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Vietnamese Caramelized Braised Fish Recipe

Cá Kho Tộ Recipe (Vietnamese Caramelized and Braised Fish)

Cá kho tộ (Vietnamese caramelized and braised fish) is a combination of tender fish and a sweet-savory sauce. It will please even the pickiest eaters.
5 from 2 votes
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Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Vietnamese
Keyword: Cá Kho Tộ, Vietnamese Caramelized and Braised Fish
Level of Difficulty: Medium
Dietary Preference: Dairy-Free, Gluten-free
Prep Time: 45 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 102kcal

Equipment

  • Pan
  • Knife
  • Chopping Board
  • Tongs
  • Mixing Bowl

Ingredients

  • 0.7 pounds pork belly
  • 1.8 pounds fish filets
  • 1 coconut, for draining about 8.5 ounces of coconut water
  • 0.7 ounces minced garlic
  • 0.7 ounces minced shallots
  • 0.7 ounces julienned ginger
  • 1 chili pepper

For the marinade

  • 5 teaspoons salt
  • 5 teaspoons Vietnamese caramel sauce (Nuoc Mau)
  • 3 teaspoons soup powder
  • 3 teaspoons oyster sauce
  • 2 teaspoons brown sugar
  • 2 teaspoons ground pepper
US Customary - Metric

Instructions 

  • Use a knife or scissors, pierce the coconut eye on top and drain out the coconut water.
    Pierce The Coconut
  • Separate the pork fat and meat. Then, cut them into small, bite-sized pieces.
    Separate The Pork Fat And Meat
  • Cut the fish filets into large and thick chunks.
    Season the fish with salt, caramel sauce, soup powder, oyster sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, and ground pepper.
    Mix well and marinate the fish for at least 30 minutes.
    Season The Fish With Salt
  • Add the chopped pork fat to a heated pan. Stir them until they turn golden brown and set aside.
    Make The Pork Crackling
  • Add the garlic and shallots to the same pan and fry them until fragrant. Add the ginger and a few slices of chili. Stir well for 1 to 2 minutes or until aromatic.
    Garlic And Shallots The Same Pan
  • Add the pork pieces and stir-fry them until cooked. If you want, you can also sear the meat a little.
    Add The Pork Pieces
  • Once the fish filets are well-marinated, add them to the pan, placing them over the pork. Pour in the coconut water.
    Cook the fish over low heat for 40 to 45 minutes or until the sauce thickens.
    Once The Fish Filets
  • Use a spoon to scoop the sauce and pour it on the fish. Avoid flipping the fish filets during cooking.
    Sauce And Pour
  • After about 40 minutes, add the pork cracklings and continue cooking for another 1 to 2 minutes, then turn off the heat.
    Add The Pork Crackling
  • Sprinkle some scallions and ground pepper over the fish. Enjoy!
    Sprinkle Some Scallions

Video

Notes

  • The cooking time is for making 4 servings.
  • If possible, you should marinate the fish for 2 to 4 hours in a fridge.
  • In addition to steamed rice, you can enjoy cá kho tộ with Vietnamese crispy burnt rice (cơm cháy).
  • Always add the pork cracklings last. Otherwise, they will become mushy.
  • Don't cook the fish filets for too long, as doing so might dry them out.
  • Feel free to switch up the seasonings to your taste preferences.

Nutrition

Calories: 102kcal | Carbohydrates: 17g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.2g | Sodium: 3072mg | Potassium: 198mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 122IU | Vitamin C: 17mg | Calcium: 24mg | Iron: 1mg