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Vietnamese Sweet and Sour Soup

Irresistible Vietnamese Sweet and Sour Soup You’ll Love

This Vietnamese Sweet and Sour Soup combines shrimp, vibrant veggies, and a perfect balance of flavors.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4 bowls
Course: Soups
Cuisine: Vietnamese
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

For the Soup Base
  • 1 pound large shrimp peeled
  • 3 tablespoons fish sauce essential for flavor
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper freshly cracked
  • ½ cup avocado oil or any neutral oil
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • ¼ cup shallots sliced
  • 2 tablespoons tamarind paste star ingredient
  • 1 tablespoon rock sugar or brown sugar
  • 1 cube chicken bouillon omit for vegetarian
  • 1 teaspoon mushroom powder optional
  • 1 cup pineapple fresh or canned
  • 1 cup straw mushrooms canned or fresh
  • 1 cup bean sprouts or shredded cabbage
  • 1 cup bac ha (elephant ear stem) or okra
  • 2 medium tomatoes ripe and juicy
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste use sparingly
  • 3 quarts water for the base
For the Herbs and Spice
  • 1 bunch ngo om (rice paddy herb) or basil
  • 1 bunch basil fresh herbs
  • 1 bunch cilantro fresh herbs
  • 1 bunch culantro fresh herbs
  • 2 small Thai chili peppers omit for no heat

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Small saucepan
  • slotted spoon
  • cutting board
  • Knife

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions
  1. Begin by marinating the shrimp in a bowl with fish sauce and freshly cracked black pepper for 15-20 minutes.
  2. In a small saucepan, heat ½ cup of avocado oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until light golden brown, then remove and set aside.
  3. In a large pot, add ¼ cup of garlic-infused oil, heat, then add shallots and sauté until soft.
  4. Add marinated shrimp to the pot, stir briefly, then pour in broth ingredients including 3 quarts of water.
  5. Once boiling, reduce heat to low and let simmer for about 20 minutes.
  6. Before serving, stir in chopped herbs and fried garlic.

Nutrition

Serving: 1bowlCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 20gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 150mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 2gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Customize by adding your favorite vegetables or switching shrimp for tofu.

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