Step 3: Sear the Fish
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Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a pan.
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Add garlic and shallots, sauté until fragrant.
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Add the fish steaks and sear both sides until lightly golden.
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Do not over-move the pieces to avoid breaking them.
Step 4: Braise the Fish
Add the following directly into the pan:
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The prepared caramel sauce
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2 tablespoons fish sauce
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1 tablespoon soy sauce
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1 tablespoon oyster sauce
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Chili flakes (optional)
Pour in 1 cup water or coconut water—enough to partially submerge the fish.
Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat. Cook uncovered for 15–20 minutes, spooning the sauce over the fish occasionally.
Step 5: Add Scallions & Reduce the Sauce
When the fish is tender and the sauce thickens:
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Add fresh scallions
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Simmer for 2 more minutes
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Turn off the heat when the sauce becomes thick, glossy, and sticky
🍚 Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with:
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Steamed jasmine rice
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Sticky rice
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Stir-fried greens
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Pickled vegetables
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Fresh cucumber slices
The salty-sweet glaze combined with fluffy rice is absolutely irresistible.
🌿 Kitchen Tips for Perfect Results
✨ Use coconut water for a more authentic traditional flavor.
✨ Never stir the fish — spoon sauce over instead.
✨ Caramel color should be deep amber, not black.
✨ Works with many fish types: catfish, basa, salmon, tilapia, mackerel.
🥢 Storage & Reheating
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Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
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Reheat gently in a pan over low heat.
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Flavors deepen the next day — even better!
🔍 SEO Keywords
Use these to help your article rank on Google:
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⭐ Conclusion
Caramelized Braised Fish is one of the most flavorful and satisfying Asian fish dishes you can prepare at home. With its rich color, sticky glaze, and aromatic garlic-scallion combination, this recipe is both comforting and gourmet. Perfect for busy evenings or special family dinners, it’s a dish you’ll come back to again and again.
