Ingredients for a Delicious Fish Soup
Fresh fish (carp, rohu, snakehead, or pink mullet): 500g
Tomatoes: 2
Pineapple: 1/4
Scallions and Dill: 50g
Ginger: 1 small knob
Shallots: 2
Seasonings: Salt, Pepper, Fish Sauce, Sugar, MSG (optional)
Cooking Oil: 2 tablespoons
Water: 1 liter
A Step-by-Step Guide to Making Tasty, Odor-Free Fish Soup
Step 1: Prepare the Fish
Start by cleaning the fish: remove its scales, guts, and fins. Rinse it thoroughly with diluted salt water or rub with crushed ginger to neutralize any fishy odor.
Cut the fish into bite-sized pieces (around 2-3cm). Marinate the fish with 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of pepper, and 1 teaspoon of fish sauce for about 15 minutes.
Step 2: Gather and Prepare Other Ingredients
Rinse the tomatoes and cut them into wedges.
Peel and thinly slice the pineapple, removing its eyes.
Peel and slice the ginger.
Wash the scallions and dill, then cut them into 3cm lengths.
Peel and mince the shallots.
Step 3: Cooking the Soup
Heat 2 tablespoons of cooking oil in a pot. Fry the shallots and ginger until fragrant.
Add the tomatoes and briefly stir-fry until softened. Toss in the pineapple to impart a natural sweet-and-sour flavor.
Pour in 1 liter of water and bring it to a boil. Gently place the marinated fish into the pot.
Season with 1 tablespoon of fish sauce, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon of MSG (if using). Adjust the seasoning to your taste.
Simmer the soup over low heat for about 10-15 minutes to allow the fish to cook through and absorb the flavors. Be careful not to overcook the fish to prevent it from falling apart.
Step 4: Final Touches and Serving
When the fish is cooked, add the scallions and dill, giving it a gentle stir. Turn off the heat.
Ladle the soup into bowls and sprinkle with a pinch of pepper for an extra kick. Serve hot with steamed rice or rice vermicelli.
Tips for a Tastier, Odor-Free Fish Soup
- Rinse the fish with salt water, vinegar, or rub with ginger to eliminate any fishy smell.
- Use ginger, pineapple, and tomatoes to mask any remaining fishy odor and enhance the soup’s flavor.
- Cook without a lid to allow the fishy odor to dissipate.
- Select fresh fish with clear eyes and red gills to ensure the best quality.
Bon appétit! Enjoy your delicious and flavorful fish soup.
