Introduction

Lẩu Hải Sản is a famous Vietnamese hot pot dish loved for its rich seafood broth, fresh vegetables, mushrooms, noodles, and assorted seafood. The name “Lẩu Hải Sản” literally means “Seafood Hot Pot” in Vietnamese.

This dish is commonly served during family gatherings, celebrations, weekend dinners, and special occasions. The bubbling pot placed at the center of the table creates a warm and interactive dining experience where everyone cooks fresh ingredients together.

Lẩu Hải Sản is known for its naturally sweet seafood broth, aromatic herbs, and colorful presentation.

What is Lẩu Hải Sản?

Lẩu Hải Sản is a Vietnamese-style hot pot made with:

  • Seafood broth
  • Shrimp
  • Squid
  • Fish
  • Crab or shellfish
  • Mushrooms
  • Leafy vegetables
  • Rice noodles

The dish is cooked and eaten directly at the table using a portable stove or hot pot cooker.

Unlike spicy Thai hot pots, Lẩu Hải Sản usually focuses more on the natural sweetness of seafood and light aromatic flavors.

Why You’ll Love This Dish

  • Rich seafood flavor
  • Healthy and nutritious
  • Perfect for sharing
  • Easy to customize
  • Packed with fresh vegetables
  • Restaurant-quality meal at home

Preparation Time

DetailTime
Prep Time35 minutes
Cooking Time45 minutes
Total Time1 hour 20 minutes
Servings4–6 people

Ingredients

For the Broth

  • 2 liters seafood or chicken stock
  • 300g shrimp shells or crab shells
  • 1 onion, halved
  • 3 stalks lemongrass
  • 4 garlic cloves
  • 2 shallots
  • 2 tomatoes, sliced
  • 1 tablespoon fish sauce
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • Cooking oil

Seafood Ingredients

  • 300g shrimp
  • 300g squid rings
  • 200g fish fillets
  • 200g clams or mussels
  • 200g crab pieces
  • Fish balls or seafood balls

Vegetables and Mushrooms

  • Napa cabbage
  • Water spinach
  • Bok choy
  • Morning glory
  • Enoki mushrooms
  • Straw mushrooms
  • Bean sprouts

Noodles and Garnishes

  • Rice vermicelli noodles
  • Fresh cilantro
  • Green onions
  • Lime wedges
  • Sliced chili

Kitchen Equipment

  • Large hot pot
  • Portable stove or induction cooker
  • Soup ladle
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Serving plates

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 – Prepare the Seafood Broth

Heat a little oil in a large pot.

Add garlic, shallots, onion, and lemongrass. Sauté until fragrant.

Add shrimp shells or crab shells and stir-fry for several minutes to release seafood flavor.

Pour in the stock and simmer for 25–30 minutes.

Strain the broth for a cleaner soup if desired.

Step 2 – Season the Broth

Add:

  • Fish sauce
  • Salt
  • Sugar
  • Tomatoes

Simmer for another 10 minutes.

Taste and adjust seasoning according to preference.

The broth should taste light, savory, slightly sweet, and aromatic.

Step 3 – Prepare Seafood and Vegetables

Clean seafood thoroughly.

Slice fish into bite-sized pieces.

Wash all vegetables and mushrooms carefully.

Arrange all ingredients on serving platters.

Step 4 – Set Up the Hot Pot

Transfer the hot broth to a tabletop cooker.

Bring to a gentle boil.

Add seafood, vegetables, mushrooms, and noodles gradually during the meal.

Cook ingredients until just done for the best texture and flavor.

Best Seafood Choices for Lẩu Hải Sản

Shrimp

Adds sweetness and rich seafood flavor.

Squid

Provides chewy texture and absorbs broth beautifully.

Fish Fillets

Soft and delicate when cooked in hot broth.

Clams and Mussels

Enhance the soup with natural ocean flavor.

Crab

Makes the broth richer and more luxurious.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Lẩu Hải Sản with:

  • Rice noodles
  • Fresh herbs
  • Fish sauce with chili
  • Lime wedges
  • Chili paste

Guests can cook ingredients themselves directly in the hot pot.

Tips for the Perfect Seafood Hot Pot

Use Fresh Seafood

Fresh ingredients create a sweeter and cleaner broth.

Don’t Overcook Seafood

Seafood cooks quickly and becomes tough if overcooked.

Keep the Broth Simmering

Maintain a gentle simmer instead of a strong boil.

Add Vegetables Gradually

This keeps vegetables fresh and crisp.

Popular Variations

Spicy Seafood Hot Pot

Add chili paste and fresh chilies for extra heat.

Coconut Seafood Hot Pot

Use coconut water for a sweeter broth.

Sour Seafood Hot Pot

Add tamarind or pineapple for tangy flavor.

Mixed Meat and Seafood Hot Pot

Combine seafood with beef or pork slices.

Nutritional Benefits

Lẩu Hải Sản is packed with nutrients including:

  • High-quality protein
  • Omega-3 fatty acids
  • Vitamins and minerals
  • Fiber from vegetables
  • Low-fat healthy ingredients

It is both comforting and nutritious.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

MistakeSolution
Overcooking seafoodCook briefly before eating
Bland brothSimmer shells longer
Cloudy soupMaintain gentle simmer
Too saltyAdd extra stock or water

Storage Tips

  • Store leftover broth separately in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Fresh seafood should be eaten quickly.
  • Reheat broth thoroughly before reuse.
  • Do not store cooked noodles inside broth.

Conclusion

Lẩu Hải Sản is one of Vietnam’s most comforting and flavorful communal dishes. With its naturally sweet seafood broth, fresh vegetables, aromatic herbs, and variety of seafood, this hot pot creates an unforgettable dining experience.

Whether enjoyed at a festive gathering or a cozy family dinner, Lẩu Hải Sản brings warmth, freshness, and delicious Vietnamese flavors to the table.