Cá Kho Tộ (Vietnamese Caramelized Catfish)

Ingredients

Cooking oil

2 tablespoons

Cilantro

1/4 cup, chopped

Green onions

1/4 cup, chopped

Water

1 cup

Black pepper

1/2 teaspoon

Shallots

2, thinly sliced

Garlic

4 cloves, minced

Sugar

2 tablespoons

Fish sauce

1/4 cup

Catfish fillets

1 pound

Instructions

1. In a small bowl, mix together the fish sauce, sugar, minced garlic, and black pepper until well combined to create a marinade.
2. Add the catfish fillets to the marinade, ensuring they are fully coated. Allow them to marinate for at least 15 minutes for the flavors to penetrate the fish.
3. Heat the cooking oil in a clay pot or a deep skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the sliced shallots and sauté until fragrant and translucent.
4. Carefully place the marinated catfish fillets into the pot, cooking for about 5 minutes on each side until they are slightly browned. Be gentle to avoid breaking the fillets.
5. Pour in the water, bringing it to a gentle simmer. This will help create a luscious sauce.
6. Cover the pot and let the catfish simmer for approximately 30 minutes, allowing the fish to become tender and the sauce to thicken to a caramel-like consistency.
7. Before serving, garnish the dish with chopped green onions and cilantro for added freshness and color.
8. Serve hot with steamed rice to soak up the delicious sauce.