Authentic Vietnamese Cá Kho Tộ Sả Ớt: Spicy Lemongrass Claypot Fish Recipe

Ingredients

2 lbs of catfish steaks
2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
3 cloves of garlic, minced
1 stalk of lemongrass, finely chopped
4 bird's eye chilies, finely chopped
3 tablespoons of fish sauce
2 tablespoons of sugar
1 tablespoon of caramel sauce
1 tablespoon of black pepper
1 cup of coconut water
2 green onions, cut into 2 inch lengths
Fresh cilantro for garnishing

Steps and instructions

Clean the catfish steaks and pat dry. Set aside.
Heat the vegetable oil in a pan. Add minced garlic, chopped lemongrass, and bird's eye chilies. Stir-fry until fragrant.
Add the catfish steaks to the pan and sear each side for about 2 minutes.
In a bowl, mix together fish sauce, sugar, caramel sauce, and black pepper. Pour this mixture over the catfish in the pan.
Add the coconut water to the pan, making sure the fish is mostly covered. Turn the heat to low and simmer for about 20 minutes or until the sauce has thickened.
Add the green onions to the pan and continue to simmer for another 3-5 minutes.
Once done, carefully transfer the catfish and sauce to a serving dish. Garnish with fresh cilantro.
Serve hot with steamed rice.

Tools for making

Pan - A sturdy frying pan or skillet for cooking the catfish and sauce.
Knife - A sharp knife for mincing garlic, chopping lemongrass, and cutting green onions.
Cutting board - A cutting board to provide a stable surface for chopping and mincing ingredients.
Spatula - A spatula for flipping and searing the catfish steaks.
Bowl - A bowl for mixing the sauce ingredients together.
Measuring spoons - Measuring spoons for accurately measuring the fish sauce, sugar, caramel sauce, and black pepper.
Serving dish - A serving dish to present the cooked catfish and sauce.

Recipe variations

Substitute catfish with other types of fish such as tilapia or cod.
Add diced onions or shallots to the garlic and lemongrass mixture for additional flavor.
For a spicier kick, increase the amount of bird's eye chilies or add sliced jalapenos.
Try using brown sugar or honey instead of regular sugar for a different sweetness.
Add a splash of lime juice to the sauce for a tangy twist.
For a vegetarian version, replace the fish with tofu or tempeh and adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Garnish with chopped peanuts or toasted sesame seeds for added crunch.
Experiment with different herbs such as Thai basil or mint for a unique flavor profile.
For a heartier meal, serve the caramelized fish with steamed vegetables or stir-fried greens.
If you prefer a thicker sauce, dissolve some cornstarch in water and add it to the pan during the simmering process to thicken the sauce.

Recipe overview

Cá Kho Tộ Sả Ớt, or Vietnamese Braised Catfish with Lemongrass and Chili, is a flavorful dish that incorporates traditional Vietnamese ingredients to create a savory, spicy, and slightly sweet experience. This dish is primarily characterized by the tender pieces of catfish steaks, braised in a rich sauce of caramel, fish sauce, and coconut water, infused with the aromatic fragrances of lemongrass, garlic, and bird's eye chilies. The addition of green onions and a garnish of fresh cilantro bring a burst of freshness, rounding off this delightful dish. Perfect with a hot serving of steamed rice, Cá Kho Tộ Sả Ớt promises a delightful culinary journey into the heart of Vietnamese cuisine. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe is straightforward and easy to follow, offering a delicious meal that is sure to impress.

Common questions

Can I use a different type of fish for this recipe? Yes, you can use other firm white fish such as cod or haddock instead of catfish.
Can I substitute coconut water with coconut milk? Yes, you can substitute coconut water with coconut milk, but the flavor and consistency of the dish will be different.
Is caramel sauce necessary? Caramel sauce adds a rich and slightly sweet flavor to the dish, but if you don't have it, you can omit it or substitute with a small amount of brown sugar.
How spicy is this dish? The level of spiciness can be adjusted by adding or reducing the amount of bird's eye chilies. If you prefer less spice, you can remove the seeds from the chilies or use a milder chili variety.
Can I make this dish in advance? Yes, this dish can be made in advance and reheated when ready to serve. In fact, the flavors tend to develop and intensify after resting for a few hours or overnight.
What should I serve with Cá Kho Tộ Sả Ớt? Cá Kho Tộ Sả Ớt is commonly served with steamed rice and a side of steamed vegetables or pickled vegetables.

Serving dishes and utensils

Pan - A large pan or skillet for cooking the catfish and preparing the sauce.
Knife - A sharp knife for mincing garlic, chopping lemongrass, and cutting green onions.
Cutting board - A sturdy cutting board for chopping ingredients.
Bowl - A bowl for mixing the sauce ingredients.
Serving dish - A suitable dish for serving the cooked catfish and sauce.
Tongs - Tongs for carefully turning the catfish steaks while searing.
Spoon - A spoon for basting the catfish with the sauce during cooking.
Garnishing tool - Optional: A tool for sprinkling fresh cilantro on the dish as a garnish.

Origin stories

Cá Kho Tộ Sả Ớt, a beloved dish of the Vietnamese cuisine, mirrors the rich and vibrant culture of its origin. Rooted in the Mekong Delta region, where the rivers teem with a variety of fish, this recipe utilizes fresh catfish - a staple catch for local fishermen. The dish showcases the authentic flavors of Vietnamese cooking: the heat of chilies, the tang of lemongrass, and the sweet notes of caramel and coconut water. It's often enjoyed with a bowl of steamed rice, reflecting the importance of rice in Vietnam's agricultural life. The process of slowly simmering the fish till it's tender and flavorful embodies the Vietnamese approach to cooking: patient, mindful, and always seeking to bring out the heart of the ingredients.

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.