Ingredients Breakdown
The ingredients for Bánh Canh Tôm are simple and easy to find at your local grocery store or Asian market. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Broth:
- 6 cups of water or chicken stock: The base of any good soup is its broth, and using chicken stock will give the soup a rich and savory flavor. You can also use a seafood-based broth for an even deeper taste.
- 1 pound of shrimp (peeled and deveined): The star of the dish, shrimp adds sweetness and flavor to the broth. If possible, use fresh shrimp, but frozen shrimp will work just fine.
- 2-3 cloves of garlic (minced): Garlic is a key ingredient in Vietnamese cooking, giving the broth an aromatic foundation.
- 1 small onion (sliced): Onion adds depth and sweetness to the broth, balancing out the savory flavors.
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce: This adds umami and authentic Vietnamese flavor. Fish sauce is a staple in many Vietnamese soups.
- 1 teaspoon sugar: A small amount of sugar balances the saltiness of the fish sauce and brings out the natural sweetness of the shrimp.
- Salt and pepper to taste: These basic seasonings are crucial for adjusting the flavor to your liking.
- 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil: This will be used to sauté the garlic and onions, helping to develop their flavors.
For the Noodles and Garnish:
- 1 package of udon noodles (around 14 oz): Udon noodles are thick and chewy, perfect for soaking up the broth. You can find them fresh, frozen, or dried.
- Chopped green onions (scallions): Green onions add a fresh, herbal note and a bit of color to the dish.
- Cilantro: This herb adds brightness and freshness to the soup. You can adjust the amount based on your personal preference.
- Fried shallots (optional): These add a crispy texture and a sweet, nutty flavor.
- Lime wedges: A squeeze of lime at the end adds acidity and a fresh zing to the soup.
- Chili slices (optional): If you like a bit of heat, chili slices are a great addition to the soup.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Udon Noodle Soup with Shrimp (Bánh Canh Tôm)
Step 1: Preparing the Broth
The key to a great noodle soup is a well-made broth. This broth, infused with shrimp flavor, will be the foundation of your Bánh Canh Tôm.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Start by heating 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sliced onions and sauté for about 3-5 minutes, or until they become fragrant and the onions are translucent.
- Add the Shrimp Shells (Optional but Recommended): If you peeled the shrimp yourself, save the shells and heads. Add these to the pot after the garlic and onions have softened. This step is optional but highly recommended as the shrimp shells will intensify the seafood flavor in the broth. Sauté the shells for 2-3 minutes, pressing them down with a spoon to release their flavor.
- Add Water or Stock: Pour in 6 cups of water or chicken stock. If you used shrimp shells, allow them to simmer in the broth for 10-15 minutes to extract as much flavor as possible.
- Season the Broth: Add 1 tablespoon of fish sauce, 1 teaspoon of sugar, and some salt and pepper to taste. Simmer the broth for another 10-15 minutes.
- Strain the Broth: If you used shrimp shells, now is the time to strain them out. Use a fine-mesh strainer to remove the shells and discard them. What remains is a clear, flavorful shrimp broth.
Step 2: Cooking the Shrimp
Now that the broth is ready, it’s time to cook the shrimp. You want the shrimp to be tender and flavorful without overcooking them.
- Cook the Shrimp: Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the simmering broth. Cook them for about 2-3 minutes, or until they turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook them, as shrimp can become rubbery if cooked for too long.
- Remove the Shrimp: Once the shrimp are done, use a slotted spoon to remove them from the broth and set them aside. This will prevent them from continuing to cook in the hot liquid.
Step 3: Preparing the Noodles
Udon noodles are the perfect match for the rich, savory broth in Bánh Canh Tôm. These thick noodles hold up well in the soup and offer a satisfying bite.
- Cook the Udon Noodles: If you are using dried or frozen udon noodles, cook them according to the package instructions. Fresh udon noodles only need to be briefly boiled for 2-3 minutes. Be sure to drain and rinse the noodles under cold water after cooking to remove excess starch and keep them from sticking together.
- Set the Noodles Aside: Once the noodles are cooked, set them aside. You can toss them lightly with a bit of oil to prevent sticking.
Step 4: Assembling the Soup
Now that the broth, shrimp, and noodles are ready, it’s time to bring everything together.
- Divide the Noodles: Place a serving of cooked udon noodles into each bowl.
- Add the Shrimp: Top the noodles with the cooked shrimp. You can arrange them neatly for a beautiful presentation or simply scatter them over the noodles.
- Ladle in the Broth: Carefully ladle the hot shrimp broth over the noodles and shrimp. Be generous with the broth, as it’s the heart of the dish.
- Garnish the Soup: Garnish the soup with chopped green onions, cilantro, fried shallots (if using), and a few slices of chili for some heat. Add a lime wedge to the side of the bowl for squeezing over the soup just before eating.
Additional Tips for Perfect Bánh Canh Tôm
- Broth Enhancement: If you want to add more complexity to the broth, you can include a few slices of ginger or lemongrass while it’s simmering. These ingredients will bring out additional layers of flavor.
- Seafood Variation: If you love seafood, you can add other types of seafood like squid, fish, or scallops. Just be sure to adjust the cooking times, as different seafood items cook at different rates.
- Vegetarian Version: For a vegetarian option, substitute the shrimp with tofu and use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock. Add some mushrooms or bok choy for extra texture and flavor.
Why Bánh Canh Tôm is a Great Dish
Bánh Canh Tôm is not just another noodle soup; it’s a perfect balance of flavors and textures. The thick udon noodles have a satisfying chewiness, while the shrimp provides a sweet and delicate flavor. The broth is light yet savory, enriched by the fish sauce and the natural sweetness of the shrimp.
This dish is ideal for any occasion, whether you’re serving it as a light lunch or a comforting dinner. It’s also quite versatile—you can easily adjust the ingredients and seasonings to suit your personal taste.
Final Thoughts
Making Udon Noodle Soup with Shrimp (Bánh Canh Tôm) at home is both simple and rewarding. With fresh shrimp, savory broth, and chewy udon noodles, this dish brings comfort and flavor in every bowl. The step-by-step guide above ensures that even if you’re new to Vietnamese cooking, you can still enjoy the authentic taste of this beloved dish right in your kitchen.
Experiment with the recipe, and don’t be afraid to add your own twist! Whether you prefer extra spices, more herbs, or a combination of seafood, Bánh Canh Tôm can be customized to fit your cravings. Now that you know how to make it, you’re ready to impress your family and friends with this delicious and heartwarming noodle soup.
Here are some delicious food and drinks to try when ordering from PHO restaurants in Toronto:
House Special Beef Noodle Soup (Phở Đặc Biệt)
Udon Noodle Soup with Crab Meat (Bánh Canh Cua)
House Special Beef Noodle Soup (Phở Đặc Biệt)
Chicken Noodle Soup (Phờ Gà CHAY)
Rice Noodle Soup with Vegetable and Tofu. (Phở CHAY)
Spicy Rice Noodle Soup with Beef and Tofu (Bún Huế CHAY)
Pork and Shrimp Roll (Gỏi Cuốn Tôm Thịt)
