Ca Kho To

Ca Kho To

H

Huy Bui

9 Feb 2026

|

Cook

30 mins

Serves

4 People

Calories

350 calories

Experience the vibrant flavors of Vietnam with Ca Kho To, a succulent catfish dish simmered in a rich blend of fish sauce, coconut water, and spices. Ideal for a cozy weeknight dinner that transports you to the bustling streets of Hanoi.

Ingredients

  • 500 grams catfish fillets
  • 3 tablespoons fish sauce
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 cup coconut water
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 2 pieces red chili peppers
  • 1 tablespoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Method

  1. 1

    Heat vegetable oil in a clay pot over medium heat.

  2. 2

    Add minced garlic and sliced red chili peppers, sauté until fragrant.

  3. 3

    Carefully place the catfish fillets into the pot and sear on both sides for about 2-3 minutes.

  4. 4

    Pour in fish sauce, brown sugar, and coconut water over the fish.

  5. 5

    Sprinkle black pepper on top, then bring the mixture to a simmer.

  6. 6

    Cover the pot and let it cook on low heat for about 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally.

  7. 7

    Once the sauce has thickened and the catfish is cooked through, remove from heat.

  8. 8

    Serve hot with steamed rice and garnish with fresh herbs if desired.

Nutrition per serving

350kcal
Calories

Fat

12g

Carbs

40g

Protein

25g

Available in

Rate this recipe

4.6 · 27 ratings

Comments

L
Leon Muller15/02/2026

My family absolutely loved the Ca Kho To. They couldn't stop raving about the perfect balance of flavors and how tender the catfish turned out.

R
Rosa Gonzales13/02/2026

I whipped this up for a quick weeknight dinner and it was so delicious. The catfish soaked up all the flavors nicely and made for a tasty meal.

S
Santiago Rodriguez12/02/2026

The caramelized sweetness from the brown sugar melds beautifully with the umami-rich fish sauce, creating a savory aroma that dances in the air. Each tender bite of catfish is infused with a rich, complex flavor that lingers delightfully on the palate.

M
Martina Muñoz11/02/2026

This recipe for Ca Kho To was easy to follow and the flavors turned out great. I will definitely make it again.

Love cooking?

Create your own digital recipe book. Snap, save, and share your favorite recipes.

This page is available in:English|Français|Español|Italiano|Deutsch