How to catch a 100kg carp, make banh chung, cook porridge, and take my daughter to school

How to catch a 100kg carp, make banh chung, cook porridge, and take my daughter to school is a easy Vietnamese recipe that serves 1. 1800 calories per serving. Recipe by Wilderness Harvest on YouTube.

Prep: 20 min | Cook: PT0M | Total: 30 min

Cost: $13.50 total, $13.50 per serving

Ingredients

  • 1 piece River Fish (whole) (fresh, about 1.5 kg, gutted and scaled)
  • 2 cups Ice (crushed, for keeping fish cold during transport)
  • 1 liter Cold Water (for rinsing the fish)

Instructions

  1. Rinse and Scale the Fish

    Place the whole fish in a large bowl of cold water and use the sharp knife to gently scrape off any remaining scales, working from tail to head.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Gut and Clean the Cavity

    Make a shallow incision along the belly, remove the innards, and rinse the cavity thoroughly, ensuring no blood or organs remain.

    Time: PT7M

  3. Pat Dry and Chill

    Pat the fish dry with a clean kitchen towel, then place it on a tray lined with crushed ice to keep it cold.

    Time: PT3M

  4. Transport to Market

    Place the iced fish into an ice box or cooler, add extra crushed ice, and walk to the Tet market promptly.

    Time: PT5M

  5. Final Clean‑up

    Wash the knife, cutting board, and bowl with hot, soapy water; sanitize with a food‑safe sanitizer.

    Time: PT10M

    Temperature: 60°C

Nutrition Facts

Calories
1800
Protein
200 g
Carbohydrates
0 g
Fat
100 g
Fiber
0 g

Dietary info: Pescatarian, Gluten-Free

Allergens: Fish

Last updated: April 20, 2026

Amazon Associates

Amazon Associates PartnerTrusted

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases made through links on this page. This helps support our site at no extra cost to you. Clicking on ingredient or equipment links will take you to amazon.com where you can purchase these items.

How to catch a 100kg carp, make banh chung, cook porridge, and take my daughter to school

Recipe by Wilderness Harvest

A simple preparation of a freshly caught river fish, cleaned and kept cold for sale at the Tet market. The narrative follows a single mother who braves rainy weather to catch a large fish, cleans it at home, and transports it to the bustling market before the Vietnamese Lunar New Year celebrations.

EasyVietnameseServes 1

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
30m
Prep
0m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
40m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$13.50
Total cost
$13.50
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Scaling and gutting must be thorough to prevent off‑flavors.
  • Keep the fish cold at all times to avoid bacterial growth.

Safety Warnings

  • Handle raw fish with clean hands and utensils to avoid cross‑contamination.
  • Keep the fish refrigerated or on ice at all times; do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
  • Use a sharp knife carefully to prevent cuts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of serving fresh river fish during Tet in Vietnamese cuisine?

A

Fresh river fish is a traditional staple for Tet (Lunar New Year) in Vietnam, symbolizing abundance, prosperity, and a fresh start for the coming year. Families often serve whole fish to represent unity and completeness during holiday feasts.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of fresh fish dishes for Tet in northern Vietnam?

A

In northern Vietnam, whole carp or catfish is commonly steamed with ginger and scallions, while in central regions the fish may be grilled with lemongrass. Southern provinces often fry the fish and serve it with a sweet‑sour dipping sauce.

cultural
Q

How is fresh river fish traditionally served at Tet celebrations in Vietnam?

A

The fish is usually presented whole on a platter, often steamed or lightly grilled, and garnished with fresh herbs, lime wedges, and a dipping sauce. It is placed at the center of the family table as a sign of unity.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is fresh river fish traditionally associated with in Vietnamese culture?

A

Fresh river fish is most closely linked to Tet, but it also appears at weddings, birthdays, and other family gatherings where a symbol of prosperity is desired.

cultural
Q

How does fresh river fish fit into the broader Vietnamese cuisine tradition?

A

Vietnamese cuisine emphasizes balance and freshness; river fish provides a light, protein‑rich component that pairs well with aromatic herbs, rice, and vegetables, embodying the cuisine’s focus on natural flavors.

cultural
Q

What are the authentic traditional ingredients for preparing fresh river fish for Tet versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Authentic ingredients include the whole fresh river fish, ginger, scallions, lime, and fish sauce. Acceptable substitutes are other freshwater fish like carp or catfish, and lime can be replaced with lemon if unavailable.

cultural
Q

What other Vietnamese dishes pair well with fresh river fish at a Tet feast?

A

Typical companions are sticky rice, pickled vegetables (dưa món), boiled chicken, and a variety of fresh herbs. A light broth soup (canh) and spring rolls also complement the fish.

cultural
Q

What makes fresh river fish special or unique in Vietnamese Tet cuisine?

A

The whole fish’s shape symbolizes completeness and good fortune, while its delicate flavor highlights the Vietnamese emphasis on freshness and minimal seasoning during the most important holiday.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when cleaning and preparing fresh river fish for sale or cooking?

A

Common errors include incomplete scaling, leaving entrails inside the cavity, and allowing the fish to sit at room temperature for too long. These mistakes can cause off‑flavors and increase the risk of bacterial growth.

technical
Q

Why does this recipe emphasize keeping the fish on ice rather than refrigerating it directly?

A

Ice provides a rapid, uniform cooling method that keeps the fish surface cold while preventing freezer burn. It also allows the vendor to transport the fish without a powered refrigerator, which is practical for market stalls.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Wilderness Harvest specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Wilderness Harvest focuses on outdoor foraging, fishing, and preparing simple, rustic meals using ingredients sourced directly from nature, often highlighting Vietnamese cultural traditions.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Wilderness Harvest's approach to Vietnamese holiday cooking differ from other cooking channels?

A

Wilderness Harvest combines storytelling of daily life, such as fishing in the rain, with practical, low‑tech preparation methods, emphasizing authenticity and the personal connection to the food, whereas many other channels rely on kitchen‑centric, highly polished production.

channel

You Might Also Like

Similar recipes converted from YouTube cooking videos

Mascarpone Quiche Lorraine
205

Mascarpone Quiche Lorraine

A slightly reimagined version of the traditional Quiche Lorraine, enriched with mascarpone for a creamy texture and richer flavor. Simple to prepare with classic ingredients and a few cheese touches, ideal for a light lunch or dinner.

1 hr 10 minServes 6$65
French
Whipped White Chocolate and Mascarpone Ganache
39

Whipped White Chocolate and Mascarpone Ganache

A light and creamy ganache made with white chocolate, mascarpone and vanilla, whipped into a mousse. Ideal for decorating birthday cakes, cupcakes or any other dessert. Easy to make, it is prepared in a few steps and keeps for several days in the refrigerator.

4 hrs 45 minServes 8$11
French
Takeaway-Style Chinese Roast Pork (Char Siu)
50

Takeaway-Style Chinese Roast Pork (Char Siu)

A home‑cooked version of the classic takeaway Chinese roast pork (char siu). The pork is simmered in a fragrant sweet‑savory sauce, then cooled, sliced and stored for later use. The sauce can be frozen and later thickened for a glossy glaze. Perfect for serving over rice, noodles or bean sprouts.

1 hr 30 minServes 4$15
Chinese
The Spicy Tofu Noodle Stir Fry that’s Better than Takeout
46

The Spicy Tofu Noodle Stir Fry that’s Better than Takeout

A vibrant Cantonese‑style stir‑fry featuring chewy udon noodles, crisp green beans, and extra‑firm tofu that’s seasoned, fried, and coated in a bold, spicy‑sweet sauce. Finished with fresh scallions, cilantro, and toasted sesame seeds, this dish delivers restaurant‑quality flavor in a quick weeknight dinner.

1 hr 4 minServes 3$11
Chinese
Super Old School Recipe: Dried Scallops and Oyster Porridge (蚝干干贝粥)
3

Super Old School Recipe: Dried Scallops and Oyster Porridge (蚝干干贝粥)

A comforting Singaporean one‑pot rice porridge loaded with soaked dried scallops, dried oysters and tender chicken. Perfect for rainy or cold evenings, this silky porridge is finished with spring‑onion garnish and optional fried silverfish or breadsticks for extra crunch.

4 hrs 25 minServes 4$37
Singaporean
How to catch giant river fish to sell - Cooking fish for my little daughter to eat
1

How to catch giant river fish to sell - Cooking fish for my little daughter to eat

A simple, healthy Vietnamese‑style steamed catfish inspired by the fish‑catching adventure in the Chúc Thị Dương video. The whole catfish is cleaned, gently steamed in water until tender, and served hot. Perfect for a quick family dinner.

40 minServes 2$5
Vietnamese