Cá kho – Caramelized Fish

4 SERVINGS

Do hodinky

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INGREDIENTS

4 fish steaks
4 shallots
4 tablespoons fish sauce
8 slices of ginger or galangal
4 lime leaves or 1 stalk of lemongrass
pinch of salt
pinch of pepper
sugar
handful of dill for garnish
jasmine rice
1/2 chili pepper

INSTRUCTIONS

1
Rinse the fish with cold water and pat dry with a paper towel. Season with salt and pepper on both sides. Clean the shallots, halve them, and chop finely. Peel the ginger and slice it.
2
In a larger pan or shallow pot, melt the sugar, which will take about 3-5 minutes. Let it slowly turn golden and dry, ensuring it doesn't brown too much or even blacken.
3
Place the fish in the pot, add the shallots, ginger or galangal, lime leaves, and chili. Add the fish sauce, caramelized sugar, pour in hot water, and cover with a lid. Cook on low heat for about 30 – 40 minutes until the water reduces to a creamy sauce.
4
Sprinkle with fresh dill or coriander.
5
Season with salt and serve with jasmine rice.

Marcela Vuong

Vietnamese specialties from Marcela Vuong's kitchen will transport you to the heart of Asia. Marcela runs a popular cooking school and will teach you how to make the best Vietnamese recipes.