Canh Chua Cá Hồi (Sweet and Sour Salmon Soup)

Method

1. 1

   Bring the water to a boil with the garlic and simmer 5 minutes to build a light base.

2. 2

   Add the tomato wedges and pineapple and simmer 5 minutes until the tomato starts breaking down.

3. 3

   Season with the fish sauce and sugar, then taste — it should hit sour, sweet and salty all at once before the fish goes in.

   💡 Adjust with more lime for sour or more sugar for sweet now; the balance is much harder to fix once the fish is in the pot.

4. 4

   Slide in the salmon chunks and simmer gently 6–7 minutes until just cooked through.

   💡 Don't stir once the fish is in — swirl the pot gently instead, or the chunks break apart.

5. 5

   Stir in the bean sprout and lime juice and take the pot off the heat immediately.

6. 6

   Ladle into bowls and finish with cilantro and sliced chili.