Dive into a culinary adventure with this vibrant and flavorful Green Cabbage & Catfish Soup recipe! This comforting dish perfectly balances the crisp freshness of green cabbage with the delicate sweetness of catfish, creating a harmonious blend of textures and tastes. Imagine a steaming bowl, brimming with tender fish flakes swimming in a light yet satisfying broth, infused with subtle herbs and spices. It's a simple yet elegant meal, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, equally appealing to seasoned cooks and kitchen novices alike.
This recipe is surprisingly easy to prepare, transforming humble ingredients into a culinary masterpiece. The unique combination of green cabbage and catfish creates a depth of flavor that will surprise and delight your palate. Ready to embark on this delicious journey? Let's move on to the step-by-step instructions to create your own bowl of this refreshing and healthy soup.
Tools Needed
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Bowl
- Pot
- Stove
- Gloves
Ingredients
- Green Cabbage
- Sliced Catfish Cakes: 200g
- Green Onions: 500g
- Shallots: 2
- Garlic: 2 cloves
- Coriander
- Seasoning Powder
- MSG
- Ground Pepper
- Fish Sauce
- Salt
- Sugar
- Cooking Oil
- Water: 1.2L
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare Ingredients and Marinate Fish
- wash and cut into 1-2cm pieces. Chop coriander.
- Chop garlic and shallots.
- Mix half of the chopped garlic with seasoning powder, MSG, ground pepper. Add oil to prevent sticking. Knead and squeeze evenly to distribute seasoning.
- Roll marinated fish cake mixture into balls, squeezing tightly to ensure they hold together well.
Step 2. Cook the Soup Base and Fish Cakes
- Heat oil in a pot. Add remaining minced garlic and shallots, sauté until fragrant.
- Add 1.2L of water to cook the soup. Cover and bring to a boil.
- Add fish cakes to the boiling soup gently. Cover and simmer for 2 minutes, then open and let fish cakes cook fully.
Step 3. Add Cabbage and Season
- Add cabbage, stir evenly, and press down to submerge in boiling water.
- Cover and bring to a boil again. Open the lid and stir to ensure even cooking.
- Add seasoning powder, MSG, fish sauce, salt, pepper, and sugar. Stir to dissolve.
Step 4. Finish and Serve
- Add green onions and cilantro. Stir well and turn off the stove.
Read more: Vietnamese Sweet & Sour Fish Soup: A Delicious Comfort Food Recipe
Tips
- For better taste, flatten the hard corners of the cabbage before cutting.
- Cut cabbage into small pieces to ensure even cooking.
- Squeeze the fish cakes firmly to ensure they're chewy and cook properly.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I use other types of fish instead of catfish?
Yes! Firm, white fish like cod, tilapia, or snapper would work well as substitutes. Adjust cooking time as needed based on the fish's thickness.
2. What can I do if my soup is too bland?
Add a squeeze of fresh lime juice or lemon juice for brightness, or a pinch more salt and pepper to taste. A dash of fish sauce can also enhance the umami flavor.
This Refreshing Green Cabbage & Sliced Catfish Soup is a testament to the magic of simple ingredients, expertly combined. Enjoy the satisfying flavors and the ease of preparation – it’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again. So grab your ingredients and create a bowl of this delicious and healthy soup today!