Cá Bông Lau Kho Tộ
Cá Bông Lau Kho Tộ is a traditional Vietnamese catfish dish that combines the rich flavors of caramelized sauce with fresh herbs, creating a delightful seafood experience. Served in a clay pot, this dish is not only delicious but also showcases the essence of Vietnamese culinary artistry.

30 minutes
Difficulty: Medium
Vietnamese
350 kcal
Ingredients
- Catfish fillet - 300 grams
- Shallots - 2 medium, thinly sliced
- Garlic - 3 cloves, minced
- Ginger - 1 tablespoon, minced
- Fish sauce - 3 tablespoons
- Soy sauce - 1 tablespoon
- Brown sugar - 1 tablespoon
- Black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon
- Chili - 1, sliced (optional)
- Spring onions - 2, chopped
- Cilantro - a handful, chopped
- Vegetable oil - 1 tablespoon
- Water - 100 ml
Steps
- Heat the vegetable oil in a clay pot over medium heat.
- Add the sliced shallots, minced garlic, and ginger to the pot, sautéing until fragrant and golden brown.
- In a bowl, mix the fish sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, and black pepper. Stir well to dissolve the sugar.
- Add the catfish fillets to the pot, carefully coating them with the sautéed mixture.
- Pour the sauce mixture over the catfish and add water, ensuring the fish is partially submerged.
- Add sliced chili if desired for heat, and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Cover the pot and let it cook for about 15 minutes, occasionally spooning the sauce over the fish to enhance flavor.
- Once the catfish is cooked through and flaky, remove from heat and garnish with chopped spring onions and cilantro before serving.
Nutrition
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 28 g
- Carbs: 10 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
- Total Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Water: 0.1 L
Health Benefits
- Rich in omega-3 fatty acids which support heart health.
- High in protein, aiding muscle growth and repair.
Tags
VietnameseHealthySeafood Dish