Caramel Coated Catfish

Catfish is coated in a savory caramel fish sauce in this traditional Vietnamese dish.

• Preparation Time: 15 mins
• Cooking Time: 30 mins
• Total Time: 45 mins
• Calories: 404 Calories

Ingredients

• ⅓ cup white sugar
• ⅓ cup water
• ½ teaspoon white sugar
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 ½ teaspoons ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 green onion, thinly sliced
• 2 shallots, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fish sauce
• ½ cup chopped cilantro
• 2 pounds catfish fillets

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Mix 1/3 cup of water with the fish sauce in a small bowl and set aside. Combine shallots, garlic, black pepper, and red pepper flakes in a separate bowl and set aside.

Step 2

Heat 1/3 cup of water and 1/3 cup of sugar in a large skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until sugar turns deep golden brown. Gently stir in the fish sauce mixture and bring to a boil. Stir in the shallot mixture and cook until shallots soften, then add the catfish. Cover and cook the catfish until the fish flakes easily with a fork, about 5 minutes on each side. Place catfish on a large plate, cover, and set aside. Increase heat to high and stir in 1/2 teaspoon of sugar. Stir in the lime juice and any sauce that has collected on the plate. Bring to a boil and simmer until the sauce has reduced. Pour sauce over the catfish and garnish with green onions and cilantro.