Grilled Catfish With Noodles (Cha Ca) Recipe

Name: Grilled Catfish With Noodles (Cha Ca)
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1/3 cup minced shallots; 3 tablespoons Asian fish sauce (nuoc mam or nam pla); 1 tablespoon red or yellow curry powder (see notes); 1 1/2 teaspoons ground ginger; 1 teaspoon ground turmeric; 1/2 teaspoon cayenne; 2 cloves garlic, peeled and pressed or minced; 6 boned, skinned catfish or tilapia fillets (about 6 oz. each); About 2 tablespoons salad oil; 4 cups bite-size pieces iceberg lettuce (8 oz.), rinsed and crisped; 3 cups bean sprouts (6 to 8 oz.), rinsed; 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves, rinsed; 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves, rinsed; 1/2 cup chopped roasted, salted peanuts; 1/3 cup thinly sliced green onions (including tops); 1/2 cup chopped fresh dill

Servings: persons

1/3 cup minced shallots
3 tablespoons Asian fish sauce (nuoc mam or nam pla)
1 tablespoon red or yellow curry powder (see notes)
1 1/2 teaspoons ground ginger
1 teaspoon ground turmeric
1/2 teaspoon cayenne
2 cloves garlic, peeled and pressed or minced
6 boned, skinned catfish or tilapia fillets (about 6 oz. each)
About 2 tablespoons salad oil
4 cups bite-size pieces iceberg lettuce (8 oz.), rinsed and crisped
3 cups bean sprouts (6 to 8 oz.), rinsed
1/2 cup fresh mint leaves, rinsed
1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves, rinsed
1/2 cup chopped roasted, salted peanuts
1/3 cup thinly sliced green onions (including tops)
1/2 cup chopped fresh dill

1
In a small bowl, mix minced shallots, fish sauce, curry powder, ginger, turmeric, cayenne, and garlic. Rinse fish and pat dry. Rub shallot mixture all over fillets and stack in a bowl. Cover and chill 30 minutes or up to 1 day.
2
Brush both sides of fillets lightly with oil. Place fish on a grill 4 to 6 inches above a solid bed of hot coals or over high heat on a gas grill (you can hold your hand at grill level only 2 to 3 seconds); cover gas grill. Cook fish, turning once, until barely opaque but still moist-looking in center of thickest part (cut to test), 4 to 8 minutes total. Serve hot or cool.
3
Meanwhile, divide lettuce, bean sprouts, mint, and cilantro among six deep, wide bowls. Mound noodles equally over vegetables and herbs.
4
Lay a grilled fish fillet on each mound of noodles. Sprinkle peanuts, green onions, dill, and Fried Shallots equally over the top. Serve with Vietnamese Dipping Sauce to drizzle over portions to taste.

131

kcal

Calories

Fat

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Feel free to swap in similar ingredients you already have on hand and adjust seasoning to taste.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 16 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 1/3 cup minced shallots, 3 tablespoons Asian fish sauce (nuoc mam or nam pla), 1 tablespoon red or yellow curry powder (see notes), 1 1/2 teaspoons ground ginger, and more.

Yes, Grilled Catfish With Noodles (Cha Ca) falls under the Seafood category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently before serving.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

Grilled Catfish With Noodles (Cha Ca)

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions