Com Hen Recipe: A Specialty From Hue, Vietnam’s Ancient Capital
The Com Hen recipe, also known as Vietnamese Clam Rice, originates from the ancient city of Huế in Central Vietnam. This humble yet flavorful dish is made with cold rice, tender clams, fresh herbs, and crunchy garnishes like pork rinds and roasted peanuts. What makes this Com Hen recipe special is its combination of textures and flavors—salty, spicy, sour, and savory—all representing Huế’s rich culinary heritage.
Originally a simple meal enjoyed by fishermen, Com Hen has evolved into a popular dish that showcases the creativity of Vietnamese cuisine. The clams are cooked in a flavorful broth, and the dish is garnished with fried shallots, crispy rice paper, and a variety of herbs. Often paired with fish sauce for dipping, this Com Hen recipe delivers a savory note to each bite.
At Viet Kitchen, we provide an easy-to-follow Com Hen recipe so you can make it at home. Below, you’ll also find the nutrition facts for each ingredient in this classic dish.
Com Hen Recipe: Nutrition Facts
| Ingredient | Serving Size (g) | Calories (kcal) | Protein (g) | Fat (g) | Carbohydrates (g) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cooked Rice | 100 | 130 | 2.7 | 0.3 | 28 |
| Clams | 85 | 70 | 10 | 2 | 5 |
| Roasted Peanuts | 28 | 160 | 7 | 14 | 5 |
| Fried Shallots | 15 | 90 | 0.5 | 7 | 10 |
| Pork Rinds | 25 | 150 | 9 | 12 | 1 |
| Crispy Rice Paper | 10 | 35 | 0.5 | 0.2 | 7 |
| Fresh Herbs | 20 | 5 | 0.5 | 0.1 | 1 |
| Banana Flower | 50 | 18 | 1 | 0.3 | 4 |
| Bean Sprouts | 50 | 10 | 1.5 | 0.1 | 2 |
| Fish Sauce | 15 | 15 | 1 | 0 | 3 |
How to Make the Perfect Com Hen Recipe
Ingredients (Serves 4):
- Cooked rice (preferably cold): 400g
- Small clams (hến): 500g, cleaned thoroughly
- Fish sauce: 2 tablespoons
- Roasted peanuts: 50g, crushed
- Fried shallots: 4 tablespoons
- Pork rinds (optional): 100g, crispy and crumbled
- Crispy rice paper (bánh tráng nướng): 2 sheets, crumbled
- Fresh herbs: Perilla, mint, cilantro, and scallions
- Banana flower (optional): Thinly sliced
- Bean sprouts: 100g
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Chili paste: 1 tablespoon
- Salt, sugar, and pepper to taste
- Cooking oil: 2 tablespoons
- Water: 500ml (for cooking clams)
Step-by-Step Instructions for Com Hen Recipe:
- Prepare the Clams:
- Clean the Clams: Rinse the clams thoroughly and soak them in salted water for about 30 minutes to remove any sand.
- Cook the Clams: Boil 500ml of water, then add the clams and cook for 3-5 minutes until they open. Remove the clams and save the cooking liquid. Cool the clams, then remove the meat from the shells.
- Make the Clam Broth:
- Strain the Broth: Strain the cooking liquid to remove any impurities. Season the broth with fish sauce, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Sauté the Clam Meat:
- In a pan, heat 2 tablespoons of oil and sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Add the clam meat and stir-fry for 1-2 minutes. Set aside.
- Assemble the Com Hen Recipe:
- In each serving bowl, place a portion of cold rice. Drizzle some clam broth over the rice to moisten it.
- Add the sautéed clams on top, then garnish with roasted peanuts, fried shallots, crumbled pork rinds, crispy rice paper, and fresh herbs.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve Cơm Hến with a side of clam broth and a spoonful of chili paste for extra flavor. Mix all ingredients together and enjoy the perfect balance of textures and flavors from this Com Hen recipe.
Additional Tips for Your Com Hen Recipe:
- Rice: Use cold rice for an authentic texture, or allow freshly cooked rice to cool slightly before assembling the dish.
- Clam Substitutes: If small clams are unavailable, you can use other shellfish like mussels or cockles.
- Vegetarian Version: Replace the clams with mushrooms or tofu and season the broth with soy sauce for a vegetarian option.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Com Hen Recipe
Advantages: This Com Hen recipe offers a light yet flavorful dish perfect for hot weather. It’s easy to customize with different garnishes and provides a refreshing mix of textures.
Disadvantages: Cleaning small clams can be time-consuming, and finding some ingredients like pork rinds or banana flower may be challenging outside of Vietnam.
Conclusion about the Com Hen Recipe
Com Hen is a wonderful dish that represents the creativity and flavors of Vietnamese cuisine, particularly from Huế. With tender clams, cold rice, and crispy garnishes, this Com Hen recipe is a refreshing and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re in Vietnam or recreating it at home, the Com Hen recipe is a must-try for lovers of authentic Vietnamese food.
Read more here!
Fried Spring Rolls: Bringing Vietnam’s Favorite Snack to Your Table
Discover the Heart of Vietnam with Broken Rice
Vietnamese Sizzling Pancake: Crispy, Savory, and Simply Delicious