Ca Kho To Recipe

Ca Kho To, also known as Vietnamese caramelized fish, is a delicious and flavorful dish that is a staple in Vietnamese cuisine. This dish features tender fish fillets that are cooked in a savory and slightly sweet caramel sauce, resulting in a rich and complex flavor profile. Here is a detailed recipe for making Ca Kho To at home:

Ca Kho To Recipe

Ingredients:

1. - 1 lb firm white fish fillets, such as catfish or tilapia

2. - 1/4 cup sugar

3. - 1/4 cup fish sauce

4. - 1/4 cup water

5. - 2 cloves garlic, minced

6. - 1 shallot, thinly sliced

7. - 1/2 ct tsp black pepper

8. - 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

9. - 2 tbsp vegetable oil

10. - Green onions and cilantro for garnish

11. - Cooked white rice for serving

Instructions:

1. Begin by preparing the fish. Rinse the fish fillets under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Cut the fillets into smaller pieces, about 2-3 inches in size. Season the fish with black pepper and set aside.

2. In a small saucepan, heat the sugar over medium heat. Stir constantly until the sugar melts and turns into a golden caramel color. Be careful not to burn the sugar, as it can turn bitter.

3. Once the sugar has caramelized, carefully add the fish sauce and water to the saucepan. The mixture will bubble vigorously, so be cautious. Stir well to combine the caramel and liquid until smooth.

4. Add the minced garlic and sliced shallots to the saucepan. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the aromatics are fragrant.

5. Gently place the fish fillets into the saucepan, making sure they are coated evenly with the caramel sauce. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and the sauce has thickened.

6. If desired, sprinkle red pepper flakes over the fish for a spicy kick. Stir gently to incorporate.

7. In a separate skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Fry the fish fillets for 1-2 minutes on each side until they are crispy and caramelized on the edges.

8. Serve the Ca Kho To hot, garnished with sliced green onions and fresh cilantro. Enjoy this delicious dish with steamed white rice.

Ca Kho To is a delightful dish that is perfect for a cozy dinner at home. The combination of tender fish and savory caramel sauce is sure to impress your family and friends. Give this recipe a try and experience the rich flavors of Vietnamese cuisine in your own kitchen. Bon appétit!

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