Step 1 of 5
Canh chua cá
Toss the fish with the fish sauce and pepper and leave for 15 minutes. Soak the tamarind in 200 ml hot water for 10 minutes, squeeze and mash it with your fingers, then strain, pressing the pulp through, and throw away the seeds and fibre.
Questions about this dish
Answers taken from this dish's times, amounts, swaps and tips.
How long does Canh chua cá take?
45 min all in — 25 min prep, 20 min cook. Cook and rest follow the method. Leftover storage and optional extra waits are not included.
How many does it serve?
The recipe is written for 4 people. Scale the ingredient list on the page if you are cooking for a different number.
How hard is it?
Easy.
How spicy is it?
Mild.
What allergens should I watch?
This recipe is labelled for Fish, Soy. Labels are informational — check the packets in your kitchen. This is not medical advice.
Does it fit a diet?
The published recipe is labelled Pescatarian, Dairy-free, Gluten-free, Nut-free.
10 more questionsFewer questions
What does it cost to cook?
Weeknight budget — about $8–16 USD, as a grocery budget for this recipe, not a restaurant price.
What equipment do I need?
Stockpot, Frying pan, Mixing bowl, Chef's knife, Cutting board.
How much salt do I put in?
The recipe lists Salt at ½ tsp.
How much fish sauce?
1 tbsp of Fish sauce.
How much fish sauce?
3 tbsp of Fish sauce.
How much sugar?
2 tbsp of Sugar.
What can I use instead?
Tamarind pulp → Tamarind concentrate. Start with 1 tbsp and add more to taste. Concentrates vary a lot in strength. Catfish → Salmon head and collar. A popular choice among Vietnamese cooks abroad. It gives a richer broth; simmer it 8 minutes.
What should I watch for?
Garlic burns in seconds once it colours. Take it off early.
Any tips from this recipe?
Rice paddy herb smells of cumin and lemon, and it is what makes the soup taste like canh chua. If a Vietnamese shop has it, buy it. Catfish steaks with the bone in give the broth more body than fillets. Prawns work in place of the fish; give them about 2 minutes.
Can I use an air fryer?
This method is not written for an air fryer. The core technique on the page still applies.