Vietnamese · PANTRYHOP RECIPE
Cá Kho Tộ (Caramelized Fish in Clay Pot)
40 minutes · 4 servings · omnivore
A traditional sweet-savory fish braise adapted with a simple saucepan instead of a clay pot.
Ingredients
Check you have the quantities below.
- 1 1/2 lb (680 g) firm white fish fillets or steaks
- 2 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 1/2 tbsp sugar
- 3/4 cup water
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 shallot, minced
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp neutral oil
- 2 tbsp scallions
Let’s make it
- Make a light caramel by heating sugar in a pot over medium heat until amber, then quickly stir in oil, shallot, and garlic.
- Add fish sauce and water carefully, then place the fish in the pot.
- Simmer gently, covered, for 12 to 15 minutes until the fish reaches 63 C/145 F and flakes easily.
- Uncover for 5 minutes to reduce the sauce, then top with scallions and pepper.
Serve the fish in large flakes over rice so children can eat it more easily.
Cooking time varies with equipment and batch size. Follow school allergy rules for children’s meals; keep perishable lunches cold.
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