Vietnamese Turmeric Fish with Noodles (Cha Ca La Vong)
Vietnamese turmeric fish with noodles (Cha Ca La Vong) is a delicious and iconic dish of Hanoi. Chunks of flavorful fish are plated on a bed of aromatic green scallions and dill, boasting unique dining experience.
- Prep time
- 15 min
- Cook time
- 15 min
- Yield
- 2 servings
- Difficulty
- HARD
Ingredients
Quantities are shown as originally provided.
- 1 lb fish fillet ((see recipe notes below for recommendation))
- 1 2-inch long galangal
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 2 tablespoons minced shallot
- 3/4 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1/2 tablespoon shrimp paste
- 1 teaspoon fish sauce
- 3 tablespoons oil
- 4 tablespoons lime juice
- 4 tablespoons water
- 1 1/2 teaspoons fish sauce
- 1 1/2 teaspoons sugar
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 10-15 stalks of scallions
- 1.5 oz dills
- vermicelli noodles
- roasted peanuts (unsalted)
- more cooking oil
Instructions
- 1
Slice fish into 1/2 - 3/4-inch thick pieces. You may need to slice on an angle to have wide pieces.
- 2
Peel galangal, slice and finely chop. If possible, use a pestle and mortal to crush into finer pieces (about 3 tablespoons).
- 3
In a mixing bowl, add fish and all ingredients in the first group and mix well. Refrigerate and marinate for at least 30 minutes or more for a tastier result.
- 4
Cut scallions into 2-inch long pieces, keep the white and green parts separated. Also cut dills into 2-inch long pieces.
- 5
Whisk together all ingredients for the dipping sauce, taste and adjust to your liking.
- 6
Prepare vermicelli noodles according to package instructions.
- 7
After fish has been marinated, remove from the refrigerator. Place a pan over medium high heat, add cooking oil, put fish in a single layer and sear and both sides to cook. You may need to sear in several batches. Another option is to broil fish on high for 8-10 minutes. Transfer to a clean plate.
- 8
Wipe the pan clean, place over medium - medium high heat. Add oil and then add the white part of scallions. Sauté for about a minute until color starts to develop, then add the green part. Sauté for 20-30 seconds and then add dill. Give everything a quick mix to combine and wilt the dill.
- 9
Add fish slices to the pan, stir to mix with scallions and dills. Be careful to not break the fish slices.
- 10
Transfer everything to a preheated cast iron fajita plate or a regular plate and serve immediately with noodles, roasted peanuts and dipping sauce.