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Caramelized Braised Fish (Ca Kho Style): A Flavor-Packed Asian Fish Recipe You’ll Make Again and Again

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If you’re searching for a deeply flavorful, glossy, melt-in-your-mouth fish recipe, this Caramelized Braised Fish will become a family favorite. With its irresistible golden glaze and tender fish infused with garlic, scallions, and a rich caramel sauce, this dish delivers the perfect balance of sweet, savory, salty, and aromatic.

This recipe is inspired by traditional Vietnamese Ca Kho, a beloved home-style dish known for its simplicity and bold flavor. Best of all? It’s extremely easy to make and requires only everyday pantry ingredients.

Whether you serve it with hot steamed rice, jasmine rice, or sticky rice, this dish is guaranteed to impress.

⭐ Why You’ll Love This Caramelized Braised Fish

  • Made with simple and affordable ingredients

  • Naturally rich, glossy, and full of umami

  • Perfect for weeknight dinners

  • Pairs beautifully with rice and vegetables

  • Ready in less than 30 minutes

Ingredients (Serves 3–4)

For the Fish

  • 700–800g fish steaks (catfish, mackerel, salmon, or snakehead fish work great)

  • 1 teaspoon salt

  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

  • 1 tablespoon fish sauce (optional but authentic)

  • 1 tablespoon lime juice or vinegar (for eliminating fish smell)

For the Caramel Sauce

  • 3 tablespoons sugar (white or brown)

  • 2 tablespoons water

For Braising

  • 6–8 whole garlic cloves

  • 2–3 shallots or ½ onion, sliced

  • 2 tablespoons fish sauce

  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce

  • 1 tablespoon oyster sauce

  • ½ teaspoon chili flakes or 1 fresh chili (optional)

  • 1 cup water or coconut water (traditional option for deeper flavor)

  • Fresh scallions, cut into 2–3 inch pieces

  • 1 tablespoon cooking oil

🔥 How to Make Caramelized Braised Fish (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Prepare the Fish

  1. Rinse the fish steaks with cold water and a splash of vinegar or lime juice.

  2. Pat dry with paper towels.

  3. Season lightly with salt and black pepper.

  4. Set aside for 10 minutes.

Step 2: Make the Caramel Base (Critical for Flavor)

  1. In a clean pan, add 3 tablespoons sugar and 2 tablespoons water.

  2. Cook over medium heat without stirring.

  3. When the mixture turns deep amber (not burnt), carefully add a splash of hot water.

  4. Stir until smooth — this becomes your rich caramel color and flavor foundation.

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