Cá chạch is a small freshwater fish, also known as “chạnh”. Although it is not commonly seen on people’s daily dining tables, chạnh is very good for human health. The saying “turtle in the sky, chạch on the ground” praises the taste and quality of chạch’s meat, while the title “ginseng in water” affirms its nutritional value.
Benefits of chạch
In traditional medicine, chạch is also called nê thu or thu ngư. This fish has a sweet taste, neutral property, and the effects of tonifying the middle burner, resolving dampness, relieving thirst, and sobering up. It is used to treat thirst (diabetes), impotence, viral hepatitis, hemorrhoids, and itching.
Chạch has yellow, brown, or black color. The back is darker than the belly, and there are many spots on the body, each spot formed by numerous small dots. There is a large black spot at the base of the caudal fin, and there are many black stripes on the fins. In the southern region, there is another type of chạch called “chạch lấu” – it is also a type of chạch but much larger in size. It is delicious when grilled, fried, or used in hotpot.
Chạch contains 9.6% protein with essential amino acids that cannot be substituted, 3.7 lipids (fats), 28 mg of calcium, 72 mg of phosphorus, 0.9 mg of iron, and various vitamins such as vitamin A, B1, B2… Chạch can be used to make many delicious and nutritious dishes, especially tonics. Furthermore, chạch also has medicinal properties.
Delicious dishes made from chạch
Cá chạch kho tộ is a delicacy loved by culinary enthusiasts. But an even more unique dish is chạch cooked with ginger leaves. Clean the fish, wash it, and put it in boiling water. When the fish is cooked, add finely chopped young ginger leaves. Another delicious dish is chạch stewed in turmeric. These dishes not only make the meal fragrant and flavorful, but they also have a better protective effect on the stomach, thanks to turmeric.
In the same family as chạch but larger in size, there is “chạch lấu” (Mastacembelus armatus). Chạch lấu can be used to make various delicious dishes, but the most unique one is grilled chạch. Remove the fish’s guts, wash it, and place it on a charcoal fire, turning it evenly until it is cooked.
Another grilling method is to place the fish on hot charcoal to remove excess water, then bury it in hot ashes until it is cooked. Both methods are eaten with salted shredded ớt sừng trâu (a type of chili). It is worth noting that when grilling, the fish should not be cut into pieces, even if it is large, as it will lose its distinctive flavor. However, there is still a more attractive grilling method. Choose a live chạch, scrape off the slime on the skin, make a slit down the middle, and stuff the fish into a melon. Secure the melon tightly with wire so that it does not crack during grilling.
Use fresh bamboo shoots to secure the melon at both ends, place it on a hot charcoal fire, let the sweet melon juice seep into the fish. Use chopsticks or tongs to pick up a piece of tender white fish meat, wrap it with fresh herbs, cucumber, and green and red hot peppers in a rice paper, then dip it into a bowl of fish sauce mixed with msg, and eat it with the hot peppers. This dish will make your taste buds ecstatic!
For cooking chạch stewed with giang leaves, cut the fish into pieces, fry them until golden, then add water to cook.
Note: Chạch should not be bought when it is dead. There are many parasites and fungi in the environment where chạch lives. And more than 1 hour after death, a large amount of protein in chạch creates a perfect environment for a large number of fungi to quickly grow, which is not suitable for food to avoid fungal and parasitic infections.
Try Wormwood to Achieve Clear, Glowing Skin Faster
Discover the incredible skincare potential of wormwood! It can do wonders for your skin including whitening, brightening, and giving a soothing softness. Offering these beneficial effects, this natural product is simple to obtain and use. Experience the power of wormwood now!
Unveiling the Meaning, Planting and Maintenance of the “d?ng d?nh” Tree
If you’re interested in learning more about the “d?ng d?nh” tree, its symbolic significance, and how to nurture and care for it, this article is for you. Keep reading to acquire knowledge about this captivating tree.
Try Hà Th? Ông Nh?ng Hair Care Oil to Avoid Premature Gray Hair Taking Over
Polygonum multiflorum, more commonly known as fleeceflower root, has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries to promote health and aid in hair growth. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the uses and benefits of this powerful medicinal herb.
Foraged Custard Apples – A Wild Specialty From the Forest Region Now Much Sought After
Have you ever heard of wild persimmon? This unique fruit that is native to the Northwest region offers an abundance of health benefits. Learn more about this special treat and why it’s so popular.
Why is Chicken Often Served with Lemon Leaves?
Why should you eat chicken with lemon leaves? Combining it with lemon leaves not only enhances the flavor of the chicken but also brings about health benefits that few people know about.
