Chả Cá Hà Nội (Turmeric Fish with Dill and Scallions)
Chả cá Hà Nội marinates fish with turmeric, galangal, and shrimp paste, then cooks it with abundant dill and scallions and serves it with vermicelli, peanuts, and mắm tôm.
Plan and shop
Save this recipe for real-life cooking
Build a local shopping list or place this recipe into a weekly meal plan. No account is required.
Illustrated cooking guide
Step-by-step visual method
A polished English infographic for the whole cooking flow, paired with the full written recipe below for detail and SEO.
Written method
Instructions
Read through once, then cook at your own pace with the illustrated guide above.
- 1
Marinate the fish with galangal, turmeric, shrimp paste, fish sauce, sugar, and oil for at least 1 hour.
- 2
Grill or broil the fish until nearly cooked and lightly charred.
- 3
Heat a skillet at the table or on the stove and add the fish with plenty of scallions and dill.
- 4
Sizzle just until the herbs wilt and the fish finishes cooking.
- 5
Serve with rice vermicelli, peanuts, fresh herbs, and whipped mắm tôm or nước chấm.
Cook notes
Tips
Make sure to let the fish marinate long enough for the flavors to develop.
Adjust the amount of dill based on your personal preference for its strong taste.
Cook smarter
Helpful notes
Practical storage, serving, swap, and troubleshooting notes for a better first try.
Storage Tips
- Store any leftover grilled fish in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Reheat grilled fish gently in the oven to prevent it from drying out.
Substitutions
- Use canola oil instead of vegetable oil for a milder flavor.
- Substitute soy sauce for fish sauce if you need a vegetarian option.
What to Serve With
- Steamed jasmine rice
- Crispy spring rolls
- Fresh vegetable salad
Common Mistakes
- Not allowing enough time for the fish to marinate, which can lead to less flavor.
- Flipping the fish too early on the grill can cause it to break apart.
Recipe FAQ
What type of fish works best for this recipe?
White fish fillets such as catfish or tilapia are recommended for their mild flavor and texture.
Can I use dried dill instead of fresh?
Fresh dill is preferred for its vibrant flavor, but you can use dried dill in half the quantity if necessary.
What can I serve with this dish?
Consider serving with rice vermicelli noodles or a side of steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Kitchen tools
Helpful Tools for This Recipe
A light, editable placeholder for future partner recommendations. No real affiliate links are enabled yet.
Rice cooker
Good for steady rice, grains, and meal-prep bowls.
Baking sheet
Useful for roasting, baking, broiling, and sheet-pan prep.
Blender
Helpful for smooth sauces, soups, marinades, and purees.
Chef knife
A basic prep tool for vegetables, herbs, aromatics, and proteins.
Cutting board
Keeps prep organized for chopping, slicing, and staging ingredients.
Some links may be affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate or partner, we may earn from qualifying purchases when enabled. Read the Affiliate Disclosure.
Cook along weekly
Want more illustrated recipes like Chả Cá Hà Nội (Turmeric Fish with Dill and Scallions)?
Join the World Recipe Letter for global home-cooking ideas and visual recipe guides.
Join the World Recipe Letter
Get 5 illustrated recipes every week.
No account needed. Unsubscribe when email delivery is connected.
Cook next
You might also like
More flavors from the same country or nearby pantry style.
Beef Pho
A fragrant noodle soup with spiced beef broth, rice noodles, herbs, lime, and thin beef.
Banh Mi Bowl
A rice bowl inspired by banh mi with pork, pickled vegetables, cucumber, herbs, and spicy mayo.
Lemongrass Chicken Rice Bowl
Juicy lemongrass chicken over rice with quick pickles, cucumber, herbs, and a bright fish sauce dressing.