Quick Vietnamese Fish in Caramel Sauce

Transform your weeknight dinner routine with this Quick Vietnamese Fish in Caramel Sauce, a luscious harmony of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors inspired by classic Vietnamese cuisine. Succulent white fish fillets are delicately seared and glazed in a glossy caramel sauce, made by caramelizing sugar and blending it with fish sauce, soy sauce, lime juice, and aromatic spices like garlic and shallots. A touch of red chili adds optional heat, while scallions and fresh cilantro bring vibrant freshness. This 25-minute recipe pairs perfectly with steamed rice, soaking up every drop of the rich, umami-packed sauce. Easy to make yet bold in flavor, this dish is an ideal choice for a quick yet impressive dinner that highlights Vietnamese culinary flair.

Nutriscore Rating: 71/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:25 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 4 fillets white fish fillets (e.g., cod, catfish, or tilapia)
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 3 tablespoons water
• 3 tablespoons fish sauce
• 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce
• 2 teaspoons lime juice
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 small shallots, thinly sliced
• 1 red chili, thinly sliced (optional)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 scallions, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro leaves
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
• 4 servings steamed rice (for serving)

Directions

Step 1

Pat the fish fillets dry with paper towels and season lightly with black pepper. Set aside.

Step 2

In a small saucepan, combine the sugar and 2 tablespoons of water over medium heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves, then allow it to simmer undisturbed until it turns into a deep amber caramel, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 3

Carefully stir in the fish sauce, soy sauce, lime juice, and 1 tablespoon of water. Be cautious, as the mixture may sputter. Set the caramel sauce aside.

Step 4

Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and shallots and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.

Step 5

Place the fish fillets in the skillet and sear them for 2 minutes on each side, or until lightly golden.

Step 6

Pour the caramel sauce over the fish, reduce the heat to low, and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes, spooning the sauce over the fish occasionally. The fish should be fully cooked and the sauce slightly thickened.

Step 7

Add the sliced red chili (if using) and scallions to the skillet, cooking for an additional minute.

Step 8

Transfer the fish to a serving platter and drizzle any remaining caramel sauce from the skillet over the top.

Step 9

Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve immediately with steamed rice.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1277.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1566.8

Total Fat 32.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 4.9g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 16.8g
Cholesterol 200mg	0%
Sodium 4524.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 217.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 4.0g	0%
Total Sugars 29.8g
Protein 103.5g	0%

Vitamin D 800IU	0%
Calcium 210.0mg	0%
Iron 10.7mg	0%
Potassium 1835.1mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 18.4%

Protein: 26.3%

Carbs: 55.2%