Ca Kho To (Vietnamese Braised Fish)

This Vietnamese braised fish recipe features tender pieces of catfish braised in a deeply savory, caramelized sauce. Serve it with a bowl of steamed white rice for the easiest, most comforting dinner.

Course Dinner, Lunch

Cuisine Vietnamese

Keyword ca kho, ca kho to recipe, Vietnamese braised fish

Prep Time 20

Cook Time 30

Total Time 50

Servings servings

Calories 223kcal

Author Megan

Equipment

Mixing Bowls
Braising Pan

Ingredients

Fish Marinade

1 ½ lb catfish steaks washed and sliced
1 tablespoon shallots minced
1 tablespoon fish sauce
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon neutral oil

Braising Sauce

2 tablespoon shallot minced
4 cloves garlic minced
2 stalks green onion what parts only, sliced
2 ½ tablespoon fish sauce
1 tablespoon nuoc mau or dark soy sauce
1 teaspoon chicken bouillon powder
1 tablespoon sugar
1 can coco rico (355 ml) or coconut water
¼ cup water

Garnish

Green parts of green onion
Freshly cracked black pepper

Instructions

Marinate the fish. In a large mixing bowl, add the shallot, fish sauce, black pepper, oil, and the catfish. Mix together until thoroughly coated. Marinate for at least 20 minutes up to 1 hour.
Pan-fry the fish. Heat 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Cook the fish for 2-3 minutes on each side until lightly browned. Remove and set aside.
Make braising liquid. In a braising pan or large clay pot, heat 1 tablespoon of oil until hot. Then sauté the shallots and garlic for 1 minute until lightly browned and fragrant. Then add the fish sauce, nuoc mau, chicken bouillon powder, sugar, coco rico, and water. Mix until everything is combined and the sugar is dissolved.
Braise the fish. Then add the fish, bring to a simmer, and cook for 10 minutes. Then carefully flip the fish, reduce the heat to medium-low, and simmer for 30-40 minutes, occasionally spooning the sauce over the fish, or until the sauce has reduced.
Serve. Garnish with green onions and serve with steamed rice. Enjoy!

Notes

See the Expert Tips section for more guidance.

Nutrition