Authentic Vietnamese Cá Kho Tò - Caramelized Braised Fish Recipe

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs of catfish steaks
  • 2 tbsp of vegetable oil
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 small onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 tbsp of sugar
  • 4 tbsp of fish sauce
  • 3 tbsp of caramel sauce
  • 1 cup of coconut water
  • 1 tbsp of black pepper
  • 2 green onions, chopped
  • 1 small bunch of cilantro, chopped
  • 2 fresh red chillies, sliced
  • 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger, thinly sliced

Steps and instructions

  1. Clean the catfish steaks and pat dry with a paper towel.
  2. In a large pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat.
  3. Add the minced garlic, onion, and ginger to the pan and sauté until they become translucent.
  4. Add the sugar to the pan and stir until it melts and turns golden brown.
  5. Add the catfish steaks to the pan and sear them on both sides until they turn golden brown.
  6. Add the fish sauce, caramel sauce, and coconut water to the pan. Stir well to combine and coat the fish.
  7. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let it simmer for about 20 minutes or until the sauce has thickened and the fish is cooked through.
  8. Season with black pepper and stir in the chopped green onions, cilantro, and sliced chillies.
  9. Allow the fish to rest for a few minutes before serving to let the flavors meld together.
  10. Serve the Cá Kho Tàu hot with steamed rice.

Tools for making

  • Large pan - A large pan is needed to cook the catfish steaks and simmer the sauce.
  • Paper towel - A paper towel is used to pat dry the catfish steaks.
  • Spatula - A spatula will be helpful for flipping the catfish steaks while searing them.
  • Tongs - Tongs can be used to handle the catfish steaks and move them in the pan.
  • Cutting board - A cutting board is needed for mincing the garlic, slicing the onion, and chopping the green onions and cilantro.
  • Knife - A knife is essential for mincing garlic, slicing onion, ginger, green onions, cilantro, and chili peppers.
  • Measuring spoons - Measuring spoons are required to accurately measure the sugar, fish sauce, caramel sauce, and black pepper.

Recipe variations

  • Substitute catfish with other types of firm white fish, such as tilapia or cod.
  • Add a tablespoon of tamarind paste for a tangy twist.
  • Replace the caramel sauce with palm sugar for a more traditional flavor.
  • Include sliced bell peppers or carrots for added color and texture.
  • For a spicier version, increase the amount of fresh red chillies or add sliced jalapenos.
  • Add a splash of coconut milk for a creamier sauce.
  • Try using brown sugar or honey instead of white sugar for a slightly different sweetness.
  • Experiment with different herbs and garnishes, such as Thai basil or mint.
  • For a vegetarian option, replace the fish with tofu or tempeh and adjust the cooking time accordingly.
  • Include some diced pineapple or mango for a fruity twist.

Recipe overview

Cá Kho Tàu is a traditional Vietnamese dish that's beloved for its rich and savory flavor profile. Made with catfish steaks as the star ingredient, this dish is caramelized with a blend of fish sauce, caramel sauce, and coconut water. A symphony of spices and fresh herbs like garlic, onion, ginger, green onions, cilantro, and chillies are added to enhance its overall taste. The result is a luscious, caramelized fish dish that's both sweet and salty, with a hint of spiciness. Paired with a bowl of steamed rice, Cá Kho Tàu is a comforting and satisfying meal that's sure to captivate your taste buds. Expect a unique and delightful gastronomic experience as you learn how to make this Vietnamese classic at home.

Common questions

  1. Can I use a different type of fish for Cá Kho Tàu? Yes, you can use other firm white fish such as catfish fillets, cod, or halibut as a substitute for catfish steaks.
  2. How do I make caramel sauce? To make caramel sauce, you can melt 2 tablespoons of sugar in a saucepan over medium heat until it turns golden brown. Be careful not to burn it.
  3. Can I adjust the level of spiciness in this recipe? Yes, you can adjust the level of spiciness by adding more or less sliced chillies according to your preference.
  4. Is it necessary to cover the pan while simmering? Covering the pan helps to retain moisture and allows the fish to cook evenly. It also helps the flavors to meld together.
  5. Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes, Cá Kho Tàu can be made ahead of time. In fact, it tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop. Simply reheat it gently before serving.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Large pan - A large pan is needed to sear the catfish steaks and simmer the sauce.
  • Paper towel - Use a paper towel to pat dry the catfish steaks before cooking.
  • Spatula - A spatula will be helpful for flipping the catfish steaks while searing.
  • Knife - A sharp knife is needed to mince the garlic, slice the onion, ginger, and red chillies, and chop the green onions and cilantro.
  • Cutting board - Use a cutting board to safely chop and slice the ingredients.
  • Measuring spoons - Measuring spoons are required to accurately measure the vegetable oil, sugar, fish sauce, caramel sauce, and black pepper.
  • Lid - A lid is necessary to cover the pan while simmering the fish and sauce.
  • Spoons - You'll need spoons for stirring the sauce and serving the Cá Kho Tàu.

Origin stories

Cá Kho Tàu is a much-loved dish from the heart of Vietnam, its origins steeped in the tradition of hearty family meals. Despite its humble beginnings, it is said that this rich and flavorful dish was once reserved only for special occasions and family gatherings due to the scarcity of catfish. As the story goes, a hardworking fisherman once caught a large catfish in the Mekong Delta. Not wanting to waste a single part of his prized catch, he stewed it in a clay pot with available ingredients, creating a rich, caramelized fish dish. His family loved it so much that it became a staple at family gatherings. Today, thanks to the abundance of fish, Cá Kho Tàu has stepped out of its once exclusive domain and become a beloved everyday dish throughout all of Vietnam. So popular is this delightful concoction that it is often considered a measure of a Vietnamese cook's culinary prowess. So next time you enjoy a plate of Cá Kho Tàu, remember the humble Vietnamese fisherman and his desire to create a memorable meal for his family.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.