Sweet and Fragrant Fish with Beans: Easy Vietnamese Recipe

Updated at: 19/06/2025

This simple yet flavorful Vietnamese recipe for Sweet and Fragrant Fish with Beans is a delightful dish perfect for a weeknight meal or a special occasion. Imagine tender, flaky fish infused with the aromatic sweetness of caramelized onions and garlic, all perfectly complemented by the earthy heartiness of green beans. This recipe balances sweet, savory, and slightly spicy notes in a harmonious blend that will tantalize your taste buds. The vibrant colors and enticing aroma alone are enough to make your mouth water. We use readily available ingredients to create a sophisticated and satisfying dish that’s surprisingly easy to prepare.

Forget complicated cooking techniques and lengthy preparation times! This recipe prioritizes simplicity and deliciousness. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, you'll find this recipe incredibly accessible and rewarding. The step-by-step instructions will guide you through each stage, ensuring a perfect result every time. Get ready to embark on a culinary journey with this incredibly easy, yet incredibly tasty, Fish with Beans recipe.

Tools Needed

  • Pot
  • Knife
  • Cutting board

Ingredients

  • Fish (Grass Carp)
  • Beans
  • Shrimp paste
  • Salt
  • Lemongrass
  • MSG
  • Turmeric
  • Chili
  • Soy sauce (Northern)
  • Onions
  • Tomatoes
  • Perilla
  • Green onions
  • Vietnamese coriander

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1. Marinate the Fish

  • Marinate the fish head, tail, and less meaty parts with shrimp paste, salt, lemongrass, MSG, turmeric, and chili. If you don't use much salt, add soy sauce.
  • Marinate for 15-20 minutes.
  • Add onions to the marinade to enhance sweetness and reduce fishy smell.
Marinate the fish head, tail, and less meaty parts with shrimp paste, salt, lemongrass, MSG, turmeric, and chili. If you don't use much salt, add soy sauce.Marinate for 15-20 minutes.Add onions to the marinade to enhance sweetness and reduce fishy smell.
Marinate the Fish

Step 2. Combine and Cook

  • After marinating, add tomatoes and beans to the fish.
  • Cook for about 15 minutes after the water boils, adding a little boiling water if necessary to keep the fish and beans submerged.
After marinating, add tomatoes and beans to the fish.Cook for about 15 minutes after the water boils, adding a little boiling water if necessary to keep the fish and beans submerged.
Combine and Cook

Step 3. Garnish and Serve

  • Once cooked, add perilla, green onions, and Vietnamese coriander.
Once cooked, add perilla, green onions, and Vietnamese coriander.
Garnish and Serve

Read more: Vietnamese Chicken Stew (Ca Ri Ga): A Flavorful Comfort Dish

Tips

  • The fish head, tail, and less meaty parts are very sweet.
  • You can prepare other fish dishes with the remaining meat (e.g., frying, grilling, steaming).
  • If you don’t like a strong fish smell, fry or grill the meat.

Nutrition

  • Calories: approximately 250-350
  • Fat: 10-15g
  • Carbs: 20-25g
  • Protein: 20-25g

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of fish?

Yes! Firm, white-fleshed fish like cod, snapper, or catfish work well. Just adjust cooking time as needed based on the thickness of your fish fillets.

2. What if I don't have fish sauce?

Soy sauce can be a substitute, but the flavor will be slightly different. Start with a smaller amount and adjust to taste. For a closer approximation, you can combine soy sauce with a little sugar and rice vinegar.

3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

It's best served fresh, but you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it separately in the refrigerator. Cook the fish and beans just before serving for optimal texture and flavor.


This Sweet and Fragrant Fish with Beans recipe is a testament to the beauty of simple, fresh ingredients combined with a few clever techniques. Enjoy this delightful Vietnamese dish as a satisfying weeknight meal or a show-stopping addition to your next gathering. We hope you savor every bite!