We’ve always been captivated by Com Hen, a vibrant Vietnamese street food staple from the historic city of Hue. It’s a flavorful mix of steamed rice, fresh clams, and fragrant herbs that brings the bustling markets of Vietnam right to your table.
In our kitchen, we love how this simple recipe balances bold tastes with ease of preparation. Whether you’re a fan of seafood or exploring new cuisines, Com Hen offers a delicious adventure we’ll guide you through step by step.
Ingredients
In our Com Hen recipe, we focus on fresh, high-quality ingredients that capture the essence of this vibrant Vietnamese street food from Hue. These components combine to deliver bold flavors and textures, making the dish irresistible with its mix of seafood, herbs, and rice.
To prepare our version, gather the following ingredients in the order they are typically used during assembly and cooking:
- Steamed rice: 2 cups of short-grain rice, rinsed and cooked until fluffy to form the base of our Com Hen.
- Fresh clams: 1 pound of live clams, scrubbed clean and steamed until they open, ensuring they are the star of this seafood delight.
- Aromatic herbs: A handful of mixed herbs including 1/2 cup mint leaves (torn), 1/2 cup cilantro (roughly chopped), and 1/4 cup perilla leaves (whole or torn), added for their refreshing burst of flavor.
- Vegetables: 1 medium cucumber (sliced thinly for crunch), 1 head of lettuce (shredded for a fresh bed), and 2 green onions (finely sliced) to enhance the dish’s lightness.
- Aromatics and seasonings: 2 cloves of garlic (minced for sautéing), 1 small shallot (thinly sliced for fragrance), and 2 tablespoons fish sauce (for umami depth), along with 1 lime (juiced for tanginess) and 1 fresh chili (chopped for heat).
- Toppings: 1/4 cup of roasted peanuts (crushed for added texture) and 1 tablespoon sesame oil (drizzled for a nutty finish).
These ingredients highlight the straightforward yet flavorful profile of Com Hen, allowing us to recreate its authentic taste at home.
Equipment Needed
After gathering our fresh ingredients for the Com Hen recipe, we turn our attention to the essential tools that make preparation smooth and efficient. Having the right equipment ensures we handle steaming, chopping, and assembling with precision, preserving the dish’s vibrant flavors and textures.
We recommend the following key items, organized by their primary use in the recipe:
- Rice cooker or large pot: Ideal for steaming 2 cups of short-grain rice to achieve the perfect fluffy base that complements the clams and herbs.
- Steamer basket or pot with lid: Crucial for cooking 1 pound of fresh clams quickly and evenly, allowing them to open up and release their natural juices without overcooking.
- Colander or strainer: Used to drain the clams after steaming, ensuring we remove any grit and keep the dish fresh and clean.
- Cutting board and sharp knife: Essential for precisely chopping aromatic herbs like mint, cilantro, and perilla, as well as vegetables such as cucumber and lettuce, to enhance the dish’s crisp textures.
- Mixing bowls (medium and large): Perfect for combining seasonings like garlic, shallots, fish sauce, lime, and chili, helping us blend flavors uniformly before assembly.
- Mortar and pestle: Great for crushing roasted peanuts into a topping, adding that authentic crunch and nutty aroma to our Com Hen.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Vital for accurate measurements of ingredients such as fish sauce and sesame oil, guaranteeing the bold, balanced taste we aim for in every batch.
- Serving bowls or plates: Allow us to present the final dish attractively, layering rice, clams, and herbs for an appealing, shareable meal.
By using these tools, we streamline the process and elevate our homemade Com Hen to street-food authenticity.
Instructions
Now that we have gathered our fresh ingredients and essential tools, we guide you through the straightforward steps to prepare authentic Com Hen, capturing its vibrant flavors and textures for a delightful meal.
Prepare the Ingredients
Before we begin cooking, let’s focus on prepping our ingredients to ensure everything is fresh and ready. This step sets the foundation for the dish’s bold, aromatic profile.
- Rinse the rice: Start by rinsing 2 cups of short-grain rice under cold water until the water runs clear, then steam it until fluffy and tender for the perfect base.
- Clean the clams: Scrub 1 pound of fresh clams under running water to remove any grit, discarding any that are open or damaged to guarantee safety and quality.
- Chop the herbs and vegetables: Finely chop a mix of aromatic herbs including mint, cilantro, and perilla—aim for about 1 cup total—and slice 1 cucumber and 1 head of lettuce into thin strips for crispness and crunch.
- Prepare the aromatics: Mince 3 garlic cloves and 2 shallots to release their pungent flavors, then juice 2 limes and mix with 2 tablespoons of fish sauce and 1 chopped chili in a small bowl for a zesty dressing that awakens the senses with its tangy, spicy kick.
- Crush the toppings: Use a mortar and pestle to crush 1/4 cup of roasted peanuts into coarse pieces, adding a nutty texture that contrasts beautifully with the dish’s freshness.
Cook the Clams
With our ingredients prepped, we now steam the clams to lock in their natural sweetness and brininess, creating a succulent centerpiece for Com Hen.
- Fill a large pot with 2 inches of water and bring it to a boil over high heat.
- Place the cleaned clams in a steamer basket and position it over the boiling water, then cover and steam for 5-7 minutes until the shells open wide—discard any that remain closed for safety.
- Remove the clams from the heat and let them cool slightly before shucking, reserving the flavorful steaming liquid to enhance our dish’s broth-like essence with its salty, oceanic aroma.
If you’re tracking cooking times for efficiency, here’s a quick overview in a markdown table:
| Step | Time (minutes) | Key Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Bring water to boil | 5-10 | Pot ready for steaming |
| Steam clams | 5-7 | Shells open |
| Cool and shuck | 2-3 | Clams prepared |
Assemble the Dish
Finally, we bring all the elements together to create a harmonious, flavorful plate of Com Hen that bursts with fresh tastes and visuals.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the steamed rice with the shucked clams, chopped herbs, vegetables, and minced aromatics, then drizzle in the fish sauce mixture and toss gently to coat everything evenly, allowing the ingredients to mingle and release their vibrant, herbaceous scents.
- Divide the mixture into serving bowls, topping each with the crushed peanuts and a few drops of sesame oil for added depth and crunch that elevates the dish’s overall appeal.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the contrast of warm rice against cool, crisp vegetables, savoring the bold interplay of salty, sour, and spicy notes that make Com Hen a standout Vietnamese favorite.
Make-Ahead Tips
To help us streamline our Com Hen preparation without sacrificing its vibrant flavors and fresh textures, we recommend these practical strategies. By planning ahead, we can capture the bold interplay of steamed rice, succulent clams, and aromatic herbs while keeping the process efficient and enjoyable.
Prepping Ingredients in Advance
We can prepare several key components of Com Hen the day before to minimize last-minute effort. Start by rinsing and steaming the rice up to 24 hours ahead. Once cooked, let it cool completely then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This ensures our rice retains its fluffy texture, ready for quick reheating in the microwave or steamer.
For the fresh clams, we advise cleaning them in advance but steaming them no more than 2 hours before serving to preserve their natural sweetness and prevent spoilage. Rinse the clams thoroughly, remove any that are open or damaged, and store them in a bowl covered with a damp cloth in the fridge.
Chop and prepare our aromatic herbs like mint, cilantro, and perilla, along with vegetables such as cucumber and lettuce, up to 4 hours in advance. Place them in separate sealed bags or containers to maintain their crispness and prevent wilting. This step allows us to focus on assembly when it’s time to eat.
Storing Sauces and Toppings
We can mix the fish sauce dressing—combining garlic, shallots, lime, and chili—ahead of time for enhanced flavor development. Prepare it up to 12 hours in advance and store it in a glass jar in the refrigerator. Before use, give it a good shake to blend the ingredients and brighten the tangy notes that complement Com Hen’s seafood elements.
Crush roasted peanuts and mix with sesame oil earlier in the day, then keep them in an airtight container at room temperature. This topping adds a satisfying crunch, but we should use it within 6 hours to avoid sogginess.
Storage Times and Tips
For optimal freshness, here’s a quick overview of how long our prepped elements can last:
| Component | Make-Ahead Time | Storage Method | Key Tips |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steamed rice | Up to 24 hours | Airtight container in fridge | Reheat gently to avoid drying out |
| Chopped herbs and veggies | Up to 4 hours | Sealed bags in fridge | Pat dry before storing to reduce moisture |
| Fish sauce dressing | Up to 12 hours | Glass jar in fridge | Stir well before drizzling for maximum flavor |
| Cleaned clams | Up to 24 hours | Damp cloth in fridge | Steam immediately upon removal from fridge |
| Crushed peanuts and oil | Up to 6 hours | Airtight container at room temperature | Avoid exposure to humidity to keep crunchy |
By following these tips, we ensure our Com Hen remains a standout Vietnamese street food favorite, with its warm rice contrasting cool, fresh elements for an unforgettable meal.
Conclusion
We’ve loved exploring Com Hen’s vibrant flavors and simple charm through this guide. It’s a fantastic way to bring authentic Vietnamese street food into our kitchens.
By now you’re set to create your own version that’s fresh and full of bold tastes. Let’s savor every bite and share this delightful dish with friends – it’s sure to become a favorite in our homes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Com Hen?
Com Hen is a popular Vietnamese street food from Hue, combining steamed rice, fresh clams, and aromatic herbs for bold, vibrant flavors. It’s simple to prepare, making it ideal for seafood lovers or anyone exploring new cuisines, with a perfect balance of textures and tastes.
What are the key ingredients for Com Hen?
The main ingredients include 2 cups of steamed short-grain rice, 1 pound of fresh clams, herbs like mint, cilantro, and perilla, plus vegetables such as cucumber and lettuce. Add aromatics like garlic, shallots, fish sauce, lime, chili, and toppings like crushed peanuts and sesame oil for authentic flavor.
What equipment is needed to make Com Hen?
Essential tools include a rice cooker or large pot for steaming rice, a steamer basket for clams, a colander for draining, a cutting board and sharp knife for chopping, mixing bowls, a mortar and pestle for peanuts, and measuring cups. These help streamline preparation for an authentic result.
How do I prepare Com Hen at home?
Start by rinsing rice and cleaning clams, then steam the clams to keep them sweet. Chop herbs and vegetables, prepare aromatics, and crush peanuts. Assemble by mixing rice with clams, herbs, veggies, and a fish sauce dressing, then top with peanuts and sesame oil. Serve immediately for the best flavor contrast.
Can I make Com Hen ahead of time?
Yes, prepare rice up to 24 hours in advance and store in an airtight container. Clean clams ahead but steam within 2 hours of serving. Chop herbs and veggies up to 4 hours early, mix dressing up to 12 hours ahead, and ready peanuts earlier in the day. This keeps flavors fresh and vibrant.