Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 20 mins | Difficulty: Moderate | Serves: 6 |
kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
230 | 11g | 2g | 6g |
sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
3g | 1g | 26g | 2.5g |
Why I Love Vietnamese Cá chim nướng giấm
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As someone who has spent countless hours savoring the fine balance of flavors in both Japanese and Pacific Northwest cuisine, I can confidently say that my appreciation for a good recipe knows no bounds. There’s something uniquely rewarding about experiencing and sharing a dish that melds the best of regional ingredients and traditional techniques. One recipe that has earned a special place in my heart is the Vietnamese classic, Cá chim nướng giấm.
### The Allure of Tangy and Savory Notes
Cá chim nướng giấm is a brilliant example of how simple, fresh ingredients can come together to create something extraordinary. Pomfret fish, which this recipe features, is particularly beloved for its tender, flaky texture and natural sweetness. The marinade, a balanced mixture of rice vinegar, fish sauce, soy sauce, and other aromatic ingredients, infuses the fish with an incredible depth of flavor that is both tangy and savory.
This dish shares some similarities with Japanese grilled fish recipes and dishes that use ponzu sauce, where vinegar and citrus notes provide that perfect tang. However, Cá chim nướng giấm stands out because it encapsulates elements of Vietnamese cuisine, such as the generous use of fish sauce, fresh herbs, and spices, which creates a unique and tantalizing profile.
### A Nod to My Influences
I can’t talk about this recipe without tipping my hat to certain culinary influences. Vietnamese Chef Luke Nguyen has long been an inspiration to me, particularly his emphasis on traditional methods and his passion for bringing Vietnamese cuisine to a global audience (you can learn more about Luke Nguyen’s culinary journey [here](https://www.lukenguyen.com/)). His recipes often highlight the natural flavors of ingredients without overwhelming them, something that resonates deeply with my own culinary philosophy.
### Perfect Companions
Cá chim nướng giấm works incredibly well alongside other Vietnamese dishes like fresh spring rolls (Gỏi Cuốn) or a light papaya salad (Gỏi Đu Đủ). The bright, fresh flavors of these dishes complement the tang and umami of the grilled fish, resulting in a well-rounded and satisfying meal. If you’re in the mood for some Asian fusion, try pairing this dish with a bowl of miso soup or even a simple steamed rice to really let the fish’s flavors shine.
From my kitchen to yours, I hope this recipe brings as much joy to your table as it does to mine. Bon appétit!
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What You’ll Need
- 2 Pomfret fish (about 2 pounds each), cleaned and scored
- 4 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 4 tablespoons fish sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 4 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 green onions, finely chopped
- 2 red chilies, finely chopped
- 2 inches ginger, thinly sliced
- 1 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 limes, cut into wedges
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Method
Step One
Rinse the pomfret fish under cold water and pat dry with paper towels. Make diagonal scores on both sides of each fish.
Step Two
In a large bowl, combine rice vinegar, fish sauce, soy sauce, vegetable oil, and sugar. Stir until the sugar is fully dissolved.
Step Three
Add minced garlic, chopped green onions, finely chopped red chilies, and thinly sliced ginger to the mixture. Stir to combine.
Step Four
Place the scored fish in a large dish and pour the marinade over them, ensuring the fish are well-coated. Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, turning the fish occasionally to marinate evenly.
Step Five
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
Step Six
Remove the fish from the marinade and place them on the hot grill. Grill the fish for about 6-8 minutes on each side, or until the flesh is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
Step Seven
While grilling, occasionally baste the fish with the remaining marinade for added flavor.
Step Eight
Once the fish are cooked, transfer them to a serving platter and sprinkle with chopped fresh cilantro and black pepper.
Step Nine
Serve the grilled pomfret fish hot, accompanied by lime wedges. Enjoy your Cá chim nướng giấm!