Name: Vietnamese Braised Fish/Tofu in Caramel Sauce (Ca Kho To)
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 1.3 lb vegan fish (see notes for Tofu); 3 tbsp canola oil; 3 tbsp sugar; 4 cloves garlic (finely chopped); 2 shallot (finely chopped); 3 dried chili (Optional); 1 US cup coconut water (or water); 2 tbsp vegan fish sauce; 1 tsp black pepper; spring onion and cilantro (to garnish) (chopped)

This dish is so delicious and easy! And I am so happy to have veganized it so we can now enjoy this traditional Vietnamese cuisine as vegans.

I hear that most of you don’t want to know all the history of the dish, so let’s keep it simple.

Notes will be at the bottom.

Here’s the recipe; enjoy!

Vietnamese Braised Fish/Tofu in Caramel Sauce (Ca Kho To)

This traditional Vietnamese dish is infused with the aromatic essence of garlic, shallots and black pepper. In addition, it is bathed in a delicious caramelized sauce with a tang. Enjoy the aroma and the tastes that will leave you craving more. It pairs perfectly with steamed rice.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 25

Total Time 35

Course Main Course

Cuisine Vietnamese

Servings 4 Servings

Ingredients

1.3 lb vegan fish see notes for Tofu
3 tbsp canola oil
3 tbsp sugar
4 cloves garlic finely chopped
2 shallot finely chopped
3 dried chili (Optional)
1 US cup coconut water (or water)
2 tbsp vegan fish sauce
1 tsp black pepper
spring onion and cilantro (to garnish) chopped

Instructions

Let's make the caramel, heat up a pot (claypot is used traditionally) on medium heat and add the oil and sugar. Let it brown.
NOTE: Work quickly with the sugar because it will burn if left on the heat for too long.
Add the garlic and shallots and cook for 20 seconds, then pour in the coconut water/water and turn the heat up to high.
Add the fish sauce and the black pepper.
Add the fish or tofu in and bring the mixture to a simmer.
Turn the heat to low-medium and let it braise for 15-20 minutes, or until the sauce is slightly thick.
Garnish with chopped green onions and cilantro before serving.

Notes

Vegan Fish Sauce: You can find vegan fish sauce in Asian markets or online, which adds an authentic flavor to the dish, mimicking the traditional fish sauce used in the original recipe.
Tofu Variation: While I used vegan fish in this recipe, you can substitute with firm or extra firm tofu. Just cut them into rectangular slices.
Simmering Tofu: For maximum flavor infusion for the tofu version, simmer the dish longer with a lid on. This allows the tofu to absorb the aromatic sauce for a more flavorful final dish.
Make-Ahead Option: Vegan Ca Kho To tastes even better as it sits in the sauce, allowing the flavors to meld together. Consider cooking it a day in advance and reheating it before serving to enhance its taste and tenderness.
Serving Suggestions: Serve this dish with steamed rice, as is customary in Vietnamese cuisine. For an added health boost, try pairing it with turmeric rice to enjoy the benefits of turmeric without altering the dish’s original flavor profile.
Optional Ingredient: If you have wood ear mushrooms on hand, consider adding them to the dish for an extra crunchy texture. They complement the flavors of the sauce beautifully and add an additional layer of depth to the dish.

Keyword Braised, ClayPot, PlantBased, ServeWithSteamRice, Tofu, VeganFish, YUM

As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you.

Wood Ear Mushrooms for Asian dishes like Vietnamese braised fish. — Dried Wood Ear Mushrooms – Vegan Collagen Source!

Dried chili peper to use for Asian dishes such as any Sichuan dishes. — Dried Red Chili Pepper, can also be used to make chili oil!

I can’t seem to find a source on line for the vegan fish I use. If you have a Vietnamese market or Chinese/Vietnamese market around you, they should carry them. Here’s the photo so you know what you are looking for in the freezer section. They are pre-sliced and very versatile and delicious!

Note, it says vegetarian, but in most of Asian, vegetarian includes vegan and just have to make sure there’s no dairy in it as ingredients. In this case, it’s vegan.

Vegan sliced fish to make delicious fish dishes such as Vietnamese Ca Kho To.

Here’s the easy recipe of Turmeric Steamed Rice to go perfectly with this vegan Vietnamese braised fish.

Have you tried this dish before? Let me know below in the comments section, I would love to hear from you!

I hope you love this simple recipe with it’s blissful flavor as much as I do!

Recipe: Vietnamese Braised Fish/Tofu with Caramel Sauce (Ca Kho To)