Fish and Noodle Soup

Fish and Noodle Soup Recipe: A Cambodian & Thai Delight

Region / culture: Cambodia, Thailand | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Fish and Noodle Soup is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. This recipe combines the flavors of tender white fish, aromatic ginger, spicy chilies, and creamy coconut milk to create a flavorful and satisfying soup.

History

Fish and Noodle Soup is a popular dish in many Southeast Asian countries, where it is often enjoyed as a light and nourishing meal. The combination of fish, noodles, and aromatic herbs and spices has been a staple in the region for centuries.

Ingredients

200 g dried rice vermicelli
1 tbsp cooking oil
2.5 cm piece fresh ginger, grated
3 small red chilies, seeded and finely chopped
4 spring onions, chopped
3.5 cup coconut milk
2 tbsp fish sauce
2 tbsp tomato paste
500 g firm white fish fillets, cubed
2 ham steaks, diced
150 g snake beans, chopped
180 g bean sprouts, trimmed
1 cup fresh mint
0.5 cup unsalted roasted peanuts

How to prepare

Soak the vermicelli in boiling water for 5 minutes to soften it, then drain well.
Heat the cooking oil in a large, heavy-based pan and cook the ginger, chili, and spring onion for 3 minutes or until golden.
Stir in the coconut milk, fish sauce, and tomato paste, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes.
Add the fish, ham, and snake beans, and simmer for 10 minutes or until the fish is tender.
Divide the vermicelli among four bowls and top with bean sprouts and mint.
Spoon the soup into the bowls and sprinkle with peanuts.
Serve while hot.

Variations

Add vegetables such as bok choy, bell peppers, or mushrooms for added nutrition and flavor.
Use different types of noodles, such as rice noodles or egg noodles, for a different texture.
Substitute the fish with shrimp or chicken for a different protein option.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to use firm white fish fillets for this recipe, as they will hold up well in the soup.

- Adjust the amount of chilies to suit your taste preferences – add more for a spicier soup or omit them entirely for a milder flavor.

- For a vegetarian version of this soup, you can substitute tofu for the fish.

- Garnish the soup with fresh herbs, such as cilantro or Thai basil, for an extra burst of flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Fish and Noodle Soup with a side of steamed rice or crusty bread for a complete meal. Garnish with fresh herbs and a squeeze of lime juice for an extra burst of flavor.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to simmer the soup gently to prevent the fish from overcooking and becoming tough.

- Adjust the seasoning to taste by adding more fish sauce or chili paste as needed.

- For a richer flavor, you can use homemade fish stock instead of water.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have coconut milk, you can use chicken or vegetable broth as a substitute.

- Substitute the fish sauce with soy sauce or tamari for a different flavor profile.

- Use any type of firm white fish, such as cod, halibut, or tilapia, for the soup.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the soup ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop before serving.

- Cook the noodles separately and add them to the soup just before serving to prevent them from becoming soggy.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Fish and Noodle Soup in individual bowls garnished with fresh herbs and peanuts for a beautiful presentation. - Add a swirl of chili oil or a drizzle of coconut cream on top of the soup for a decorative touch.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair the Fish and Noodle Soup with a crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, to complement the flavors of the dish.

- Serve the soup with a side of pickled vegetables or a fresh salad for a light and refreshing meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.

- The noodles may absorb some of the liquid as they sit, so you may need to add a little water or broth when reheating.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

380

Carbohydrates

- Total Carbohydrates: 35g

- Dietary Fiber: 4g

- Sugars: 3g

Fats

- Total Fat: 20g

- Saturated Fat: 12g

- Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

- Protein: 25g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 10%

- Vitamin C: 15%

- Calcium: 6%

- Iron: 15%

Alergens

Contains fish and peanuts

Summary

This Fish and Noodle Soup is a balanced meal that provides a good source of protein, healthy fats, and essential vitamins and minerals. It is a nutritious and satisfying dish that is perfect for a wholesome meal.

Summary

Fish and Noodle Soup is a flavorful and comforting dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. This recipe combines the flavors of tender white fish, aromatic ginger, spicy chilies, and creamy coconut milk to create a delicious and satisfying soup that is sure to warm you up from the inside out. Enjoy this nutritious and balanced meal with your family and friends for a memorable dining experience.

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is one I won't soon forget. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Maria in her cozy little kitchen. Maria was known for her delicious cooking, and I always loved coming over to learn new recipes from her.

On this particular day, Maria had a pot of fish and noodle soup simmering on the stove. The aroma wafted through the air, tempting my taste buds and making my stomach growl with hunger. I couldn't wait to taste the soup and learn the recipe.

As we sat down to enjoy our meal, Maria told me the story of how she came across the recipe. She said that many years ago, when she was a young girl living in a small fishing village, her grandmother used to make this soup for her family. The recipe had been passed down through generations, and Maria had perfected it over the years.

Maria's eyes sparkled as she talked about the memories of her grandmother in the kitchen, chopping vegetables and preparing the fish with care and love. She spoke with such fondness and nostalgia that I could feel the warmth of her family's kitchen and the love that went into every bowl of soup.

After we finished our meal, I asked Maria if she would teach me how to make the fish and noodle soup. She smiled and nodded, happy to pass on the recipe to me. We spent the rest of the afternoon in the kitchen, chopping, stirring, and simmering the ingredients until the soup was ready to be served.

As I took my first bite of the fish and noodle soup, I was transported back in time to Maria's grandmother's kitchen. The flavors were rich and comforting, the fish tender and flaky, and the noodles perfectly cooked. It was a meal that warmed my soul and made me feel connected to the past.

From that day on, the fish and noodle soup became a staple in my own kitchen. I would make it for my family and friends, sharing the recipe and the story behind it with anyone who would listen. It became a tradition, a way to honor Maria's grandmother and the generations of women who had cooked before me.

Now, whenever I make the fish and noodle soup, I think of that warm summer day in Maria's kitchen, and I am grateful for the friendship and the shared love of cooking that brought us together. The recipe may have come from Maria's family, but it has become a part of my own culinary repertoire, a link to the past and a connection to the future.

As I sit here, stirring a pot of fish and noodle soup on my own stove, I can't help but smile at the memories that flood back to me. The recipe may have originated in a small fishing village, but it has traveled through time and space to become a cherished part of my own culinary journey. And for that, I am forever grateful.