lauttimur.com - Bánh Canh is a delicious Vietnamese noodle soup dish that typically features thick, chewy noodles made from tapioca or a combination of rice and tapioca flour. The broth can be made with various proteins, such as shrimp, crab, pork, or chicken. Seafood Bánh Canh is a delightful variation of the traditional Vietnamese noodle soup, made with a flavorful broth and a mix of seafood. 

Ingredients:
For the broth:

• 1 lb shrimp (with shells, heads, and tails)
• 1 lb crab legs (cleaned and cracked)
• 1 onion (peeled and halved)
• 2-3 liters of water
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon sugar

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For the noodles:

• 1 lb Bánh Canh noodles (either fresh or dried)
• 1 tablespoon cooking oil

For the seafood and toppings:

• 1/2 lb squid (cleaned and sliced into rings)
• 1/2 lb fish fillets (such as catfish or mackerel, cut into chunks)
• Green onions (chopped)
• Cilantro (chopped)
• Fried shallots (for garnish)
• Fish sauce, hoisin sauce, and chili sauce (for serving)

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Instructions:

1. In a large pot, add the shrimp shells, heads, and tails, crab legs, onion, salt, and sugar. Cover with water and bring to a boil. Skim off any impurities that rise to the surface.
2. Reduce the heat to a simmer and let it cook for about 1-2 hours, periodically skimming the surface.
3. Strain the broth, discarding the solids. Return the strained broth to the pot.
4. If using dried Bánh Canh noodles, follow the package instructions to cook them until they're al dente. Drain and set aside.
5. If using fresh Bánh Canh noodles, briefly blanch them in boiling water, then drain and set aside.
6. Heat some oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the squid and cook for a few minutes until opaque. Remove from the pan and set aside.
7. In the same pan, cook the fish fillets until they're cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
8. Peel and devein the cooked shrimp, leaving a few wholes for garnish.
9. Reheat the strained seafood broth. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and sugar if needed.
10. To serve, place a portion of cooked Bánh Canh noodles in each bowl. Add a mix of cooked seafood on top, including shrimp, squid, and fish.
11. Ladle the hot seafood broth over the noodles and seafood.
12. Sprinkle chopped green onions and cilantro over the top.
13. Add a sprinkle of fried shallots for extra flavor and crunch.
14. Serve the Seafood Bánh Canh with fish sauce, hoisin sauce, and chili sauce on the side so each person can adjust the flavors according to their preference.

Enjoy your homemade Seafood Bánh Canh! Feel free to adjust the seafood selection and quantities based on your liking and availability.

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