Cha Ca La Vong (Vietnamese Turmeric Fish)
Cha ca la vong features tender white fish marinated in turmeric and aromatics, then pan-fried with onions and fresh dill, creating a perfect balance of fresh, earthy, and umami flavors. This Vietnamese turmeric fish is so easy to make for a delicious weeknight meal!
Servings 4 servings
Calories 202kcal
Equipment
Ingredients
Fish
- 1 ½ lb white fish catfish, tilapia, halibut, snapper or cod.
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 3 cloves garlic finely minced
- 3 tablespoons galangal or ginger, minced
- 1 large shallot minced, about 3 tablespoons
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon rice flour
Stir Fry
- 1 bunch dill about 2 packed cups
- 5-6 stalks green onion cut into 2-inch pieces
- 1 small yellow onion cut into 1/2 inch wedges
Bowl
- Nuoc Cham Vietnamese dipping sauce
- Vermicelli Noodles
- Lettuce
- Mint
- Cilantro
- Roasted Peanuts chopped
- Fried Shallots
Instructions
- Marinate the fish. In a large mixing bowl, combine the fish, turmeric powder, garlic, galangal, shallots, sugar, fish sauce, black pepper, and rice flour. Marinate for 30 minutes.
- Pan-fry the fish. Heat 3 tablespoons of neutral oil in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add the fish in a single layer, working in batches, and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Saute the onions and dill and combine. Add the onions and sauté until translucent and fragrant, about 2 minutes. Then add the dill and green onions, tossing until just wilted for about 30 seconds. Then add back the fish and toss to combine.
- Serve. Garnish the fish with chopped peanuts and fried shallots. Serve immediately with a side of nuoc cham (Vietnamese dipping sauce), vermicelli noodles, lettuce, mint, and cilantro.
Notes
See the Expert Tips section for more guidance.
Nutrition
Calories: 202kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 35g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 85mg | Sodium: 451mg | Potassium: 643mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 172IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 43mg | Iron: 2mg