Ca Kho to Recipe (Vietnamese Caramelized Fish)

5 from 1 vote

Ca Kho to Recipe (Vietnamese Caramelized Fish)

Ca Kho To, or Vietnamese Braised Fish, is a classic comfortable Vietnamese dish that is savory, healthy, and takes less than 15 minutes to put together.

Prep Time10

Cook Time10

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Vietnamese

Diet: Low Calorie

Servings:

Calories: 353kcal

Author: Clara

Ingredients

Stir Fry Sauce

1.5 tablespoon Oyster sauce
1.5 tablespoon Fish sauce
1 teaspoon Sugar
¼ cup Water
Sprinkle of white pepper

Base Dish

12 oz Cod (Or other white fish)
2 cloves Garlic
1-2 Thai chilis (Optional: adjust based on spice tolerance)
½ Shallots
Scallions and Red Pepper (For garnish)

Instructions

Start by cutting the fish into bite size pieces.
Mix all the sauce ingredients (except the sugar) in a bowl and set aside.
Begin to sauté the sugar for about 1-2 minutes, then add garlic, onions, and thai chilis in a pan with cooking spray.
Once the vegetables have softened, start to create the sauce by pouring in the sauce ingredients except water. Taste and adjust if needed. Once the sauce ingredients have mixed well together, add water as needed so that there is enough braising liquid for the fish.
Place the catfish pieces in a single layer. Bring the heat down to low and allow the fish to simmer in the sauce for about 3-4 minutes each side, or until the sauce begins to reduce.
Remove from heat, garnish with scallions and pepper, and enjoy!

Notes

Substitutions and Variations

Use Other White Fish Basa – Cat fish, Basa, cod, or any other white fish would work. Even salmon work, but not the higher calorie content of salmon.

Without Oyster Sauce – You can use soy sauce with a teaspoon of additional sugar, or dark soy sauce.

Expert Tips

Use a spatula – The fish will become very flaky and soft while cooking. Use a spatula to flip the fish pieces to prevent the fish from breaking.

Be wary of the sugar burning – letting the sugar over burn can quickly turn a delicious dish into something else

Nutrition