Vietnamese Mustard Green Soup with Shrimp Balls (Canh Cải Bẹ Xanh Nấu Tôm Bằm) is a comforting, home-style soup commonly served alongside steamed rice in Vietnamese households. Unlike noodle soups like phở, this soup focuses on vegetables and light protein, making it a perfect everyday side dish. The soup features Chinese mustard greens with a slightly bitter undertone balanced by a flavorful broth and springy shrimp balls for a wholesome, satisfying meal.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 300g Chinese Mustard Green (cải bẹ xanh), washed and chopped (substitute: turnip greens or spinach)

• 250g peeled and deveined shrimp

• 1 tablespoon tapioca starch (optional, for binding shrimp balls)

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon neutral oil (vegetable or similar)

• 6 cups water (or unsalted broth for richer flavor)

• 1 teaspoon fish sauce

• 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)

• ½ teaspoon sugar

• 1 teaspoon chicken or mushroom bouillon powder (optional)

• Freshly ground black pepper, to garnish

Directions

1. Prepare the shrimp by pounding or finely processing into a paste using a mortar and pestle or food processor (for springy texture). You can skip this step and use whole shrimp if preferred.

2. Heat oil in a thick-sided pot over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 10 seconds.

3. Pour in water (or broth) and bring to a boil.

4. Shape the shrimp paste into small balls using two spoons and drop them into the boiling water. Cook until shrimp balls float to the surface (fully cooked).

5. Add the chopped mustard greens to the pot.

6. Season with fish sauce, salt, sugar, and bouillon powder. Increase heat and bring the soup to a boil. Cook for 2-3 minutes to let flavors meld and the greens soften.

7. Transfer soup to a serving bowl, garnish with freshly ground black pepper, and serve hot with steamed rice and a main protein dish.

Nutritional Value

• Calories: ~120 kcal

• Protein: ~15 g (from shrimp)

• Fat: ~2 g (mostly from oil and shrimp)

• Carbohydrates: ~5 g (from mustard greens and small starch in shrimp balls)

• Fiber: ~2 g (from mustard greens)

• Sugar: ~1 g (natural sugars from vegetables)

• Sodium: ~600 mg (depends heavily on fish sauce and bouillon used)

A Focus on Fresh Vegetables and Simple Proteins

This soup highlights the versatility and nutritional benefits of Chinese mustard greens, known locally as cải bẹ xanh. These greens have a distinctive sharpness and slight bitterness that brings complexity to the broth, while also contributing important vitamins, minerals, and fiber. If Chinese mustard greens are unavailable, turnip greens or spinach serve as excellent substitutes that provide similar texture and mild flavor.

The shrimp balls offer a lean protein source, adding a delightful texture contrast to the soft greens. By finely pounding or processing the shrimp into a paste, the shrimp balls achieve a springy, tender bite that elevates the soup beyond a simple vegetable broth. This technique enhances mouthfeel and provides a satisfying protein element without overwhelming richness or heaviness.

Broth and Seasoning: The Heart of Flavor

The broth in this soup is simple yet flavorful, built from water or a light unsalted broth that can be enriched with chicken or mushroom bouillon powder for added depth. The use of fish sauce introduces a signature Vietnamese umami, balancing the bitterness of the mustard greens with a savory, slightly salty profile.

Seasoning the broth with salt and a small amount of sugar further rounds out the flavors, creating a harmonious balance that feels clean and refreshing. The addition of freshly ground black pepper just before serving lends a subtle heat and aroma that complements the soup’s delicate ingredients.

Cooking Techniques for Optimal Texture and Taste

The cooking process is straightforward, emphasizing freshness and speed. Sautéing minced garlic in oil at the beginning releases its fragrant aroma, which permeates the broth and enhances the overall flavor. Adding the shrimp balls to boiling water and cooking them until they float ensures they are fully cooked and maintain their tender texture.

Introducing the chopped mustard greens at the end preserves their bright color and slightly crunchy texture, preventing them from becoming overcooked and mushy. Allowing the soup to simmer just long enough to meld the flavors results in a light, refreshing broth that remains packed with the greens’ natural vibrancy.

Nutritional Benefits

This Vietnamese mustard green soup is low in calories—around 120 kcal per serving—making it an excellent choice for those seeking a light but nourishing dish. The shrimp provide approximately 15 grams of protein, essential for muscle repair and overall body function. The fat content is minimal, mostly coming from the small amount of oil used and the shrimp’s natural oils, keeping the dish heart-healthy.

Carbohydrates are low, sourced primarily from the mustard greens and a small amount of tapioca starch used optionally to bind the shrimp balls. The fiber content, contributed by the greens, supports digestive health and helps maintain satiety.

Sodium levels can vary depending on the amount of fish sauce and bouillon powder added, so it’s advisable to adjust these seasonings to personal dietary needs. Overall, this soup offers a balanced combination of nutrients that make it an excellent everyday choice for a light meal or accompaniment.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Vietnamese Mustard Green Soup with Shrimp Balls is typically served alongside steamed jasmine rice, which soaks up the flavorful broth and balances the meal with mild, comforting starch. It pairs well with a variety of main dishes such as grilled pork, fried fish, or tofu, creating a complete and harmonious Vietnamese meal.

For added freshness, serving the soup with a wedge of lime, sliced chili, or fresh herbs like cilantro or scallions can enhance the flavor and add vibrant notes. This makes the soup adaptable to different palates and allows diners to customize the experience according to their preferences.

Conclusion

Vietnamese Mustard Green Soup with Shrimp Balls is a beautifully simple dish that exemplifies the essence of Vietnamese home cooking—fresh ingredients, balanced flavors, and straightforward preparation. It offers a light, nourishing alternative to heavier soups while providing satisfying protein and a generous serving of greens.

Its comforting broth, vibrant mustard greens, and tender shrimp balls come together in a way that is both wholesome and delicious, perfect for everyday meals. Featuring this recipe on your website will introduce readers to an authentic, approachable Vietnamese soup that celebrates the harmony of vegetables and seafood in a healthy, flavorful dish.