Hanoi-style Fried Fish with Dill (Chả cá)

Chả cá is a famous dish from Hanoi, Vietnam, featuring marinated fried fish served with fresh herbs and vermicelli noodles. The dish is known for its unique flavor, thanks to the combination of turmeric-marinated fish and fragrant dill.

Gluten Free Dairy Free Main Course Vietnamese Fried Fish Dill Marinated
Hanoi-style Fried Fish with Dill (Chả cá)

Ingredients

  • 1 lb firm white fish fillets, such as cod or haddock
  • 3 tbsp fish sauce
  • 1 tbsp turmeric powder
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup rice vinegar
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 bunch fresh dill
  • 1 onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 package vermicelli noodles, cooked according to package instructions
  • 1 head lettuce, washed and leaves separated
  • 1 bunch fresh mint
  • 1 bunch fresh coriander
  • 1/2 cup roasted peanuts, crushed

Instructions

  1. In a bowl, combine fish sauce, turmeric powder, and minced garlic. Add the fish fillets and marinate for 30 minutes.
  2. In a small saucepan, combine rice vinegar, sugar, and water. Bring to a boil, then remove from heat and let cool.
  3. Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Add the marinated fish fillets and cook until golden and cooked through, about 3-4 minutes per side.
  4. Transfer the cooked fish to a serving plate and top with sliced onions and fresh dill.
  5. Serve the fried fish with vermicelli noodles, lettuce leaves, mint, coriander, crushed peanuts, and the prepared sweet and sour sauce.

Cooking & Preparation

Preparation time:
30 minutes
Cooking time:
15 minutes
Total time:
45 minutes
Cooking method
Stovetop

Nutritional facts per 1 serving

Calories
300 per serving
Protein
25g
Carbohydrates
20g
Fat
12g

Supplies

Frying Pan Bowl for Marinating Serving Plate Saucepan

Tools

Tongs Knife Cutting Board Serving Utensils

Serving suggestions

Serve the chả cá with a side of nuoc cham (Vietnamese dipping sauce) and pickled vegetables for a complete dining experience.

Tips & tricks

For a more authentic experience, use a tabletop grill to cook the fish at the dining table, allowing guests to enjoy the sizzling and aroma of the dish.

Cost

$15