Vietnamese Turmeric Fish with Dill (Cha Ca La Vong)

Cha Ca La Vong is a traditional dish from from north Vietnam. It's composed of firm white fish that's marinaded in a turmeric paste and flavored with caramelized onions, fresh dill, and crushed peanuts for a wonderfully fragrant dish. It's served with vermicelli noodles and fish dipping sauce (nuoc cham).

Course Main Course, Side Dish

Cuisine Asian, Vietnamese

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes

Marinade Time 1 hour

Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes

Servings servings

Calories 464kcal

Author Jessica Kwon

Ingredients

1 lb firm white fish such as catfish, tilapia, or cod
1½ teaspoon minced ginger
2-3 cloves garlic minced
¾ teaspoon turmeric
1 teaspoon fish sauce
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon pepper
2 tablespoon oil divided
4 oz vermicelli rice noodles
½ onion sliced
3-4 green onion cut into 2 inch segments
1 large bunch fresh dill
¼ cup roasted peanuts chopped
Cilantro for garnish

Nuoc Cham Dipping Sauce

½ cup water
2½ tablespoon sugar
1½ tablespoon fish sauce
½ teaspoon lime juice
1 clove garlic minced

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Marinate the fish. Pat fish dry and cut into 2 inch pieces. Whisk together the ginger, garlic, turmeric, fish sauce, salt, pepper, and 1 tablespoon oil until a paste forms. Rub onto fish until each piece is evenly coated. Cover with plastic wrap and let marinate for 1-2 hours.
Cook the noodles. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook vermicelli noodles according to package instructions. Drain, rinse with cold water, and let cool completely.
Start cooking the fish. In a large pan, heat 1 tablespoon oil over medium heat. Cook onion until softened, about 3 minutes. Season lightly with salt.
Push the onions to the edge of skillet and turn the heat to high. Add the fish and green onion, cooking for 3-4 minutes each side or until opaque and flakey.
Add dill on top and cover with a lid to wilt for 30 seconds. Season to taste.
Assemble. Serve with vermicelli noodles and sprinkle peanuts over the top. Garnish with cilantro.

Nuoc Cham Dipping Sauce

Heat water until warm. Add to sugar and stir until dissolved.
Add fish sauce, lime juice, and garlic. Stir well and taste, adjusting as needed.

Nutrition