Craving a dish that brings the vibrant flavors of Vietnam to your table? Look no further than this Vietnamese Braised Fish, known as Cá Kho Tộ. It’s a delightful dish that combines tender fish with a savory caramel sauce, creating a unique and mouth-watering experience. Perfect for serving over rice, this dish will transport your taste buds straight to the bustling streets of Vietnam.
Imagine the rich aroma of fish simmering in a blend of soy sauce, fish sauce, and palm sugar. This recipe offers a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and slightly spicy notes that will leave you wanting more. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just enjoying a cozy night in, this dish is sure to impress.
Unveiling Cá Kho Tộ
This iconic dish from Vietnam is a testament to the country’s rich culinary heritage.
Cá Kho Tộ, or braised fish, is a specialty that beautifully marries flavors and textures.
The tender fish fillets coated in a luscious caramel sauce create a dish that is both satisfying and memorable.
Ingredients That Shine
The simplicity of ingredients is what makes Cá Kho Tộ so appealing.
Fish, soy sauce, and palm sugar combine harmoniously to create a rich, savory essence.
Chili slices add a hint of heat while fresh cilantro provides a vibrant garnish, enhancing the overall presentation.
The Cooking Process
Crafting Cá Kho Tộ is a straightforward yet rewarding culinary experience. The process begins with marinating the fish in a blend of fish sauce, soy sauce, and palm sugar. This step infuses the fish with deep, savory-sweet flavors.
Next, the aromatics—onion, garlic, and chili—are sautéed in a clay pot or heavy-bottomed skillet to create a flavorful base. The marinated fish is gently added to the pot, along with the remaining marinade and coconut water, creating a fragrant sauce that caramelizes as it simmers. The fish cooks slowly, allowing it to absorb the rich flavors while remaining tender and moist.
The final step is a simmering process that thickens the sauce into a luscious glaze, coating each piece of fish in a savory caramelized layer.
Serving Suggestions
To truly enjoy Cá Kho Tộ, pair it with freshly steamed jasmine rice. The rice soaks up the caramelized sauce, creating the perfect balance of flavors. For an authentic Vietnamese meal, serve alongside steamed vegetables, pickled radishes, or a light cucumber salad for a refreshing contrast.
For added depth, you can prepare a side of hot soup, such as Canh Chua (Vietnamese sweet and sour soup), to complement the richness of the braised fish.
A Taste of Vietnam at Home
Bringing the essence of Vietnam to your kitchen is easier than you think. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, Cá Kho Tộ captures the heart of Vietnamese cuisine. It reflects the perfect harmony of flavors—sweet, salty, spicy, and umami—all in one dish.
Not only is this dish a comforting staple in Vietnamese households, but it’s also a fantastic way to introduce others to the vibrant world of Vietnamese cooking. The caramelized sauce, tender fish, and aromatic elements transport diners to a cozy corner of Vietnam with every bite.
Final Thoughts
Cá Kho Tộ is more than just a dish—it’s a culinary journey to Vietnam, celebrating simplicity, flavor, and tradition. Whether you’re new to Vietnamese cooking or revisiting a beloved classic, this recipe is sure to impress. Its rich flavors and effortless preparation make it a go-to for family dinners, special occasions, or even a quick weeknight treat.
Master iconic dishes step by step with beginner-friendly Vietnamese recipes.
So, why wait? Gather the ingredients, follow the steps, and savor the vibrant flavors of Cá Kho Tộ—a dish that promises to leave a lasting impression.
The Perfect Vietnamese Cá Kho Tộ Recipe
This braised fish dish features tender pieces of fish cooked in a caramelized sauce made from fish sauce and palm sugar. The result is a flavorful, slightly sweet, and umami-rich dish that pairs beautifully with steamed rice.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds of fish fillets (catfish or tilapia works well)
- 1/4 cup fish sauce
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup palm sugar or brown sugar
- 1 cup coconut water or water
- 1 onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2-3 red chili peppers, sliced (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Prep the Fish: Rinse the fish fillets and pat them dry. Cut them into large chunks.
- Marinate: In a bowl, combine fish sauce, soy sauce, palm sugar, and coconut water. Add the fish chunks and marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot or clay pot, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. Add sliced onions and minced garlic, and sauté until fragrant.
- Add Fish: Carefully place the marinated fish in the pot, pouring in the marinade as well. Add sliced chili peppers on top.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce to low heat. Cover and simmer for about 20-25 minutes until the fish is cooked through and has absorbed the flavors.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot with steamed rice.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories: 350kcal
- Fat: 10g
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
