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Simple Fish Soup





Total Time
1 hr 45 mins

When Charles was growing up in Vietnam’s Central Highlands, every meal included a light, brothy soup like this one. Its purpose, he says, “is to stimulate the appetite, much the way…a crystal-clear consommé begins a classic French dinner.” Even on a hot summer day, it’s a great way to start a meal.

su-Simple Fish Soup




Photo: Iain Bagwell; Styling: Sara Slavin
 1 whole branzino or black bass (1 lb.), filleted, skeleton and head saved in one piece*
  About 1 tbsp. Vietnamese or Thai fish sauce
 1 teaspoon cornstarch
 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
 1 cup thinly sliced shallots (from about 3 large)
 1 teaspoon minced garlic
 2 cups diced fresh or canned tomatoes, with juice
 1 piece fresh ginger (1 in. by 2 in.), cut into 1/4-in.-thick coins
 1 Thai or serrano chile, stemmed and sliced on the diagonal
 2 teaspoons lime juice
 1/3 cup chopped fresh cilantro
 2 tablespoons Toasted Garlic
Step 1
1

Slice fish fillets into 1-in.-wide strips and place in a bowl. Add 1 tbsp. fish sauce and the cornstarch and toss to coat evenly.

Step 2
2

Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add shallots and cook, stirring occasionally, until just softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook another 30 seconds. Add tomatoes, ginger, chile, fish skeleton and head, and 2 qts. water; increase heat to high and bring to a simmer. Lower heat to a low simmer and cook, uncovered, 1 hour. Remove fish skeleton and head and discard.

Step 3
3

Add fish strips and lime juice just before serving, then simmer 3 to 5 minutes, until fish is opaque throughout. Taste broth and add more fish sauce if you like.

Step 4
4

Ladle into warmed soup bowls and top with cilantro and toasted garlic. Serve immediately.

Step 5
5

*A fishmonger can fillet the fish for you, but be sure to ask for the bones and head--they give rich flavor to the soup.

Step 6
6

Note: Nutritional analysis is per cup.

Nutrition Facts
Amount Per Serving
Calories 105Calories from Fat 51
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 6.3g10%

Saturated Fat 0.8g4%
Cholesterol 14mg5%
Sodium 261mg11%
Total Carbohydrate 7.2g3%

Dietary Fiber 0.4g2%
Protein 5.1g11%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.