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Ca Kho To: Vietnamese Caramelized Fish in Clay Pot

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 1 1/2 lbs catfish steaks about 700g, cut into 2-inch pieces
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/3 cup water
  • 1/4 cup fish sauce
  • 2 tbsp coconut soda optional
  • 1 tbsp neutral oil
  • 1 small shallot thinly sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tsp black pepper freshly cracked
  • 2 green onions sliced, for garnish

Method
 

  1. Make the caramel: in the clay pot, combine sugar with 2 tablespoons water over medium heat. Swirl occasionally until it turns deep amber, 5-7 minutes.
  2. Add oil, shallot, and garlic to the caramel; stir 30 seconds. Pour in remaining water and fish sauce, stirring to dissolve.
  3. Add black pepper and chili if using. Taste and adjust: salty-sweet with a bitter caramel edge.
  4. Nestle fish pieces into the sauce in a single layer; spoon sauce over top. Add coconut soda if using.
  5. Bring to a bare simmer, cover, and cook on low 30-35 minutes, basting every 10 minutes, until fish flakes and sauce coats a spoon.
  6. Uncover for the last 5 minutes to thicken if needed. Garnish with green onions and black pepper. Serve hot with steamed rice.