Canh cà chua trứng is a delicious and nutritious Vietnamese dish, but it can sometimes turn out smelling and tasting fishy if not prepared correctly. Here’s an improved recipe to ensure your canh is not only tasty but also fragrant and aesthetically pleasing:
Ingredients:
– Tomatoes
– Eggs
– Starch
– Salt
– Cooking oil
– Scallions/Spring onions – Tomato paste – Dried shallots
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Wash the tomatoes and cut them into bite-sized pieces. If you don’t like the tomato skin, you can blanch them quickly in hot water and then peel them.

In a bowl, beat the eggs. Add a little water, a pinch of salt, and some starch. The starch helps to soften the eggs and reduce any fishy odor.
Step 2: Sauté the Tomatoes
Coat a pan with oil, then pour out the excess, leaving just a thin layer. Fry the shallots until fragrant, then add the tomatoes and cook until soft and juicy. Add a little tomato paste to enhance the natural flavor and color of the tomatoes.
Step 3: Boil the Broth
Pour an appropriate amount of water into the pot and season with salt or seasoning powder to taste. Bring it to a boil.
Step 4: Add the Eggs
Once the water is boiling, reduce the heat to low and slowly pour in the egg mixture. Allow the eggs to partially set, then gently stir in one direction to create a beautiful marbled effect. Avoid stirring vigorously or adding the eggs when the water is at a rolling boil, as this will cause the eggs to break and the soup to become foamy.
Final Touches
Cook for another minute, then turn off the heat. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with scallions or coriander/cilantro to enhance the aroma and presentation.
Key Notes:
– Adding tomato paste when sautéing the tomatoes helps to mask any fishy odor from the eggs and enhances the overall flavor.
– Avoid using high heat when adding the eggs, as this can cause them to break and prevent the formation of a marbled pattern.
– Garnish with dried shallots, scallions, or coriander/cilantro to boost the natural fragrance and visual appeal of the dish.
Happy cooking!