Banh Canh Cua: Thick Vietnamese Crab Noodle Soup
Banh Canh Cua: Thick Vietnamese Crab Noodle Soup
Introduction
Banh Canh Cua is a beloved Vietnamese dish known for its rich flavors and comforting qualities. This hearty soup features thick noodles made from tapioca or rice flour, swimming in a flavorful broth filled with chunks of crab meat. Perfect for chilly days or when you’re craving a satisfying bowl of soup, Banh Canh Cua is a must-try for any noodle soup enthusiast.
Ingredients
- 1lb crab meat
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece of ginger, sliced
- 1 tsp fish sauce
- 1/2 tsp sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1lb Banh Canh noodles
- Green onions and cilantro for garnish
Directions
- In a pot, sauté the onions, garlic, and ginger until fragrant.
- Add the chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
- Season with fish sauce, sugar, salt, and pepper.
- Gently fold in the crab meat and let it cook for a few minutes.
- Drop the Banh Canh noodles into the broth and cook according to package instructions.
- Once the noodles are cooked, ladle the soup into bowls and top with chopped green onions and cilantro.
- Serve hot and enjoy the comforting flavors of Banh Canh Cua!
What is Banh Canh Cua?
Answer:
Banh Canh Cua is a traditional Vietnamese dish known for its thick tapioca noodle soup with crab meat. The broth is typically made from a combination of pork or chicken bones, along with various herbs and spices.
How is Banh Canh Cua different from other Vietnamese noodle soups?
Answer:
Unlike pho or bun bo hue, Banh Canh Cua features thicker noodles made from tapioca or wheat flour. The soup has a richer and heartier consistency due to the use of crab meat and a thicker broth.
What are the key ingredients in Banh Canh Cua?
Answer:
The main ingredients in Banh Canh Cua include crab meat, tapioca or wheat flour noodles, pork or chicken bones for the broth, fish sauce, sugar, shallots, garlic, and various herbs like green onions, cilantro, and Vietnamese coriander.
How is Banh Canh Cua typically served?
Answer:
Banh Canh Cua is often served hot, garnished with fresh herbs, bean sprouts, lime wedges, and sometimes a side of chili paste or sliced chili peppers. It is a popular comfort food enjoyed for its savory flavors
