ca-kho-to
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Ca Kho To is a traditional Vietnamese dish made from catfish simmered in a caramelized sauce with garlic, shallots, and various spices. The dish is typically served in a clay pot, which is where it gets its name, as "To" refers to the pot in Vietnamese. The fish is marinated and cooked until it becomes tender and flavorful, often served with steamed rice. This dish is popular in Southern Vietnam and is often enjoyed during the Lunar New Year.
Recipe
Ingredients:
2 lbs catfish steaks
2 tablespoons fish sauce
2 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon ground black pepper
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 shallots, minced
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 tablespoon caramel sauce
1 cup coconut water
2 Thai chili peppers
2 green onions, chopped
1 handful of cilantro leaves
Instructions:
Clean the catfish steaks and pat them dry. Marinate the fish with 1 tablespoon of fish sauce, 1 tablespoon of sugar, and 1 tablespoon of ground black pepper. Let it sit for 15 minutes.
In a pan, sauté the minced garlic and shallots in vegetable oil until they turn golden brown.
Add the marinated catfish to the pan and sear both sides of the steaks.
Add the caramel sauce, the remaining fish sauce, and sugar to the pan. Mix well to coat the fish.
Pour the coconut water into the pan and add the Thai chili peppers. Cover the pan and let it simmer on low heat for about 20 minutes.
Flip the fish steaks and continue to simmer for another 15 minutes or until the sauce thickens.
Sprinkle the chopped green onions and cilantro leaves on top before serving. Enjoy your Ca Kho To with steamed rice.