_Sips Vietnamese coffee while typing_
Oh my goodness, girlfriends! Let me tell you about this absolutely divine Vietnamese dish that’s been passed down through generations – Cá Kho Tộ (Caramelized Fish in Clay Pot). Trust me, this recipe will have your family thinking you secretly enrolled in a culinary school in Saigon!
Listen, I know we’re all busy running around like crazy, but this dish is totally worth making time for. It’s that perfect combination of sweet, savory, and umami that’ll make your taste buds do a little happy dance! 💃
What You’ll Need (because we’re fancy like that):
– 2 lbs of catfish steaks (or salmon if you’re feeling bougie)
– 3 tablespoons of fish sauce (the good stuff, honey!)
– 2 tablespoons of coconut sugar
– Fresh ground black pepper
– 2 shallots, thinly sliced
– 3 garlic cloves, minced
– 2 green onions
– 2 red chilies (optional, but live a little!)
– Caramel sauce (I’ll teach you how to make it!)
Okay queens, here’s how we’re gonna make magic happen:
First things first – let’s make that caramel sauce (don’t panic, it’s easier than your morning makeup routine!). Heat 2 tablespoons of sugar in a small pan until it melts and turns amber. Add 2 tablespoons of water carefully (it’ll sizzle like crazy!), and voilà!
Now, marinate that fish with fish sauce, minced garlic, sliced shallots, and black pepper for at least 30 minutes. Girl, if you can leave it overnight, even better!
_Quick break_ – Are you loving this recipe so far? Make sure to follow me on Newsbreak for more mouthwatering recipes that’ll make you feel like a kitchen goddess! 👩🍳✨
In a clay pot (or regular pot if you’re not feeling extra), layer the marinated fish with the caramel sauce. Add just enough water to barely cover the fish, then bring it to a simmer. Let it cook on medium-low heat for about 20-25 minutes until the sauce reduces and becomes glossy.
Garnish with green onions and chilies, and serve with steamed rice. Trust me, this dish is so good, it’ll have your guests asking if you have a Vietnamese grandmother hidden in your kitchen!
Pro tip: Don’t wear white while cooking this – fish sauce stains are NOT the fashion statement we’re going for this season!
Y’all, I cannot stress enough how amazing this dish is. It’s literally like a warm hug for your soul, but make it fancy! The sauce gets all thick and caramelized, and when it hits that rice… _chef’s kiss_
Before you run off to your kitchen to make this masterpiece, don’t forget to follow me on Newsbreak for more recipes that’ll make you feel like a culinary queen! Drop a comment below and let me know how this turned out for you – did your family bow down to your cooking skills? Did your significant other offer to do the dishes? Spill the tea, honey!
Now go forth and cook like the kitchen goddess you are! 💁♀️👑
XOXO,
Your favorite recipe girl
P.S. If you mess up the first time, just order takeout and try again tomorrow – we’ve all been there! 😉
