Vietnamese Fish with Herb Noodles

Inspired by the Vietnamese dish of Chả cá Lã Vọng this fresh and vibrant recipe is a sure fire hit. Sunshine yellow fish packed with flavour and accompanied by simple stir fried noodles and plenty of herbs. Traditionally rice noodles are used but I like the robustness of soba noodles instead.

I also deviate from tradition by using a mixture of mint and basil instead of the usual dill but I like the combination of these herbs, especially with chilli and garlic. I used cod as that's what I had to hand but you can use any white fish you like.

Vietnamese Fish with Herb Noodles
Serves 2

oil

1 tsp ground turmeric

2cm piece fresh ginger, grated

1 tsp honey

1 tbsp soy sauce

2 large white fish fillets, cut into chunks

50g soba noodles

2 tsp toasted sesame oil

1 red chilli, finely chopped

handful mint leaves, finely chopped

handful basil leaves, finely chopped

4 spring onions, sliced

2 garlic cloves, finely chopped

1 lime, juice only

2 tbsp roasted peanuts, roughly chopped

sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

Mix the turmeric, ginger, honey and soy sauce in a shallow bowl. Add the fish, toss to coat then set aside for 5-10 minutes.

Meanwhile, cook the noodles according to packet instructions. Drain then run a cold tap over them to stop the cooking process. Put into a bowl and drizzle over the sesame oil. Toss to coat then set aside.

Heat a drizzle of oil in a large frying pan over a high heat. Remove the fish from the marinade, keeping it for later and add the fish to the pan. Cook for 4 minutes on each side - do not move the fish around in the pan otherwise it will stick and fall apart. Make sure a crust has formed before flipping over. Remove to a plate and set aside.

Add a little more oil to the pan then add the spring onions, chilli and garlic. Stir fry for 30 seconds then add the noodles and most of the mint and basil. Toss together then pour over the reserved marinade. Squeeze over the lime juice, toss together again then divide between bowls.

Plate the fish alongside the noodles then sprinkle with the remaining herbs and chopped nuts.