Cá Nục Kho
Cá Nục Kho is a delicious Vietnamese braised mackerel dish that combines the rich flavors of fish sauce, caramelized sugar, and aromatic herbs. This high-protein meal is perfect for a satisfying lunch, served with steamed rice and fresh vegetables.

30 minutes
Difficulty: Medium
Vietnamese
320 kcal
Ingredients
- Mackerel fillets - 300 grams
- Fish sauce - 3 tablespoons
- Brown sugar - 1 tablespoon
- Shallots - 2, thinly sliced
- Garlic - 3 cloves, minced
- Ginger - 1 teaspoon, grated
- Black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon
- Coconut water - 200 ml
- Vegetable oil - 1 tablespoon
- Green onions - 2, chopped for garnish
- Red chili - 1, sliced for garnish
Steps
- Heat the vegetable oil in a medium pot over medium heat.
- Add the sliced shallots, minced garlic, and grated ginger, and sauté until fragrant and softened.
- Stir in the brown sugar and cook until it dissolves and begins to caramelize slightly.
- Add the mackerel fillets to the pot and gently coat them in the caramelized mixture.
- Pour in the fish sauce and coconut water, then sprinkle with black pepper.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer, cover the pot, and allow to cook for 15-20 minutes, turning the fish halfway through to ensure even cooking.
- Once the fish is cooked through and the sauce has thickened slightly, remove from heat.
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped green onions and sliced red chili, alongside steamed rice.
Nutrition
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 28 g
- Carbs: 14 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
- Total Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Water: 0.2 L
Health Benefits
- High in protein, supporting muscle growth and repair.
- Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, promoting heart health.
Tags
VietnameseHigh ProteinLunch