The Cambodian Khmer Small Fish Stew Recipe is a straightforward and flavorful dish featuring a blend of small fish and vegetables in a well-seasoned broth. The stew’s broth has a slightly cloudy appearance, often golden or amber in colour, due to the Cambodian curry powder used.
The texture of the stew includes tender pieces of small fish, which are cooked until they are flaky and integrated into the broth. The vegetables—cabbage, Chinese cabbage, bok choy, sliced carrots, and green beans—are cut into chunks and cooked until they are soft but not mushy. These vegetables add a mix of textures to the stew, from the crispness of the green beans to the softness of the cabbage.
The Cambodian Khmer Small Fish Stew Recipe is flavoured with garlic and onion, which are sautéed in vegetable oil to form a base for the stew. The addition of chicken broth provides a rich, savoury foundation. Fish sauce and tamarind paste are used to season the broth, with sugar, salt, and pepper adjusted to taste.
Fresh cilantro is used as a garnish, adding a touch of colour and a fresh, slightly sharp flavour. The overall composition of the Cambodian Khmer Small Fish Stew Recipe includes a balance of tender fish, vegetables, and a flavourful broth, making it a complete and satisfying dish.
Ingredients For the Cambodian Khmer Small Fish Stew Recipe
Prawns
Coconut Milk
Red Curry Paste
Fish Sauce
Palm Sugar
Lemongrass
Galangal
Kaffir Lime Leaves
Garlic
Oil
Salt
Pepper
Steamed Rice
Cooking Instructions For the Cambodian Khmer Small Fish Stew Recipe
- Combine the red curry paste, fish sauce, palm sugar, coconut milk, galangal, kaffir lime leaves, garlic, oil, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl. Whisk in the lemongrass, galangal, kaffir lime leaves, fish sauce, and coconut milk.
- After preheating a big skillet or wok over medium heat, add the sauce. The sauce should thicken slightly after 2 to 3 minutes of cooking, stirring often.
- When the prawns are pink and fully cooked, add them to the wok and cook for two or three minutes per side.
- If you’d like, you can top with fresh cilantro before serving it over steaming rice.
How Do I Properly Use Prahok (Cambodian Fermented Fish Paste) in Home-Cooked Meals?
Prahok, a staple in Cambodian cooking, is a strong-smelling, fermented fish paste that adds a deep umami flavor to various dishes. Though its pungency can be intense, when used correctly, it brings a unique complexity to your meals.
To start, prahok is often used in small quantities due to its strong flavor. It can be added directly to dishes like stir-fries, soups, and stews to enhance the overall taste. For example, in traditional dishes such as Samlor Machu Kroeung (a Cambodian sour soup), prahok is blended into the broth to provide a savory balance to the tangy tamarind and lemongrass flavors.
For beginners, incorporating prahok into a sauce or marinade can be a more approachable method. Combine a small amount of prahok with ingredients like lime juice, garlic, and chili to make a dipping sauce for grilled meats or vegetables. This allows you to control its intensity while enjoying its distinctive taste.
If you’re cooking a stir-fry, like Prahok Ktis (stir-fried pork with prahok), sauté the prahok with aromatics such as garlic, shallots, and lemongrass to mellow its strong scent. The paste blends well with the richness of coconut milk, helping to balance its saltiness.
Remember, prahok is an acquired taste, so start with smaller amounts and adjust to your liking. Over time, it will become a key element in recreating the authentic flavors of Cambodian cuisine at home.
Essiential Ingredients for Cooking Cambodian Food at Home
To truly embrace the essence of Cambodian cuisine at home, it’s important to understand the essential ingredients that form the backbone of this vibrant cooking tradition. Cambodian dishes are all about balance — combining salty, sweet, sour, and bitter flavors in harmony. Below are the key ingredients that make this balance possible, along with how they are used in some traditional recipes.
One of the cornerstones of Cambodian cooking is fish sauce, a pungent yet indispensable condiment that adds saltiness and depth to a variety of dishes. Used much like salt in Western cooking, fish sauce enhances the flavors of soups, stir-fries, and marinades. In Samlor Machu Kroeung (a traditional sour soup), fish sauce is stirred into the broth to provide a rich, savory undertone that balances the sourness of tamarind. Fish sauce also makes its way into dipping sauces, commonly served alongside grilled meats.
Equally important in Cambodian cuisine is palm sugar, a natural sweetener that tempers the saltiness and acidity in many dishes. Extracted from sugar palm trees, this ingredient is used to balance bold flavors. For example, in Amok Trey, a steamed fish curry, palm sugar is mixed with coconut milk, fish sauce, and Kroeung (a Cambodian spice paste) to create a rich, well-rounded flavor profile that melds sweetness with a creamy base. Palm sugar is also essential in desserts like Num Plae Ai, sweet sticky rice balls stuffed with coconut and palm sugar filling.
Lemongrass is a fresh, citrusy herb that gives Cambodian food its distinct brightness. Typically bruised or finely chopped, lemongrass is a key component of Kroeung, a spice paste used in many soups and curries, like Samlor Korko. The herb’s aromatic oils are released when pounded, adding a zesty freshness that balances the heavier flavors of fish sauce and fermented pastes.
In addition to lemongrass, galangal plays a major role in creating Cambodian spice pastes. Although it resembles ginger, galangal has a more peppery, intense flavor that adds depth to dishes. Sliced or grated, it’s commonly used in curries like Samlor Kari (Cambodian red curry), where its sharp, earthy flavor balances out the richness of coconut milk.
Perhaps one of the most unique Cambodian ingredients is prahok, a fermented fish paste that is both divisive and essential. It has a strong, salty flavor and is often used sparingly to avoid overpowering dishes. Prahok is key in Prahok Ktis, a popular dish made by frying the paste with minced pork, coconut milk, and lemongrass, creating a savory, creamy dish that pairs well with fresh vegetables and rice.
Kaffir lime leaves are another aromatic that imparts a citrusy, fragrant note to Cambodian food. These leaves are typically torn or crushed and added to soups, stews, and curries, providing a bright, slightly floral flavor. In dishes like Samlor Machu Yuon (a Vietnamese-style sour soup), the kaffir lime leaves elevate the broth with their distinct aroma.
To create the sour component found in many Cambodian dishes, tamarind paste is often used. Tamarind adds a tangy flavor to soups, sauces, and even dipping condiments. For instance, in Samlor Machu Kroeung, tamarind is combined with lemongrass, prahok, and galangal to give the soup its signature sourness, balanced by the salty fish sauce.
Cambodian food is also known for its vibrant yellow hue in certain curries, thanks to turmeric. Fresh or powdered turmeric lends an earthy, slightly bitter flavor and a bright color to dishes like Amok Trey. The spice is often used in combination with lemongrass and galangal to create a robust curry paste.
Dried shrimp is another common ingredient that adds a concentrated, salty flavor to Cambodian salads, soups, and sauces. Ground or rehydrated, it is used in dishes like Bok L’hong (green papaya salad), where it enhances the dish with its umami notes, complementing the fresh vegetables and tangy dressing.
Finally, coconut milk is essential in many Cambodian curries and soups. Its rich, creamy texture tempers the heat from chili and the tang from tamarind, creating a smooth, luxurious base for dishes like Samlor Kari and Amok Trey. Coconut milk also plays a role in desserts, offering a sweet, creamy balance to ingredients like palm sugar and sticky rice.
These ingredients form the foundation of Cambodian cooking and are key to recreating its unique flavors at home. Whether you’re preparing a rich curry, a tangy soup, or a savory stir-fry, having these essentials on hand will help you achieve the complex, balanced taste that defines Cambodian cuisine.
10 Essential Ingredients to Have on Hand for Cooking Cambodian Food at Home
1. Fish Sauce – A fundamental ingredient in Cambodian cooking, fish sauce provides a salty, savory flavor. It’s commonly used in soups, stir-fries, marinades, and dipping sauces to enhance the overall taste of the dish.
2. Palm Sugar – This natural sugar is widely used in Cambodian cuisine for its rich, caramel-like sweetness. It’s key in balancing flavors in curries, sauces, and desserts, complementing the salty and tangy elements.
3. Lemongrass – Lemongrass is used for its bright, citrusy aroma and flavor. It’s typically bruised or chopped finely for use in soups, curries, and grilled dishes, adding a fresh, zesty note.
4. Galangal – Similar to ginger, galangal has a sharper, more peppery taste. It is often sliced or pounded and used in soups, stews, and curry pastes to give a distinct earthy flavor.
5. Prahok (Fermented Fish Paste) – Prahok is a potent, umami-rich paste made from fermented fish, used as a seasoning in soups, stews, and stir-fries. Its bold flavor defines many Cambodian dishes, adding depth and saltiness.
6. Kaffir Lime Leaves – These leaves are fragrant and citrusy, often torn or crushed and added to soups, curries, and stir-fries. They infuse a refreshing aroma and bright flavor into dishes.
7. Tamarind Paste – Tamarind adds a distinct sour note to Cambodian food. It’s often used in soups, dipping sauces, and marinades, providing a tangy contrast to sweet or salty ingredients.
8. Turmeric – Fresh or powdered, turmeric is used for its earthy flavor and vibrant yellow color. It’s essential in Cambodian curries, giving dishes a warm, slightly bitter undertone and a striking appearance.
9. Dried Shrimp – Dried shrimp offer a concentrated salty, umami flavor. They are typically ground or rehydrated and added to salads, soups, and dipping sauces to enhance the savory taste.
10. Coconut Milk – Coconut milk is used to create a creamy base for many Cambodian soups and curries. Its rich, mild flavor helps balance spicy and tangy elements, making it a must-have for traditional dishes.
FAQs for the Cambodian Khmer Small Fish Stew Recipe
Q: What ingredients are typically included in the Cambodian Khmer Small Fish Stew recipe with Shrimp?
A: The Cambodian Khmer Small Fish Stew recipe with Shrimp usually includes small fish, shrimp, and various vegetables such as tomatoes, eggplant, and green beans. The stew is flavoured with ingredients like fish sauce, lemongrass, and garlic for a rich and savory taste.
Q: Can I use different types of fish in the Cambodian Khmer Small Fish Stew recipe with Shrimp?
A: Yes, you can use different types of fish in the Cambodian Khmer Small Fish Stew recipe with Shrimp. While small fish is traditional, other types of fish can be substituted depending on availability and personal preference.
Q: Is the Cambodian Khmer Small Fish Stew recipe with Shrimp very spicy?
A: The Cambodian Khmer Small Fish Stew recipe with Shrimp can be mildly spicy, but you can adjust the heat level by modifying the amount of chili or hot spices used. The stew’s flavour is balanced with the rich broth and shrimp.
Q: How should I store leftovers of the Cambodian Khmer Small Fish Stew recipe with Shrimp?
A: To store leftovers of the Cambodian Khmer Small Fish Stew recipe with Shrimp, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate. The stew will remain fresh for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop to avoid overcooking the shrimp and fish.
Q: Can I prepare the Cambodian Khmer Small Fish Stew recipe with Shrimp in advance?
A: Yes, you can prepare the Cambodian Khmer Small Fish Stew recipe with Shrimp in advance. It often tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. Store it in the refrigerator and reheat before serving, ensuring that the shrimp and fish are heated thoroughly.
Samlor Kako Small Fish and Vegetables
Equipment
- Large saucepan or wok
- cutting board
- Knife
- Measuring Spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula
Ingredients
- 2 lbs small fish (such as tilapia), cleaned and scaled
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 2 cups water
- 2 potatoes, peeled and sliced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 2 tbsp chopped cilantro
- 2 tbsp chopped basil
Instructions
- In a large saucepan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Add the fish sauce, sugar, and water. Stir to combine and bring to a boil.
- Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5-7 minutes or until the sauce has thickened.
- Add the potatoes, carrots, cherry tomatoes, and small fish. Stir to combine and cook for an additional 10-12 minutes or until the vegetables are tender and the fish is cooked through.
- Serve hot, topped with the cilantro and basil.
