Cá Kho Tộ (Vietnamese Caramelized Fish in Clay Pot)
This traditional Vietnamese dish features hearty fish fillets braised in a rich, savory, and slightly sweet caramel sauce. It's typically cooked and served in a clay pot, perfect for a comforting family meal over rice.
An original recipe by Forkin
- Total time
- 55 min
- Serves
- 4
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Per serving
- 255 kcal
Allergen information: may contain fish and soy. Always check ingredient packaging if you have an allergy.
Mise en place
Ingredients
Converted for display; the recipe amounts stay equivalent.
Ingredients
- 600 gcatfish fillet, cut into 2-inch (5.1 cm) pieces
- 0.5 pcsyellow onion, thinly sliced
- 4 clovegarlic, minced
- 2 pcsshallot, minced
- 1 tbspfresh ginger, grated
- 2 tbspbrown sugar
- 4 tbspfish sauce
- 0.5 cupwater
- 0.5 tspblack pepper, freshly ground
- 1 tbspneutral oil
garnish
- 2 pcsscallion, chopped
- 1 pcsthai chili, thinly sliced(optional)
Equipment
clay pot · measuring cups · measuring spoons · knife · cutting board
The method
Step by step
- 1
Marinate the catfish pieces with half of the minced garlic, minced shallot, grated ginger, half of the fish sauce, half of the black pepper, and half of the brown sugar for at least 15 minutes.
About 15 min
Cook’s note: For best flavor, marinate the fish for 30 minutes to an hour in the refrigerator.
- 2
Heat neutral oil in a clay pot or heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat.
About 1 min
- 3
Add the remaining brown sugar to the pot and cook, stirring constantly, until it melts and turns into a deep amber caramel. Do not burn it.
About 3 min
Cook’s note: Keep a close eye on the sugar as it can burn quickly once it starts to caramelize.
- 4
Carefully add the sliced yellow onion, remaining minced garlic, and remaining minced shallot to the caramel. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and softened.
About 3 min
Cook’s note: The caramel will seize up initially, but it will melt back down as the vegetables cook.
- 5
Gently place the marinated catfish pieces into the pot in a single layer.
About 1 min
- 6
Pour in the remaining fish sauce and water. Bring the liquid to a gentle simmer.
About 3 min
- 7
Cover the pot and reduce the heat to low. Simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and the sauce has thickened slightly.
About 28 min
Cook’s note: Avoid stirring too much to prevent the fish from breaking apart.
- 8
Taste the sauce and adjust seasonings if needed. Add the remaining black pepper.
About 1 min
- 9
Garnish with chopped scallion and sliced Thai chili, if using.
- 10
Serve hot with steamed rice.
Per serving
Nutrition
- Calories
- 254.5kcal
- Protein
- 28.8g
- Carbs
- 15g
- Fat
- 8.5g
- Fibre
- 1.1g
- Sugar
- 8.2g
Estimated from the recipe’s ingredient quantities. Values can vary with brands and substitutions.
Keep it good
Store leftover Cá Kho Tộ in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Gently reheat in a pot on the stovetop over low heat, or in the microwave until warmed through.
More recipes
All recipesmain course
Chicken Inasal
Chicken Inasal is a popular Filipino grilled chicken dish originating from Bacolod. Chicken pieces are marinated in a mixture of vinegar, calamansi juice, ginger, garlic, and lemongrass, then grilled to perfection and basted with annatto oil.
2 hr 55 min 643 kcalmain course
Bharwan Bhindi (Stuffed Okra)
This vegan Bharwan Bhindi features tender okra pods stuffed with a fragrant blend of spices, then pan-fried until perfectly cooked. It's a flavorful and satisfying side dish or main course that pairs wonderfully with flatbreads or rice.
45 min 185 kcalmain course
Matar Paneer
This classic North Indian dish features tender green peas and soft paneer cheese simmered in a rich, aromatic tomato-based gravy. It's a comforting and flavorful vegetarian main course that pairs wonderfully with rice or naan bread.
55 min 312 kcaldessert
Sachertorte
A classic Austrian chocolate cake known for its dense chocolate sponge, thin layer of apricot jam, and rich dark chocolate glaze. This elegant dessert offers a sophisticated balance of sweet and slightly tart flavors.
3 hr 35 min 753 kcalmain course
Köttbullar
These classic Swedish meatballs are tender and flavorful, served with a rich, creamy gravy. They are perfect for a comforting family meal and pair wonderfully with mashed potatoes and lingonberry jam.
55 min 781 kcalside dish
Bulgur Pilavi
This traditional Turkish bulgur pilaf is a hearty and flavorful side dish made with coarse bulgur, tomatoes, and green peppers. It's a simple, comforting recipe that pairs well with many main courses.
40 min 355 kcalappetizer
Midye Tava (Fried Mussels)
Midye Tava features succulent mussels, typically threaded onto skewers, that are battered and fried until golden brown. This popular Turkish street food is often served with a garlicky, spiced tarator sauce and lemon wedges.
40 min 573 kcal