- Prep
- 20 min
- Cook
- 30 min
- Total time
- 50 min
- Yield
- 4 servings
- Difficulty
- EASY
- Calories
- 320 kcal
Quick summary
“Delight yourself with the authentic flavor of Ca Kho To, a Vietnamese fish recipe that combines light flavors with a touch of spiciness. Its unique flavor is perfect for those looking for different culinary experiences.”
What you need to know
- Fish is the main ingredient, here recommended tilapia or sea bass.
- The preparation involves caramelizing sugar, sautéing onion and garlic, and finally cooking in water.
- Vietnamese cuisine is famous for its harmonization of flavors.
- Fish sauce and pepper will add a special touch.
- The preparation time is short, but the cooking takes longer.
Ingredients
Main
- 500g of fish fillet (preferably tilapia or sea bass)
- 1/4 cup of sugar
- 1/4 cup of fish sauce
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 chili pepper (optional)
- 3 tablespoons soybean oil
- 2 tablespoons of chopped chives
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1/2 cup water
Instructions
Principal
- In a saucepan, heat the oil and caramelize the sugar until golden.
- Add the onion and garlic, sautéing until soft.
- Place the fish and sear for 3 minutes on each side.
- Add the fish sauce, the chili, the black pepper, and the water.
- Cook over low heat for about 25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- If necessary, add more water to maintain moisture.
- After the cooking time, adjust the seasoning to taste.
- Finish with chopped green onions before serving.
Chef's tips
- Keep the soaking water always present to maintain moisture.
- After cooking, stir occasionally to prevent the fish from sticking to the pan.
- Add chopped chives at the end to preserve their flavor.
Variations
- To add more flavor, you can add shiitake or mushrooms to the fish sauce.
- For a milder version, you can remove the chili from the sauce.
- You can substitute the fish with shrimp or chicken for a variation.
Substitutions
- In case of lack of fish sauce, you can replace it with salted water.
- If you don't have black pepper, you can replace it with black pepper powder.
- Instead of sugar, you can use powdered ginger for a flavor twist.
How to store
- Ca Kho To is suitable for storage for up to 2 days under refrigeration.
- After storage, the dish can be reheated and served.
Can it be frozen?
- It is not recommended to freeze Ca Kho To.
- If you wish to store the dish for later, it is best to serve and store individual portions.
What to serve with
- This recipe is delicious with chopped chives and white rice.
- You can accompany it with a fresh vegetable salad.
- A glass of fresh lemon is a great option to accompany.
Frequently asked questions
What is fish sauce and where can I find it?
Fish sauce is an industrialized product that can be found in ingredient stores or specialized supermarkets. You can replace it with salted water.
What to do if fish sauce is not available?
You can replace it with salted water.
How does the dish detach from the pan during cooking?
Always keeping the soaking water present is the best way to keep the dish stuck to the pan. Otherwise, you can use a wooden spoon to gently detach it.
