Lẩu Thái
Lẩu & Canh • Việt Nam
Về Lẩu Thái (Thai-style Hotpot)
Spicy sour hotpot with seafood and mushrooms — Vietnam's most popular lẩu
How to Make Lẩu Thái (Thai-style Hotpot) (Traditional & Healthy Version)
Lẩu Thái, also known as Thai-style Hotpot, is a beloved Vietnamese communal soup that brings friends and family together around a simmering pot of aromatic broth. While its flavors are inspired by neighboring culinary traditions, Lẩu Thái has been wholeheartedly embraced and adapted in Vietnam, where it is a staple at gatherings and special occasions. The dish features a vibrant, spicy, and tangy soup base brimming with fresh seafood, lean meats, and a colorful array of vegetables, allowing everyone to customize their bowl with their favorite ingredients. What sets Lẩu Thái apart in Vietnam is its focus on freshness, balance, and the ritual of sharing—core elements of Vietnamese dining culture. The broth is infused with lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and chili, creating a fragrant and invigorating foundation. With its interactive, do-it-yourself style, Lẩu Thái fits perfectly into Vietnam’s tradition of group meals, where conversation flows as freely as the broth. This dish is not only delicious but also a joyful culinary experience, making it an excellent choice for health-conscious food lovers seeking authentic Vietnamese cuisine.
Ingredients(for 1 large bowl per person)
- 150g Shrimp (tôm) (peeled and deveined)
- 100g Squid (mực) (cleaned and sliced)
- 100g Firm tofu (đậu hũ) (cubed) - optional
- 100g Beef sirloin (thịt bò thăn) (thinly sliced)
- 100g Enoki mushrooms (nấm kim châm)
- 100g Baby bok choy (cải thìa nhỏ) (halved)
- 2 medium Tomatoes (quartered)
- 2 Lemongrass stalks (bruised and cut into 2-inch pieces)
- 4 Kaffir lime leaves (torn)
- 1 Fresh chili (sliced, adjust to taste) - optional
- 2 tablespoons Fish sauce (nước mắm)
- 1 liter Low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 Lime (cut into wedges)
- 2 tablespoons Fresh cilantro (chopped) - optional
Instructions
- 1
Prepare all seafood and meat by cleaning and slicing as directed. Arrange shrimp, squid, and beef on a platter for easy access.
5 minutes
Use a very sharp knife to slice beef thinly for quick cooking.
- 2
Wash and cut all vegetables and mushrooms. Halve the bok choy, quarter the tomatoes, and trim the enoki mushrooms.
3 minutes
Keep vegetables bite-sized for quick cooking and easy eating.
- 3
In a large pot, bring the low-sodium chicken broth to a boil. Add lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, tomatoes, and sliced chili. Simmer for 5 minutes to infuse flavors.
5 minutes
Bruising lemongrass helps release its fragrant oils.
- 4
Season the broth with fish sauce and a squeeze of lime juice. Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more fish sauce or lime as needed.
2 minutes
Balance salty, sour, and spicy flavors to your preference.
Why This Dish is Healthy
This Vietnamese hotpot is a healthy choice because it features a broth-based preparation, minimizing added fats while maximizing nutrients. The emphasis on fresh seafood, lean meats, and assorted vegetables ensures a high protein, low-calorie meal that keeps you full and satisfied. With its customizable nature, you can easily adapt Lẩu Thái to suit various dietary needs, making it perfect for weight management and balanced nutrition.
Lẩu Thái is packed with lean protein from seafood and beef, and loaded with fiber, vitamins, and minerals from a variety of fresh vegetables and mushrooms. The use of herbs like lemongrass and kaffir lime leaves adds antioxidants and essential oils. This soup is low in saturated fat, especially when made with lean cuts of meat and minimal oil. It provides vitamin C from tomatoes and lime, and B-vitamins from protein sources, making it a nourishing, balanced meal ideal for a healthy diet.
Pro Tips
- 💡Tip 1: Prepare all ingredients before starting to keep the meal interactive and stress-free.
- 💡Tip 2: Add seafood and leafy greens last to prevent overcooking.
- 💡Tip 3: Serve with a dipping sauce made from lime juice, fish sauce, and chopped chili for extra flavor.
Storage & Serving
Store leftover broth and cooked ingredients separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently before serving. Avoid freezing seafood for best texture.
Best served: Lunch
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Per 100g |
|---|---|
| Energy | 70.0 kcal |
| Protein | 6.0 g |
| Carbohydrates | 5.0 g |
| Total Fat | 3.0 g |
| Fiber | 1.0 g |
