Ingredients
Metric weights use grams. US weights use ounces; liquids use fluid ounces. Conversions are rounded. Spoon measures use 5 ml teaspoons and 15 ml tablespoons; cups use 240 ml.
Serves 4
Caramel
Fish
Equipment
Kitchen scales; measuring jug and spoons; knife; cutting board; mixing bowls; saucepan with lid; sieve; food thermometer; steamer with lid and heatproof dishes; heatproof spoon; spatula.
Check all product labels and cross-contact. Diet groups describe this listed recipe, not every substitution.
Steps
Caramel · About 5 min
- Cook 30 g sugar, 30 ml water in a heavy pot until amber; do not stir once boiling.
Check: Look for this result: amber; do not stir once boiling.
Braise · About 5 min
- Carefully add coconut water from 700 g catfish steaks, 30 ml fish sauce, 20 g shallots, sliced, 15 g garlic, chopped, ½ tsp black pepper, 200 ml coconut water; it will steam. Add remaining fish ingredients.
Cook · About 25 min
- Simmer partly covered 20–25 minutes, turning once, until fish reaches 63°C / 145°F and sauce thickens.
Check: Look for this result: fish reaches 63°C / 145°F and sauce thickens.
Tips
- Keep the caramel amber; dark burned sugar tastes bitter.
- Judge Ca Kho To by the texture and doneness signs in its steps. Your pan and heat affect how long Ca Kho To takes to cook.
Substitutions
- In Ca Kho To, replace catfish with firm white fish steaks.
Storage
- Get perishable Ca Kho To into the fridge within two hours, or within one hour above 32°C / 90°F. Eat Ca Kho To within two days, keeping it covered at 4°C / 40°F or colder.
- Bring cooked Ca Kho To to 74°C / 165°F, stirring or turning it for even heating. When Ca Kho To is part of the meal, serve cold salads, dips and chilled desserts straight from safe refrigeration.
- If Ca Kho To includes a thick sauce or soup, loosen it with a little water during gentle reheating. Any crisp coating on Ca Kho To becomes softer in storage.
Make ahead
- Prepare the measured ingredients for Ca Kho To one day ahead. For Ca Kho To, refrigerate chopped vegetables apart from the other perishable ingredients. Follow the cooking stages for Ca Kho To on the day of serving.
FAQ
What matters most when making Ca Kho To?
Keep the caramel amber; dark burned sugar tastes bitter.
What can I substitute in Ca Kho To?
In Ca Kho To, replace catfish with firm white fish steaks.
Can I prepare Ca Kho To ahead?
Prepare the measured ingredients for Ca Kho To one day ahead. For Ca Kho To, refrigerate chopped vegetables apart from the other perishable ingredients. Follow the cooking stages for Ca Kho To on the day of serving.
Food safety references
FoodSafety.gov: cooking temperatures · Food Standards Agency: rice storage and reheating
