Khmer Lemony Fish Soup

Name: Khmer Lemony Fish Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 1
Ingredients: 2 lbs (900 gram) of whole fresh basa, catfish or snakehead fish, cleaned and cut chunks; 2 tablespoons of uncooked Jasmine rice, rinsed and drained; 1 fresh or frozen lemon grass stalk, cut 5 inches in length and tied to bunches; 4 cups of water; 1/2 tablespoon of sugar; 1 tablespoon of fish sauce; 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper; 2 stalks of green onion, chopped; 2 chopped hot chili pepper (option); 1/2 cup of chopped mix herbs of sweet basil (chee korhom), and Asian coriander ( chee xanghum); 1 fresh lime or lemon, sliced

November 6, 2022 Cambodian Chef

Khmer Lemony Fish Soup offers a delightful taste of authentic Khmer country food, featuring chunks of fresh water fish infused with the fragrant essence of lemongrass, rice, and aromatic herbs. This simple yet incredibly tasty recipe embodies the warmth and comfort of home.

To prepare this dish, whole fresh basa, catfish, or snakehead fish is cleaned and cut into chunks. Uncooked Jasmine rice is rinsed and drained, while a fresh or frozen lemongrass stalk is cut into 5-inch lengths and tied into bunches. These ingredients, along with water, are combined in a large soup pot and cooked until the rice becomes tender. Stirring the mixture often ensures even cooking.

The soup is then seasoned with sugar, fish sauce, and black pepper, creating a harmonious blend of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors. Chopped green onions, optional hot chili peppers, and a mixture of sweet basil and Asian coriander are added as garnish, enhancing the dish with vibrant colors and fresh herbal notes.

Khmer Lemony Fish Soup is best served hot with rice. For an extra burst of citrusy freshness, a squeeze of fresh lime or lemon juice can be added to the soup just before serving. This delightful recipe not only brings a smile to the face but also captures the essence of Khmer home cooking with its simplicity and robust flavors.

Ingredients

2 lbs (900 gram) of whole fresh basa, catfish or snakehead fish, cleaned and cut chunks
2 tablespoons of uncooked Jasmine rice, rinsed and drained
1 fresh or frozen lemon grass stalk, cut 5 inches in length and tied to bunches
4 cups of water
1/2 tablespoon of sugar
1 tablespoon of fish sauce
1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
2 stalks of green onion, chopped
2 chopped hot chili pepper (option)
1/2 cup of chopped mix herbs of sweet basil (chee korhom), and Asian coriander ( chee xanghum)
1 fresh lime or lemon, sliced

Directions to make Khmer Lemony Fish Soup

Put fish, rice, lemon grass and water in a large soup pot and cook till rice tender, stirs often.
Seasoning with sugar, fish sauce and black pepper.
Top with green onion, chili pepper and mix herbs.
Serve hot with rice.
Add fresh squeezes lime juice(to your taste) to soup when eat.

Serve with hot rice

Enjoy it