Cooking oil: 2 tablespoons

How to Cook Tasty Sour Clams Soup
Step 1: Prepare the ingredients
Clean the clams:
Soak the clams in diluted brine or rice washing water for about 1-2 hours to remove all the sand. Adding a few chili slices can help speed up the process.
Rinse the clams thoroughly under running water and scrub the shells clean.
Prepare the pineapple and tomatoes:
Peel and core the pineapple, then slice it thinly or cut it into bite-sized pieces.
Wash the tomatoes, and cut them into wedges.
Get the herbs and scallions ready:
Pick and wash the Vietnamese coriander and scallions, then chop them finely.
Peel and mince the shallots.
Step 2: Boil the clams
Bring about 1 liter of water to a boil and add the clams.
Once the clams open up, remove them from the pot and separate the meat, reserving the cooking liquid.
Strain the clam cooking liquid through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any sediment, retaining the clear liquid.

Step 3: Make the soup
Sauté the shallots in 2 tablespoons of cooking oil in a pot. Add the tomatoes and a pinch of salt to draw out their flavor and color. Then, add the pineapple and continue cooking for about 2 minutes to release its sweet and sour juices. Pour in the reserved clam cooking liquid and bring it to a boil. If there isn’t enough liquid, feel free to add some filtered water.
Season the soup: Add 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of seasoning powder, 1 tablespoon of fish sauce, and 1/2 teaspoon of sugar. Adjust the seasoning to your taste. Put the clam meat into the pot and simmer for another 2-3 minutes. Finally, add the scallions, Vietnamese coriander, and chili (if using), then turn off the heat.
Step 4: Serve and enjoy
Ladle the soup into bowls and sprinkle with pepper for extra aroma. This soup is best enjoyed hot with steamed rice or rice vermicelli, along with a side of spicy fish sauce for an enhanced flavor experience.
Tips for a Perfect Sour Clams Soup
Choose fresh, live clams (their shells should be tightly closed, and they shouldn’t smell foul).
Avoid overcooking the clams to prevent them from becoming tough.
Good luck, and bon appétit!
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