Sour Fish Head Soup

Sour Fish Head Soup Recipe from Vietnam with Black Pepper and Pineapple

Region / culture: Vietnam | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 15 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Sour Fish Head Soup is a traditional dish that is popular in the Southern region. It is a flavorful and aromatic soup that is sure to warm you up on a cold day.

History

This recipe has been passed down through generations in the Southern region and is a staple in many households. It is a dish that is often enjoyed during family gatherings and special occasions.

Ingredients

2 scallions, white part only, crushed with the side of a knife
Freshly ground black pepper
2 tsp salt
2 tbsp plus 4 tsp sauce (nuoc mam)
1 large head or carcass, split down the center
1 qt (946 ml) water
0.5 cup canned sliced sour bamboo
0.25 fresh pineapple, cut in a lengthwise section and sliced
1 dash msg (optional)
2 tbsp mixed chopped fresh coriander (Chinese parsley)
scallion green

How to prepare

This recipe is a great way to make the most out of your purchase. You have the option to use either the head or the carcass. In the Southern region, this dish is just as traditional as Southern Fried Chicken and is sure to receive instant praise.
Start by sprinkling the scallions, black pepper, 1 tsp of salt, and 4 tsp of sauce over the head. Let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes.
Next, bring 1 qt (946 ml) of water to a boil and add the sour bamboo and pineapple slices. Cook them at a lively boil for 5 minutes. Then, carefully place the head into the boiling water and continue to boil. Add 2 tbsp of sauce, the remaining teaspoon of salt, and a dash of MSG. Boil the head for a total of 10 minutes. Transfer it to a soup tureen, sprinkle coriander and scallion green on top, and serve.
NOTE: It is important to drop the head into boiling water to prevent it from falling apart.
This recipe yields 4 servings.

Variations

Add shrimp or crab meat for a seafood twist.
Use different vegetables such as bok choy or mushrooms for added flavor and texture.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to sprinkle the scallions, black pepper, salt, and sauce over the fish head and let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes to allow the flavors to marinate.

- Drop the fish head into boiling water to prevent it from falling apart.

- Garnish the soup with fresh parsley and scallion greens for added flavor and color.

Serving Suggestions

Sour Fish Head Soup can be served as a main dish with steamed rice or as a starter before a larger meal.

Cooking Techniques

Boiling

Ingredient Substitutions

If sour bamboo is not available, you can use pickled bamboo shoots as a substitute.

- If fresh pineapple is not available, you can use canned pineapple slices.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the soup base ahead of time and add the fish head just before serving to ensure it is fresh and flavorful.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Sour Fish Head Soup in a decorative soup tureen and garnish with fresh parsley and scallion greens for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Sour Fish Head Soup pairs well with steamed rice and a side of stir-fried vegetables.

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.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

This recipe contains approximately 200 calories per serving.

Carbohydrates

This recipe contains approximately 10 grams of carbohydrates per serving.

Fats

This recipe contains approximately 5 grams of fats per serving.

Proteins

This recipe contains approximately 20 grams of proteins per serving.

Vitamins and minerals

Sour Fish Head Soup is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin A, calcium, and iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains fish and soy sauce, which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Sour Fish Head Soup is a nutritious and delicious dish that is high in protein and low in carbohydrates and fats. It is also rich in vitamins and minerals, making it a healthy choice for a meal.

Summary

Sour Fish Head Soup is a traditional and flavorful dish that is sure to impress your family and friends. With its rich flavors and nutritious ingredients, it is a perfect choice for a comforting meal.

How did I get this recipe?

I can't forget the moment I stumbled upon this recipe for Sour Fish Head Soup. It was a hot summer day, just like any other, and I was rummaging through an old cookbook that I had found tucked away in the back of my kitchen cabinet. As I flipped through the yellowed pages, my eyes landed on a hand-written note slipped between the pages. It was a recipe for Sour Fish Head Soup, written in beautiful cursive handwriting.

I had never heard of Sour Fish Head Soup before, but the ingredients listed intrigued me. The recipe called for a whole fish head, vinegar, tomatoes, tamarind paste, and a variety of spices. It seemed like a unique and flavorful dish, so I decided to give it a try.

I followed the instructions carefully, chopping the fish head into pieces and simmering it in a pot with the tangy tamarind paste and tomatoes. The aroma that wafted through my kitchen was heavenly, a perfect blend of sour and savory scents. As the soup bubbled away on the stove, I couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement and anticipation.

After letting the soup simmer for a while, I ladled out a steaming bowlful and took my first hesitant sip. The flavors exploded on my tongue, a burst of tangy sourness followed by the rich umami of the fish head. It was unlike anything I had ever tasted before, a true culinary adventure.

I knew right then and there that I had stumbled upon a hidden gem of a recipe. I made a mental note to add it to my repertoire of dishes, to be shared with family and friends at the next gathering.

Over the years, I have perfected the art of making Sour Fish Head Soup. I have experimented with different types of fish heads, adjusting the balance of sourness and spice to suit my tastes. I have shared the recipe with friends and relatives, who have all marveled at the unique flavors and textures of this dish.

But the true beauty of this recipe lies not just in its taste, but in the memories and stories that accompany it. Every time I make Sour Fish Head Soup, I am transported back to that hot summer day when I first discovered the recipe. I remember the thrill of trying something new and the joy of creating something delicious from scratch.

I think back to the people and places that have influenced my cooking over the years, the friends who shared their recipes and the family members who passed down their culinary traditions. I am grateful for the knowledge and skills that I have acquired along the way, and I am proud to carry on the tradition of sharing delicious food with those I love.

As I sit down to enjoy a bowl of Sour Fish Head Soup, I am filled with a sense of contentment and gratitude. Cooking has always been a passion of mine, a way to express my creativity and connect with others. And this recipe, with its bold flavors and rich history, is a testament to the joy and beauty of sharing food with the ones we hold dear.