Almost every culture finds a way to turn fish and seafood into a delicious soup, and the Vietnamese are no different. This Vietnamese Catfish, Shrimp and Cellophane Noodle Soup combines U.S. farm-raised catfish and shrimp in a very flavorful broth. The soup is actually quite quick and easy to prepare. Serve it as part of a Vietnamese Soup and Sandwich supper (see other recipes on this site), or as the centerpiece to a quick weeknight family meal.
- 1 pound U.S. farm-raised catfish fillets, cut into 2-inch pieces
- 1/2 pound peeled and deveined medium shrimp
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons black pepper
- 2 tablespoons coconut or other vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic, about 3 large cloves cloves
- 1 large yellow onion, peeled, cut in half and thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 12 basil leaves, cut into thin slivers
- 1 tablespoon dried shrimp paste or anchovy paste
- 8 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth, vegetable broth or fish stock
- Juice of 2 lemons
- 4 tablespoons fish sauce (nuoc mam)
- 1 6-ounce package cellophane noodles, soaked in warm water for 15 minutes and drained
- 6 green onions, sliced, for garnish
- Mint, sweet basil and cilantro leaves, for garnish
Combine fish, shrimp ginger, salt and pepper in a medium bowl. Set aside. Heat oils in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add garlic and onions and sauté until light brown, about 7 minutes. Add turmeric, shrimp or anchovy paste, broth, lemon juice and fish sauce and bring to a boil. Add fish and shrimp mixture and cook for 4 minutes. Add noodles and serve in individual bowls. Garnish each serving with some of the green onions and fresh herbs.
Makes 6-8 servings.
