Vietnamese Braised Fish in Clay Pot (Ca Kho To)

About This Recipe

Ca kho to is a beloved Vietnamese home-cooking dish, fish simmered in a dark caramel sauce built from sugar and fish sauce until it turns deeply savory-sweet and clings to the fish in a glossy glaze. Traditionally cooked in a clay pot, which helps distribute heat evenly and imparts a subtle earthiness, though a heavy pot works well too. As with other Vietnamese caramel braises, the sugar is cooked to a deep amber first before liquid is added, building the signature reddish-brown color and complex bitterness that balances the dish's saltiness and sweetness.

Ingredients

Serves 4

• 700 gcatfish steaks or fillets
• 3 tbspsugar
• 0.33 cupfish sauce
• 1 cupcoconut water or water
• 3shallots(sliced)
• 2scallions(cut into pieces)
• 1 piecefresh ginger(sliced)
• 1 tspblack pepper
• 1red chile(sliced, optional)

Instructions

1. 1

   Make the caramel

   Heat sugar in a clay pot or heavy pot over medium heat until it melts and turns deep amber, about 5 minutes.

   Watch closely — the sugar can burn quickly once it starts to darken.

2. 2

   Add liquid carefully

   Carefully pour in fish sauce and coconut water; the mixture will bubble and steam.

3. 3

   Add aromatics

   Stir in shallots, ginger, and black pepper.

4. 4

   Add the fish

   Gently place the fish into the pot, spooning some sauce over the top.

5. 5

   Simmer until glazed

   Simmer uncovered on low heat for 20-25 minutes, spooning sauce over the fish occasionally, until it's cooked through and the sauce has reduced to a thick glaze.

6. 6

   Serve

   Garnish with scallions and chile, and serve hot with steamed rice.

Variations

• •

  Use salmon or another firm fish if catfish isn't available.

• •

  Add hard-boiled eggs to the pot alongside the fish for extra richness.

• •

  Include pork belly along with the fish for a heartier version.

Storage

Refrigerate for up to 3 days; the flavor deepens with time. Reheat gently on the stovetop to avoid breaking up the fish.

Frequently Asked Questions