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
- 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
Step-by-step instructions
Step 1 · Soak the salted fish fillet in water for 20 minutes to reduce exces...
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.
Step 2 · Heat half the oil in a non-stick pan over medium heat
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.
Step 3 · In the same pan
In the same pan, add the remaining oil. Sauté minced garlic and shallot until softened and aromatic.
Step 4 · Add diced carrots and green peas
Add diced carrots and green peas. Stir-fry until vegetables are tender-crisp.
Step 5 · Push vegetables to the side
Push vegetables to the side. Pour in beaten eggs and scramble gently until just set.
Step 6 · Add the cooked rice to the pan
Add the cooked rice to the pan. Stir-fry thoroughly, breaking up any clumps, until the rice is hot and evenly mixed.
Step 7 · Return the fried salted fish to the pan
Return the fried salted fish to the pan. Season with soy sauce and black pepper. Toss in the sliced scallions and mix well. Stir-fry for another minute to combine flavors.
Step 8 · Serve hot
Serve hot, garnished with extra scallions or a squeeze of lime if desired.
Why this recipe 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.
A note on tradition
Cơm Chiên Cá Mặn is especially popular in Southern Vietnamese cities such as Ho Chi Minh City, where it’s a staple at casual family dinners and local eateries. This dish showcases the Vietnamese knack for transforming simple, readily available ingredients into flavorful meals. Traditionally, it’s enjoyed as a main course during everyday meals or special gatherings, embodying the spirit of Vietnamese hospitality and resourcefulness.