Description
Vietnamese caramelized catfish brings soulful comfort from generations of home cooking. Tender fish simmers in a rich, sweet-savory sauce that promises a delectable journey through traditional Vietnamese flavors you’ll savor to the last bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 1 lb (454 g) catfish fillets, cut into chunks
Seasonings and Flavorings:
- 2 ½ tablespoons fish sauce
- 1 teaspoon dark soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup (60 ml) coconut water
Aromatic Ingredients:
- 1 shallot, minced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 stalk green onions, minced
Instructions
- Submerge catfish fillets in a blend of dark soy sauce and fish sauce, allowing the proteins to absorb rich umami flavors for a brief 10-minute infusion.
- Warm oil in a traditional clay pot or heavy-bottomed pan, gently sweating minced shallots until they become translucent and fragrant. Introduce minced garlic and light brown sugar, stirring constantly to develop a golden caramel base that will anchor the dish’s complex flavor profile.
- Transfer marinated catfish into the aromatic mixture, carefully pouring coconut water to create a luscious braising liquid. Bring the contents to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to allow a slow, controlled simmer that transforms the fish and concentrates the sauce.
- After approximately 20 minutes, delicately rotate the fish to ensure even cooking and exposure to the developing caramel sauce. Scatter freshly chopped green onions across the surface, continuing to let the liquid reduce and intensify.
- Monitor the sauce’s consistency, watching for a glossy, thick texture that clings to the fish. When the liquid has transformed into a luxurious glaze and the fish becomes fork-tender, season with a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper.
- Plate the caramelized catfish atop steaming white rice, allowing the rich sauce to cascade over the grains, creating a harmonious blend of sweet, savory, and umami flavors characteristic of Vietnamese cuisine.
Notes
- Simmering transforms simple ingredients into a symphony of sweet, savory caramelized goodness that captures traditional Vietnamese cooking magic.
- Dark and light sauces work together to create a rich, complex flavor profile that makes this dish more than just a meal – it’s a culinary journey.
- Coconut water’s subtle sweetness balances the intense umami notes, ensuring each bite tells a story of coastal Vietnamese cuisine’s depth and complexity.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Vietnamese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 16 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg