Homemade Bánh Canh with Succulent Seafood

Ingredients

• 300g (10.5 oz) rice or tapioca noodles 300g (10.5 oz) rice or tapioca noodles
• 500g (1.1 lb) mixed seafood (shrimp, crab, fish) 500g (1.1 lb) mixed seafood (shrimp, crab, fish)
• 1 onion, sliced 1 onion, sliced
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 liter (4 cups) seafood stock 1 liter (4 cups) seafood stock
• 2 tablespoons fish sauce 2 tablespoons fish sauce
• 1 teaspoon sugar 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• Fresh herbs (cilantro, green onions) for garnish Fresh herbs (cilantro, green onions) for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 5g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 50g, 2g
• Protein: 25g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onion and minced garlic, and sauté until fragrant.
2. 2.
   Add the mixed seafood to the pot and cook until they turn pink and opaque.
3. 3.
   Pour in the seafood stock and bring it to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
4. 4.
   While the broth is simmering, cook the rice or tapioca noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
5. 5.
   Season the broth with fish sauce, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Adjust the seasoning to taste.
6. 6.
   To serve, divide the cooked noodles among bowls and ladle the hot broth and seafood over the noodles.
7. 7.
   Garnish with fresh herbs, such as cilantro and green onions.
8. 8.
   Enjoy the Bánh Canh while it's hot and flavorful.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Seafood — Ensure that the seafood is fresh and properly cleaned before adding it to the broth. This will enhance the overall taste and quality of the dish.

Tips & Tricks

• For a more intense seafood flavor, you can add shrimp shells or fish bones to the broth while simmering.
• Customize the dish by adding your favorite seafood, such as mussels or squid, to the mix.
• If you prefer a spicier kick, add a dash of chili flakes or a drizzle of sriracha sauce to the broth.
• Fresh herbs are essential for garnishing, as they add a burst of freshness to the dish.
• Serve the Bánh Canh with a side of lime wedges for a tangy twist.

Serving advice

Serve the Bánh Canh hot in individual bowls, allowing each person to garnish their own bowl with fresh herbs according to their taste preferences. Accompany the dish with lime wedges for squeezing over the noodles, adding a tangy flavor to the broth.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, arrange the seafood on top of the noodles in an appealing manner. Sprinkle the fresh herbs over the dish, creating a vibrant and inviting appearance. Serve the Bánh Canh in colorful bowls to make it visually appealing.