Delicious and Authentic Vietnamese Cá Kho Tộ Tàu Hủ Nấm Recipe

Ingredients

500 grams of fresh catfish
200 grams of tofu
100 grams of fresh button mushrooms
2 tablespoons of sugar
3 tablespoons of fish sauce
1 tablespoon of oyster sauce
1 teaspoon of ground black pepper
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1 small red chili, sliced
2 green onions, sliced
2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
1 teaspoon of sesame oil
500 ml of coconut water

Steps and instructions

Clean the catfish and cut it into sizable pieces.
Marinate the fish with 1 tablespoon of fish sauce, minced garlic, and a sprinkle of black pepper for about 30 minutes.
Cut the tofu into small cubes and deep fry them in vegetable oil until they turn slightly golden, then set them aside.
Slice the button mushrooms into thin pieces.
In a pan, add 2 tablespoons of sugar and heat it on medium heat until it melts and turns into a caramel color.
Add the marinated fish into the pan and sear both sides. Remember to be gentle to keep the fish pieces intact.
Pour in the rest of the fish sauce, oyster sauce, and coconut water. Let it simmer on low heat for about 15 minutes.
Add the fried tofu and sliced mushrooms to the pan. Stir gently and let it simmer for another 10 minutes.
Season with black pepper and add the sliced chili and green onions. Drizzle the sesame oil over the top.
Let it cook for another 2-3 minutes, then remove from heat. Serve the dish hot with some steamed rice.

Tools for making

Cutting board - Used to prepare and chop ingredients.
Knife - Essential for cutting and slicing the fish, tofu, and vegetables.
Frying pan - Used to sear the fish and cook the dish.
Spatula - Helps to flip and stir the fish and other ingredients in the pan.
Measuring spoons - Needed to accurately measure the sugar, fish sauce, oyster sauce, and black pepper.
Garlic press - Optional tool to mince the garlic cloves.

Recipe variations

Use chicken or pork instead of catfish for a different protein source.
Replace tofu with seitan or tempeh for a meat-free option.
Add vegetables such as bok choy, carrots, or bell peppers for added freshness and texture.
Experiment with different types of mushrooms like shiitake or oyster mushrooms.
For a spicier version, increase the amount of chili or add some chopped Thai bird's eye chili.
Try using coconut milk instead of coconut water for a richer and creamier sauce.
Add a tablespoon of tamarind paste for a tangy twist.
Add a splash of lime juice to enhance the flavors.
Garnish with fresh herbs like cilantro or Thai basil for added aroma.
For a smoky flavor, grill the fish or meat before adding it to the caramel sauce.

Recipe overview

This recipe will guide you through the steps of cooking Cá Kho Tộ Tàu Hủ Nấm- a traditional Vietnamese dish known for its savory, slightly sweet, and incredibly aromatic flavors. Made from fresh catfish, tofu, and button mushrooms, this dish is not only nutritious but also delicious and satisfying. The catfish is marinated to perfection, then simmered in a caramelized sauce with a mix of tofu and mushrooms. The final touch of sesame oil and green onions gives it an irresistible aroma that will tantalize your taste buds. Accompanied by a bowl of steamed rice, this dish makes for a perfect hearty meal. Enjoy the process and the amazing flavors of this Vietnamese delicacy.

Common questions

Can I use frozen catfish for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen catfish for this recipe. Just make sure to thaw it completely before marinating and cooking.
What can I substitute for fish sauce?
If you don't have fish sauce, you can substitute it with soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce. Keep in mind that the flavor will be slightly different.
Can I use a different type of mushroom?
Yes, you can use different types of mushrooms such as shiitake or oyster mushrooms if you prefer. Adjust the quantity according to your taste.
Is it necessary to fry the tofu?
Frying the tofu adds a nice texture and flavor to the dish, but if you prefer, you can use plain tofu without frying it.
Can I make this dish spicy?
Absolutely! If you prefer a spicier flavor, you can increase the amount of chili or add some chili flakes to the dish.
Is coconut water essential for this recipe?
Coconut water adds a subtle sweetness to the dish, but if you don't have it, you can substitute it with an equal amount of water or fish stock.
How should I store the leftovers?
You can store the leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat it before serving.

Serving dishes and utensils

Cutting board - A sturdy and clean surface for chopping ingredients.
Knife - A sharp knife for cutting the catfish, tofu, and vegetables.
Pan - A large pan or skillet for cooking the dish.
Spatula - A utensil for flipping and stirring the fish and tofu.
Measuring spoons - Essential for accurately measuring the sugar, fish sauce, oyster sauce, and black pepper.
Garlic press - Optional, but helpful for mincing garlic quickly and easily.
Chili slicer - Optional, but useful for slicing the chili into thin and even pieces.
Serving bowl - A bowl for serving the finished dish.
Rice cooker - If serving with rice, a rice cooker will help you cook perfectly fluffy rice.
Plates and utensils - Required for serving and enjoying the dish.

Origin stories

Cá Kho Tộ Tàu Hủ Nấm is a delightfully aromatic dish originally from Vietnam's southern region. It perfectly embodies the country's philosophy of balancing the five fundamental taste senses in each meal: spicy, sour, bitter, salty, and sweet. The dish's rich, savory flavors come from a combination of catfish, tofu, and mushrooms, all simmered together in a caramel-based sauce. The addition of catfish is interesting because the Mekong Delta, located in the southern part of Vietnam, is an abundant source of this fish. Hence, catfish dishes are particularly popular and integral to the culinary landscape of this region. Historically, Cá Kho Tộ Tàu Hủ Nấm is often served in clay pots, enhancing not only the flavors but also keeping the food hot for a longer time, a testimony to the locals' ingenuity. This dish is a beautiful representation of the resourcefulness, creativity, and traditions of Vietnamese cuisine.

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.