Vietnamese Sweet and Sour Soup Recipe (Canh Chua)

tamarind paste

🥗Healthier: lime juice

💰Cheaper: vinegar

Lime juice and vinegar can provide acidity, but with different flavor profiles.

fish sauce

🥗Healthier: soy sauce

💰Cheaper: salt

Soy sauce is a plant-based alternative, while salt is a basic seasoning.

pork

🥗Healthier: chicken

💰Cheaper: tofu

Chicken is leaner, and tofu is a budget-friendly protein.

shrimp

🥗Healthier: chicken

💰Cheaper: canned tuna

Canned tuna is a cost-effective seafood alternative.

Prepare catfish by chopping into steaks and leaving the skin on if buying whole.

Prepare vegetables including garlic, shallot, tomatoes, okra, and elephant ear stalk.

In a pot, combine water, tamarind soup mix, sugar, fish sauce, and MSG; bring to a boil.

Add garlic and shallot to the pot and simmer until fragrant.

Add catfish steaks and cook until done.

Stir in tomatoes, pineapple, okra, and bean sprouts; simmer until vegetables are tender.

Adjust seasoning as needed and garnish with green onion, rice paddy herb, fried shallot, and red Thai chili if desired.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens