Bánh Canh Cua

Bánh Canh Cua is a popular Vietnamese dish known for its thick and hearty soup, featuring delicious crab meat and thick noodles. This dish is a staple in Southern Vietnam and its origins can be traced back to the fusion of local culinary traditions and French influences. Over time, Bánh Canh Cua has become a beloved comfort food, often enjoyed during special occasions and family gatherings. Its rich and flavorful broth combined with the fresh ingredients makes it a memorable meal.

Ingredients

• Crab meat - 300g
• Bánh Canh noodles - 400g
• Shrimp, peeled and deveined - 200g
• Pork bones - 500g
• Fish sauce - 3 tablespoons
• Salt - 1 teaspoon
• Sugar - 2 teaspoons
• Onion, chopped - 1 large
• Garlic, minced - 4 cloves
• Vegetable oil - 2 tablespoons
• Green onion, chopped - for garnish
• Coriander, chopped - for garnish
• Lime wedges - for serving

Preparation

Begin by preparing the crab. Clean the crab thoroughly and remove the meat from the shells, setting it aside. If using live crabs, ensure they are cooked properly by steaming them for 10-15 minutes before extracting the meat. Boil the pork bones in a large pot for about 5 minutes to remove impurities. Rinse the bones under cold water and place them in a clean pot. Add 2 liters of water to the pot along with the onion and garlic. Let everything simmer for about 2-3 hours to create a flavorful broth.

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat the vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until golden brown.
2. Add the shrimp to the pan and cook until they turn pink and are fully cooked. Remove the shrimp and set aside.
3. In the same pan, add the sautéed shrimp mixture to the pot of broth. Also, add the prepared crab meat and allow the flavors to meld together.
4. Season the broth with fish sauce, salt, and sugar. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
5. Add the Bánh Canh noodles to the broth and cook according to package instructions or until they are tender.
6. Once the noodles are cooked, ladle the soup into bowls.
7. Garnish with green onion and coriander. Serve with lime wedges on the side for an extra burst of freshness.

How to Enjoy Bánh Canh Cua

Enjoy Bánh Canh Cua while it’s still hot by squeezing a bit of fresh lime into your bowl for a hint of tanginess. This dish is perfect on a cooler day as the thick broth provides warmth and comfort. Bánh Canh Cua can be served with a side of fresh chili if you enjoy a spicy kick. Pair this flavorful dish with a Vietnamese iced coffee or a refreshing iced tea for a complete meal experience.