how to cook pangasius
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Pangasius fish hot pot

Hot pot is a popular dish in many Asian countries, known for its communal dining experience and flavorful broths. One variation of hot pot in Vietnam based on a local ingredient, Pangasius fish, has been enjoyed by almost Vietnamese people, especially in the South. Pangasius, also known as basa fish, is a type of freshwater fish that is widely consumed for its delicate flavor and tender flesh. When combined with a variety of fresh vegetables and aromatic spices, it creates a delicious meal that is perfect for gatherings or cozy nights at home.

how to cook pangasius

Pangasius fish hot pot is not only delicious but also nutritious. Pangasius fish is a good source of lean protein, low in fat, and rich in omega-3 fatty acids. The assortment of vegetables provides vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber, contributing to a well-balanced and wholesome meal.

Ingredients

To prepare a pangasius fish hot pot, you will need the following ingredients (to refer an exact amount of each ingredient, check the recipe at the end of the post). In this recipe, I choose only globally popular ingredients, as some Vietnamese vegetables or spices are extremely difficult to buy abroad.

pangasius hot pot
Main ingredients of pangasius fish hotpot

– Pangasius fillets, cut into bite-sized pieces

– Tomatoes, chopped

– Pineapple , chopped

– Spices: Chili, shallots, garlic, ginger, green onions, lemongrass (if available)

– 1/2 teaspoon salt

– 1/4 cup sugar

– 1 teaspoon lemon juice or 1/2 tsp tamarind paste

– Lettuces (optional)

Cooking Pangasius Fish Hot Pot

Cooking hotpot is not a challenge. With several steps, you can totally make it at home within only 30-40 minutes.

1. Unfreeze the pangasius fillets: Start by rinsing the pangasius fillets with tap water. Then, let them thaw in the refrigerator. Once they are thawed, pat them dry with a paper towel. Season the fillets with spices such as garlic, shallot, ginger, pepper, and chili according to your taste preferences.

2. Prepare the broth: In a pot, stir-fry minced garlic, minced shallot, and chopped lemongrass (if available) with cashew kernel oil or any other cooking oil you have on hand (such as sunflower, canola, or peanut oil). Stir-fry the ingredients until an aromatic smell spreads. Next, add half of the chopped tomatoes and pineapples to the pot and continue to stir-fry until they become soft.

cook pangasius hot pot

3. Add water and seasonings: Pour water into the pot, adjusting the taste by adding salt, sugar, and lemon juice or tamarind juice. Then, add the remaining tomatoes and pineapples to the pot. Bring the broth to a boil.

4. Cook pangasius fillet: Once the broth is boiling, add the seasoned pangasius fillets to the pot. Allow the pot to come to a boil again, ensuring that the fish is thoroughly cooked. At this point, the pangasius fish hot pot is ready to be enjoyed.

How to boil dry rice noodle

To accompany your pangasius fish hot pot, you can serve it with rice noodles. Here’s how you can make rice noodles from dry rice noodles:

1. Boil the rice noodles: In a saucepan, add water and heat it up over high heat. Once the water reaches a boil, add the dry rice noodles to the pan along with a little bit of salt and oil. Cook the rice noodles for about 15-20 minutes or until they reach your desired doneness.

2. Drain and rinse: Once the rice noodles are cooked, turn off the heat and drain them. Rinse the cooked noodles under cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent them from sticking together.

boil dry noodle

Serving the Hot Pot

To ensure that your pangasius hot pot remains hot (that’s why there are “hot” in “hot pot”), use a portable stove to keep it heated. You can also gradually add the pangasius fillet into the pot while eat, instead of pouring all of it at once. This helps to maintain the optimal temperature and freshness of the fish and vegetables.

serving pangasius hot pot

When serving the pangasius fish hot pot, you can arrange a variety of accompanying ingredients on the table. Lettuces can be provided as a fresh and crunchy addition to the hot pot.

Additionally, you can offer various dipping sauces and condiments to enhance the flavors of the pangasius hot pot. Traditional options include soy sauce, chili sauce or  fish sauce. These condiments can be customized according to personal preferences, allowing each individual to create their own unique dipping sauce.

Not only hotpot, there are multiple methods to cook pangasius, from frying, baking to steaming. Explore more to enrich your cooking dictionary!

More Pangasius Fish Recipes

As a Vietnamese, I learned many interesting recipes for Pangasius Fish from my mom and my friends, and also created some on my own. Beside baking, you can try:

how to cook pangasius

Pangasius fish hot pot

Yield: 2
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

In this recipe, I choose only globally popular ingredients, as some Vietnamese vegetables or spices are extremely difficult to buy abroad.

Ingredients

  • 2 pangasius fillets, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tomatoes, chopped
  • 1/4 pineapple , chopped
  • Seasoning (suggested): 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 cup sugar, 1 teaspoon lemon juice or 1/2 tsp tamarind paste
  • Lettuces (optional)
  • Sashew kernel oil (if any), or another types of oil

Spices

  • 1-2 chilies
  • 2 shallots
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • 5-7 slices of ginger
  • Green onions
  • 1 stalk of lemongrass (if available)

Instructions

Making Pangasius Fish Hotpot

  • 1. Unfreeze the pangasius fillets: Start by rinsing the pangasius fillets with tap water. Then, let them thaw in the refrigerator. Once they are thawed, pat them dry with a paper towel. Season the fillets with spices such as garlic, shallot, ginger, pepper, and chili according to your taste preferences.
  • 2. Prepare the broth: In a pot, stir-fry minced garlic, minced shallot, and chopped lemongrass (if available) with cashew kernel oil or any other cooking oil you have on hand (such as sunflower, canola, or peanut oil). Stir-fry the ingredients until an aromatic smell spreads. Next, add half of the chopped tomatoes and pineapples to the pot and continue to stir-fry until they become soft.
  • 3. Add water and seasonings: Pour water into the pot, adjusting the taste by adding salt, sugar, and lemon juice or tamarind juice. Then, add the remaining tomatoes and pineapples to the pot. Bring the broth to a boil.
  • 4. Cook pangasius fillet: Once the broth is boiling, add the seasoned pangasius fillets to the pot. Allow the pot to come to a boil again, ensuring that the fish is thoroughly cooked. At this point, the pangasius fish hot pot is ready to be enjoyed.

How to boil dry rice noodle

To accompany your pangasius fish hot pot, you can serve it with rice noodles. Here's how you can make rice noodles from dry rice noodles:

  • 1. Boil the rice noodles: In a saucepan, add water and heat it up over high heat. Once the water reaches a boil, add the dry rice noodles to the pan along with a little bit of salt and oil. Cook the rice noodles for about 15-20 minutes or until they reach your desired doneness.
  • 2. Drain and rinse: Once the rice noodles are cooked, turn off the heat and drain them. Rinse the cooked noodles under cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent them from sticking together.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 2 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 350

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