Vietnamese Caramelized Catfish

Ingredients

• 4-5 catfish steaks
• Fish sauce (about 4 tbsp for the marinade)
• 2 tbsp granulated sugar for the marinade, plus 2 tbsp for the caramel
• 5-6 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-2 medium shallots, minced
• Scallions, chopped
• Bird's eye chillies (optional)
• 1 can (12 oz) coconut soda
• Black pepper

Directions

• Place the fish steaks in a clean bowl and drizzle with 4 tbsp fish sauce, 2 tbsp sugar, and 1 bird's eye chilli. Mix well and let it sit in the fridge for 30-45 minutes.
• Mince the garlic, shallots, and green onions.
• Caramelize 2 tbsp sugar in a pot. Once it starts cooking, stream in 4 tbsp water and let it thicken. Add the garlic and shallot and let sit 1-2 minutes.
• Add the fish to the pot and pour in the marinade. Cover and cook for 5 minutes.
• Flip the fish and add 1/3 of the coconut soda. Cook 5-8 minutes over medium heat.
• Turn to a simmer, add black pepper, green onions, and Thai chillies. Simmer about 3 minutes.
• Serve with rice.

One of our favorites. From Tuệ on Instagram.