Vietnamese Turmeric Fish (Cha Ca La Vong)

Vietnamese Turmeric Fish (Cha Ca La Vong)

4 servings
This Vietnamese Turmeric Fish is a traditional dish from Hanoi. It includes fish seasoned with turmeric, dill, and green onions, all served in a vermicelli bowl.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb tilapia

    cut into 1 1/2 inch pieces

  • 1 tsp turmeric powder
  • 2 cloves garlic

    minced

  • 1 tbsp ginger

    minced

  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp white pepper
  • 1 tsp granulated sugar
  • 1 tbsp fish sauce
  • 2 tbsp shallots

    minced

  • 1 tbsp dill

    minced

  • 1 stalk green onion

    minced

  • 1 package vermicelli noodles
  • 1 head lettuce
  • mint
  • 2 tbsp peanuts

    toasted and chopped

  • 1/3 cup Vietnamese dipping sauce
  • 2 tbsp fried shallots

    optional

Directions

  1. 1

    Add the tilapia to a bowl with all the ingredients through the fish sauce. Mix and marinate for 15 minutes. Make sure the fish is coated in the marinade.

  2. 2

    While the tilapia is marinating, prep your other ingredients. Mince your shallots, dill, and green onions. Cook your vermicelli noodles.

  3. 3

    After the tilapia is done marinating, heat 2 tablespoons of oil over medium high heat. Add in the shallots and cook for a minute until they are shiny. Add the tilapia and marinade to the pan. Cook the tilapia for 2 minutes on each side.

  4. 4

    Add in the dill and green onion. Cook for another 30 seconds. Remove from the heat.

  5. 5

    Assemble your vermicelli bowl! Add vermicelli and lettuce to a bowl. Top with tilapia, fried shallots, mint and peanuts. Drizzle Vietnamese dipping sauce over the top and serve.

Vietnamese Turmeric Fish (Cha Ca La Vong)

Vietnamese Turmeric Fish (Cha Ca La Vong)

50 min4 servings

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About this Recipe

Transport your taste buds straight to the bustling streets of Hanoi with this authentic Vietnamese Turmeric Fish, known as Cha Ca La Vong. This beloved traditional dish brings vibrant flavors and aromatic herbs right to your kitchen, offering a truly unique culinary experience.

What makes Cha Ca La Vong truly special is the harmonious blend of fresh fish marinated in golden turmeric, fragrant dill, and bright green onions. Served over delicate vermicelli noodles and fresh accompaniments, it’s a refreshing and deeply satisfying experience unlike any other. The carefully balanced marinade ensures every piece of tilapia is infused with savory depth.

You'll discover tender, flaky tilapia pieces infused with earthy turmeric and ginger, complemented by the sharp, anise-like bite of dill and bright green onion. Each bite offers a delightful contrast, combining the savory fish with cool lettuce, fresh mint, and the satisfying crunch of toasted peanuts. This dish is designed to be a vibrant and aromatic vermicelli bowl experience, perfect for a light yet fulfilling meal.

While tilapia is a traditional choice, feel free to adjust the amount of fresh dill or green onions to your preference for a bolder herbal note. Enhance the texture and flavor by adding extra toasted peanuts or crispy fried shallots as a garnish. A squeeze of fresh lime juice over the finished bowl can also brighten all the flavors.

Serve this Vietnamese Turmeric Fish immediately, allowing everyone to build their own refreshing bowls. It's an ideal dish for a vibrant family dinner or a delightful weekend lunch, perfectly complemented by a generous drizzle of Vietnamese dipping sauce.

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