Ca Kho To Caramel Fish

Method

1. 01

   Step 1

   Pat fish dry and coat with 1 tbsp fish sauce and half the pepper; refrigerate 15 minutes.

2. 02

   Step 2

   Heat sugar and 2 tbsp water in a heavy pot until amber. Remove from heat and carefully add coconut water; it will bubble vigorously.

3. 03

   Step 3

   In a separate pan fry shallots and garlic in oil for 2 minutes, then add to the caramel pot.

4. 04

   Step 4

   Add remaining fish sauce, fish, chilli and pepper. Simmer gently for 20–25 minutes, spooning sauce over fish without breaking it, until fish reaches 63°C.

5. 05

   Step 5

   Reduce sauce briefly if needed and finish with spring onion.