Authentic Vietnamese Bamboo Shoot Soup (Canh Mang Kho) Recipe

If you are exploring Vietnamese cuisine, especially kinds of soup, you cannot miss the iconic one with bamboo shoot, or “Canh Mang Kho.” This flavorful dish combines dried bamboo shoots with a rich broth made from pork or chicken, creating a comforting and aromatic soup. Whether it’s a festive meal or a simple family dinner, this dish brings a touch of Vietnam to your table. Let’s dive into its ingredients and the easy process to prepare it!

What is Canh Mang Kho?

Canh Mang Kho is a traditional Vietnamese soup made with dried bamboo shoots, known as mang kho. This dish is deeply rooted in Vietnamese culinary culture and often served during festive occasions like Lunar New Year (Tet) or family gatherings. The soup is typically made by simmering softened bamboo shoots with a rich and savory broth, usually prepared from pork bones, chicken, or duck. The result is a flavorful, aromatic soup that perfectly balances the earthy taste of bamboo with the natural sweetness of the broth.

What makes Canh Mang Kho special is its preparation process. The dried bamboo shoots must be soaked and boiled several times to remove their bitterness and achieve a tender texture. Once prepared, they are combined with meat and carefully seasoned to create a dish that is not only delicious but also deeply satisfying. This dish is a celebration of traditional Vietnamese flavors and an essential part of any special meal, bringing warmth and comfort to the table.

Ingredients for Canh Mang Kho

– Dried Bamboo Shoots (Mang Kho) – 200g

– Pork Bones or Chicken – 500g

– Shallots – 2 cloves, finely chopped

– Green Onions and Cilantro – A small bunch

– Fish Sauce – 2 tablespoons

– Salt – 1 teaspoon

– Sugar – 1 teaspoon

– Ground Pepper – 1/2 teaspoon

Step-by-Step Process to Make Canh Mang Kho

Step 1: Prepare the Bamboo Shoots

1. Rinse thoroughly: Wash the dried bamboo shoots (mang kho) under running water to remove any dirt or impurities.
2. Soak overnight: Place the bamboo shoots in a bowl of warm water and soak them for 8-12 hours or overnight until they are soft.
   • Tip: Change the water at least once during soaking to help soften the shoots faster.
3. Boil to remove bitterness:
   • Drain the soaked bamboo shoots and boil them in fresh water for 20-30 minutes.
   • Repeat this process 2-3 times, each time with fresh water, to ensure the shoots are tender and their bitterness is removed.

4. Shred into strips: Once softened, rinse the bamboo shoots in cold water, drain, and tear them into thin, bite-sized strips.

Step 2: Prepare the Meat and Broth

1. Blanch the meat:
   • If using pork bones, chicken, or duck, blanch them in boiling water for 3 minutes to remove impurities.
   • Rinse with cold water and set aside.
2. Make the broth:
   • In a large pot, add 2 liters of water and the prepared meat.
   • Bring to a boil, then lower the heat to simmer gently.
   • Skim off any foam that rises to the surface to keep the broth clear.
   • Add a pinch of salt and simmer for 40-60 minutes to extract the meat’s natural sweetness.

Step 3: Cook the Bamboo Shoots

• Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a pan over medium heat.
• Add chopped shallots and stir until fragrant.
• Add the shredded bamboo shoots, season with a pinch of salt and sugar, and stir-fry for 5-7 minutes to infuse the flavors.

Step 4: Combine and Simmer

1. Add bamboo shoots to the broth:
   • Transfer the sautéed bamboo shoots into the pot of broth.
   • Stir gently to combine.
2. Simmer together:
   • Let the soup simmer on low heat for an additional 20 minutes to allow the bamboo shoots to absorb the flavors.
3. Season to taste:
   • Add fish sauce, ground pepper, and adjust salt and sugar as needed for a balanced flavor.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Why Try This Soup?

– Authentic Vietnamese Flavor

This soup captures the essence of Vietnamese cuisine, with its combination of tender bamboo shoots (mang kho) and a rich, savory broth. It’s a dish that showcases the depth of flavor and simplicity that Vietnamese cooking is known for, making it perfect for anyone looking to experience authentic tastes from Vietnam.

– Nutritious and Healthy

Bamboo shoots are packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making them a healthy addition to your meal. When combined with a protein-rich broth made from pork, chicken, or duck, this soup provides a balanced dish that’s both wholesome and delicious.

– Gather Family together

Cooking Canh Mang Kho is more than just preparing a delicious dish—it is a cherished tradition that symbolizes family reunion and togetherness in Vietnamese culture. This soup is often served during festive occasions like Tet (Vietnamese Lunar New Year), where families gather to celebrate and share special moments.

– A Perfect Balance of Flavors

Soup with bamboo shoots typically has a light and subtle flavor profile, characterized by its gentle sweetness that lingers pleasantly on the palate. This harmonious taste creates a perfect balance, complementing and softening the richer or spicier flavors of other dishes in the meal. It acts as a refreshing counterpoint, enhancing the overall dining experience by adding a touch of simplicity and elegance to the table.

– Budget-Friendly Dish

All the ingredients needed to prepare a delicious pot of bamboo shoot soup are easy to find and readily available. You can purchase them at local markets or grocery stores, often at very affordable prices. This makes the dish not only accessible but also budget-friendly for everyone.

Conclusion

Vietnamese soup with bamboo shoot (Canh Mang Kho) is a perfect dish to showcase the simplicity and depth of Vietnam’s culinary tradition. With its tender bamboo shoots and flavorful broth, this dish is a comforting reminder of home-cooked meals and festive gatherings. Whether you’re an experienced cook or trying Vietnamese cuisine for the first time, this recipe is easy to follow and guarantees delicious results.Are you ready to try making soup with bamboo shoot at home? Gather your ingredients, follow the simple process, and enjoy a taste of Vietnam in every spoonful. Don’t forget to share your creation with us at VNIFood or tag us on social media to inspire others to explore this amazing dish!