Cha Ca (Hanoi Noodles with Fish) (4)

Category: Noodles
Country: Vietnam

 INGREDIENT

• Nuoc Cham ( Double recipe amount)
• ½ lb thin rice vermicilli
• 1½ lbs cleaned monkfish or swordfish
• 1½ tbsps fish sauce
• 1½ tsps turmeric
• 2 tsps finely grated ginger
• 2 tbsps chopped shallots
• 2 tsps chopped garlic
• ½ tsp ground white pepper
• 1 tbsp plus 2tsps groundnut oil
• ¾ cup sliced spring onion, green parts only
• 1½ cups chopped dill
• ¾ cup chopped basil
• ¾ cup chopped coriander
• ½ cup dry roasted peanuts, chopped

 METHOD

1. Prepare the Nuoc Cham and set aside.
2. Soak the rice vermicilli in warm water for 15-20 minutes. Drain. Bring a large pot of water to the boil. Add the noodles, stir to seperate and boil for 2-3 minutes. Drain and rinse well. Drain again.
3. Rinse the fish and pat dry.Cut into ½ " thick slices. In a mixing bowl combine the fish with the fish sauce, turmeric, ginger, shallots, garlic, white pepper and 1 tbsp groundnut oil. Stir well until blended then cover and marinate in the fridge for 30 minutes.
4. Heat a wok over a high heat. Add the remaining groundnut oil and heat until smoking. Add the fish and stir fry for 2-3 minutes until golden on the outside and just cooked through. Remove from the heat and stir in the spring onions and half of the dill.
5. Divide the noodles between shallow bowls. Top them with the fish. Sprinkle with the peanuts and remaining herbs. Drizzle with a generous amount of Nuoc Cham and serve immedietely.