Salt-roasted catfish boasts a vibrant golden hue, exuding a fragrant aroma that intertwines with pure white salt, creating a savory, slightly sweet flavor profile...
Sturgeon fish, inhabiting cold waters, is a boneless fish with only white cartilage and high nutritional content. Its firm, sweet flesh makes it highly favored for various dishes such as grilling, frying, steaming, hotpot, and congee... but perhaps its most memorable flavor is through salt-roasted preparation. Without the need for excessive seasoning, salt-roasted sturgeon captivates even the most discerning palates with its purity and robust saltiness, reminiscent of the sea encapsulated in each crispy, flavorful, succulent piece of fish.

Ingredients for salt-roasted sturgeon:
(Serving 4)
- Sturgeon fish: 250 grams fish body
- White salt: 500 grams
- Horn peppers: 1 - 2 fruits
- Fragrant herbs: mint, lettuce, basil... as desired
- Rice paper
How to make salt-crusted sturgeon:
Step 1: Prepare the ingredients
- Clean the fish thoroughly without removing scales, cut fins, and tail. Optionally, you can cut the fish into bite-sized pieces.
- If you purchase a whole live fish, use a knife to swiftly end its life by striking its head. Then, puncture the bloodline without removing fins, tail, or scales. Rinse the fish thoroughly, then cut off the head and tail for soup, reserving the middle portion for salted grilling.
- Wash and slice the chili peppers. Soak the fragrant herbs in a mild salt solution for about 20 minutes, then rinse with cold water until clean and drain.

Step 2: Sauté the Fish
- Place the fish on a sturdy aluminum tray or heat-resistant ceramic dish.
- Pour salt into a thick clay pot or heavy pot, use chopsticks to distribute it evenly, then place the fish tray inside and place the pot on the stove.
- Cover the pot (lining the lid with a layer of banana leaves if available), turn on low heat, and simmer for about 30 minutes until the fish is dried and cooked through.
Step 3: Prepare the Dipping Sauce
For salt-roasted sturgeon, you can dip it with sweet and sour fish sauce, fermented soybean dipping sauce, or regular chili salt.
- Prepare the sweet and sour dipping sauce: Finely chop 3 cloves of garlic, add to a bowl with finely chopped bird's eye chilies. Add 2 tablespoons of good fish sauce, 1 tablespoon of filtered water, ½ teaspoon of sugar, and 2 teaspoons of lime juice. Mix well and adjust seasoning to taste.

- Prepare the fermented soybean dipping sauce: In a bowl, mix 1 teaspoon of sugar, minced lemongrass, crushed peanuts, 2 tablespoons of good fish sauce, and 1 teaspoon of fermented soybean paste. Stir well and add water if necessary.

Arrange the fish on a plate, garnish with fresh herbs, and rice paper on the side for a visually pleasing presentation. Enjoy hot.
Salt-roasted sturgeon boasts a captivating golden color, with a slightly rugged surface and an enticing aroma. Thanks to its special salt-roasting method, the sturgeon is dry and crispy on the outside while retaining its tender, moist flesh with a rich, distinctive flavor. Enjoy it with fresh herbs, rice paper, and a dip of sweet and sour fish sauce for an irresistibly delicious experience.

In Hanoi, you don't have to go far to enjoy the delightful salt-roasted sturgeon at Phuong Nguyen - To Ngoc Van Restaurant. With 25 years of experience, Phuong Nguyen is a trusted establishment among Hanoians and first-time visitors alike, offering a wide range of delicious Vietnamese dishes. From appetizers like salads and light soups to mouthwatering main courses such as salted egg fried prawns, beef luc lac, honey grilled chicken, and delectable desserts like sweet soups, ice cream, and refreshing smoothies, every dish combines to create unforgettable dining moments.

Not only does the restaurant serve delicious cuisine, but it also takes diners on a journey across the tranquil waters to savor the essence of Vietnamese flavors aboard a true boat. Facing the scenic Quang Ba Lake in the front and the picturesque West Lake in the back, along with its unique boat-shaped architecture, Phuong Nguyen truly offers diners an intriguing experience that cannot be found elsewhere.

Quickly book a table via PasGo - the reputable and quality booking network - to receive special offers from Phuong Nguyen Restaurant.
Explore detailed information about Phuong Nguyen Restaurant here.
Curated by Thanh Mai - PasGo.vn
