Cơm Chiên Cá Mặn
Cơm • Việt Nam
Về Cơm Chiên Cá Mặn
Salted fish fried rice — simple wok-fried comfort food
How to Make Cơm Chiên Cá Mặn (Traditional & Healthy Version)
Cơm Chiên Cá Mặn, or Vietnamese Salted Fish Fried Rice, is a beloved comfort dish deeply rooted in Vietnamese culinary tradition. Celebrated for its savory umami flavors, this rice dish features the unique taste of salted fish, which is stir-fried with fragrant jasmine rice, eggs, crisp vegetables, and aromatic scallions. The interplay of lightly crisped rice, tender chunks of fish, and fresh vegetables creates a harmonious balance that is both satisfying and memorable. Originating from Southern Vietnam, Cơm Chiên Cá Mặn is often enjoyed in family gatherings or at local eateries, highlighting the Vietnamese appreciation for resourceful cooking. The dish’s robust and savory profile pairs beautifully with its simplicity, making it a favorite among locals and visitors alike. For those seeking a nutritious meal that doesn’t compromise on authentic taste, this healthy version of Cơm Chiên Cá Mặn offers all the traditional goodness with less oil and more wholesome ingredients, making it perfect for modern, health-conscious home cooks.
Ingredients(for 1 medium bowl per person)
- 2 cups Cooked jasmine rice (Use day-old rice for best texture)
- 50 grams Salted fish fillet (cá mặn) (Soaked, rinsed, and flaked)
- 2 Eggs (Lightly beaten)
- 1/2 medium Carrot (Finely diced)
- 1/3 cup Green peas (Fresh or frozen)
- 2 stalks Scallions (Sliced)
- 2 cloves Garlic (Minced)
- 1 small Shallot (Minced)
- 1 tablespoon Light soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Cooking oil (Preferably canola or rice bran oil)
- 1/4 teaspoon Freshly ground black pepper - optional
Instructions
- 1
Soak the salted fish fillet in water for 20 minutes to reduce excess salt. Rinse well, pat dry, and flake the fillet into small pieces.
5 minutes
Soaking ensures the fish isn't overly salty while retaining its signature flavor.
- 2
Heat half the oil in a non-stick pan over medium heat. Add the flaked salted fish and fry until golden and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. Remove and set aside.
3 minutes
Crisping the fish intensifies its aroma and taste.
- 3
In the same pan, add the remaining oil. Sauté minced garlic and shallot until softened and aromatic.
2 minutes
Stir constantly to prevent burning and bring out sweet undertones.
- 4
Add diced carrots and green peas. Stir-fry until vegetables are tender-crisp.
3 minutes
Keep vegetables slightly crunchy for color and nutrition.
Why This Dish is Healthy
By using less oil, adding extra vegetables, and controlling the sodium content through soaking the salted fish, this version of Cơm Chiên Cá Mặn fits well into calorie-conscious and heart-healthy diets. The variety of ingredients offers a mix of macronutrients and micronutrients, making this Vietnamese fried rice not just delicious but also nutritionally complete for a main meal.
This healthy Cơm Chiên Cá Mặn is a balanced dish with good amounts of protein from eggs and fish, complex carbohydrates from jasmine rice, and dietary fiber plus essential vitamins from vegetables like carrots and peas. Salted fish provides omega-3 fatty acids and minerals such as calcium and phosphorus, while using minimal oil keeps saturated fat low. The dish is also rich in B vitamins and antioxidants, supporting energy metabolism and overall wellbeing.
Pro Tips
- 💡For best texture, always use day-old, refrigerated rice.
- 💡Soak salted fish thoroughly to control saltiness without losing flavor.
- 💡Stir-fry quickly over medium-high heat to keep vegetables crisp and rice grains separate.
Storage & Serving
Store leftover Cơm Chiên Cá Mặn in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a non-stick pan or microwave until hot, adding a splash of water if the rice seems dry.
Best served: Lunch
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Per 100g |
|---|---|
| Energy | 175.0 kcal |
| Protein | 9.0 g |
| Carbohydrates | 24.0 g |
| Total Fat | 5.0 g |
| Fiber | 0.0 g |
