Samlor Machu Trey
Sour Fish Soup
Samlor Machu Trey is a beloved Cambodian sour soup, celebrated for its invigorating balance of tangy, savory, and sometimes spicy flavors. Typically made with freshwater fish, it features a fragrant broth infused with lemongrass, galangal, and kaffir lime leaves, brightened by the sourness of tamarind and often complemented by the sweetness of pineapple and tomatoes. This versatile soup is a staple in Cambodian households, often served with steamed rice.
🧂 Ingredients
- 500 g Freshwater fish fillets (e.g., catfish, snakehead fish)(cut into chunks)
- 3 tbsp Tamarind paste
- 2 stalks Lemongrass(bruised and roughly chopped)
- 4 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 2 medium Shallots(sliced)
- 2 medium Tomatoes(chopped)
- 1 cup Pineapple(diced)
- 3 leaves Kaffir lime leaves(torn)
- 2 tbsp Fish sauce
- 1 tbsp Sugar
- 6 cups Water
- 0.5 cup Fresh herbs (cilantro, basil, saw leaf)(chopped, for garnish)
- 1 optional Chili peppers(chopped, for extra spice)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
In a large pot, combine water, tamarind paste, bruised lemongrass, minced garlic, and sliced shallots. Bring to a boil and simmer for 10 minutes to create a fragrant broth.
- 2
Add the fish chunks to the simmering broth. Cook gently until the fish is just cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Avoid over-stirring to prevent the fish from breaking apart.
- 3
Stir in the diced tomatoes, diced pineapple, and torn kaffir lime leaves. Continue to simmer for another 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- 4
Season the soup with fish sauce and sugar. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, adding more fish sauce for saltiness or sugar for sweetness.
💡 Tip: Adjusting the sourness with tamarind and sweetness with sugar is key to balancing the flavors. - 5
Ladle the soup into bowls. Garnish generously with fresh chopped herbs and optional chopped chili peppers before serving hot.
💡 Tip: Serve immediately with steamed rice.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Use fresh, good-quality fish for the best flavor.
- ✓Adjust the amount of tamarind paste to achieve your desired level of sourness.
- ✓Don't overcook the fish, as it can become dry and crumbly.
- ✓Various herbs can be used for garnish; Asian basil and saw leaf are traditional choices.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add other vegetables like okra, bean sprouts, or water spinach.
- For a richer soup, a small amount of prahok (fermented fish paste) can be added.
- Different types of fish, including crab or shrimp, can be used.