Vietnamese Ca Kho To: A Delicious Braised Catfish Dish

The flavors and aromas of a dish called Ca Kho To make it a crowd pleaser. It is a traditional southern Vietnamese dish that features soft catfish, robust spices, and a sweet tangy taste with a hint of coconut. It is best served over steamy jasmine rice with fresh herbs.

Ca Kho To is often considered a comfort food for many Vietnamese people as it combines the flavor of fish, the sweetness of caramelized sugar and the warmth of the spices. It is an easy yet flavorful dish to make, and its rich flavor will linger in your memory for a long time.

What Is Vietnamese Ca Kho To?

Vietnamese Ca Kho To is a traditional southern Vietnamese catfish dish. It is made from catfish simmered in a sweet-tangy sauce made of coconut milk and caramelized sugar, along with fresh ginger, garlic, and fish sauce. The sauce creates a thick broth for the fish to cook in, yielding a robust flavor.

The dish is often served over steamed jasmine rice with a scattering of fresh herbs for extra flavor. Vietnamese Ca Kho To is often seen as a banquet or celebration dish due to its unique and memorable taste.

The Benefits Of Eating Ca Kho To

Catfish is a low-fat, protein-rich fish that is an excellent source of nutrition. Ca Kho To is a great way to incorporate this fish into your diet. Eating catfish has many health benefits. It is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, which can reduce inflammation, boost heart health, improve cognitive function, and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

The spices used in the dish, such as ginger and garlic, are also incredibly beneficial. They are powerful anti-inflammatory agents that may reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.

Making Vietnamese Ca Kho To: A Recipe

Ingredients:

– 2 lbs. catfish fillets
– 1 cup coconut milk
– 1 cup fish sauce
– 2 tablespoons caramelized sugar
– 2 tablespoons fresh grated ginger
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons oil
– Sauce seasonings (peppercorns, star anise, and bay leaves)
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions:

1. Begin by prepping the catfish fillets. Remove any bones and excess skin and cut into cubes.
2. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the cubed catfish and cook until lightly golden.
3. Add the coconut milk, fish sauce, caramelized sugar, ginger, garlic, and sauce seasonings. Bring to a boil and then reduce the heat to low.
4. Simmer the catfish in the mixture for 15-20 minutes until the fish is cooked through and the sauce has thickened.
5. Serve over steamed jasmine rice and garnish with fresh cilantro. Enjoy!