Authentic Southern-Style Braised Fish Recipe

Braised fish is a traditional dish commonly found in Vietnamese family meals. With its rich flavor from fish sauce, natural sweetness from coconut water, and tender, fatty fish meat, this dish is not only delicious but also highly nutritious. Let’s explore how to make authentic Southern-style braised fish through this article.

Delicious and flavorful braised fish recipe

The braised fish dish with its eye-catching colors and distinctive flavor

Ingredients Needed for Braised Fish

To achieve a delicious pot of braised fish, you will need to prepare the following ingredients:

• Fresh basa fish: 1 kg (can be substituted with snakehead, catfish, or pangasius)
• Pork belly: 250g
• Fresh coconut water: 1 coconut
• Garlic: 2-3 cloves
• Fresh chili: 2 peppers
• Green onions, dill
• Shallots: 1 bulb
• Seasonings: Fish sauce, salt, sugar, pepper, cooking oil, sweet soy sauce

Note: To achieve the authentic Southern flavor, fresh coconut water is an essential ingredient. It adds a natural sweet taste to the dish.

Selecting fresh basa fish for braised fish

Basa fish is an ideal choice for braised fish due to its tender meat and few bones

Detailed Steps to Make Braised Fish

Step 1: Clean the Fish Thoroughly

• Clean the fish: Remove the scales, fins, and internal organs. Scrape off the black membrane inside the fish’s belly and rinse thoroughly.
• Remove the fishy smell: Sprinkle flour or cornstarch over the fish to absorb the slime, then wipe it clean with a cloth. Rub a mixture of ginger wine, salt, or vinegar and fresh lemon juice all over the fish to effectively remove the fishy smell.

Step 2: Marinate the Fish with Seasonings

• Cut the fish into 5cm pieces and place them in a large bowl.
• Marinate the fish with: 1 teaspoon of sweet soy sauce, 1 teaspoon of fish sauce, 1 teaspoon of salt, ½ teaspoon of ground pepper, 1-3 tablespoons of sugar, 3 tablespoons of fish sauce, 1 tablespoon of cooking oil, and finely chopped chili to taste.
• Mix well and let the fish marinate for about 1 hour.

Marinating the fish thoroughly for a richer flavor

Marinate the fish with seasonings for about 1 hour

Step 3: Prepare the Additional Ingredients

• Rinse the pork belly, scrape the skin, and cut into bite-sized squares.
• Wash and finely chop the green onions and dill. Crush the chili and remove the seeds.
• Peel and crush the garlic and shallots, then finely chop them.
• Mix 120ml of sweet soy sauce with 50ml of fish sauce and young coconut water, stir well.

Preparing the additional ingredients

The additional ingredients are ready after preparation

Step 4: Start Braising the Fish

• Place a pan on the stove, add cooking oil, and heat it up. Sauté the chopped garlic, shallots, and chili until fragrant.
• Add the pork belly and stir-fry until almost cooked, then turn off the heat.
• Arrange the fish and pork belly alternately in a clay pot, then pour the fish marinade into the pot.
• Pour the mixed sweet soy sauce mixture over the fish and cover the pot tightly.
• Place the pot on the stove and cook over medium heat. Once it boils, lower the heat to simmer and braise for 1 hour.
• Adjust the seasoning to taste, continue braising until the sauce is reduced to a desired consistency and the fish is tender, then add green onions on top and turn off the heat.

Step 5: Complete and Serve the Braised Fish

Use a spoon or chopsticks to serve the desired amount of fish onto a plate. Leave the rest in the pot to avoid breaking the fish. Braised fish is best enjoyed hot with white rice.

Finished braised fish dish

The completed braised fish dish with its beautiful colors

Important Notes When Making Braised Fish

• Choose large fish with few small bones and firm meat.
• Do not stir the fish during braising; just keep the lid tightly closed to ensure even cooking.
• You can prepare additional boiled vegetables to serve as a side dish to enhance the flavor.

With the detailed recipe above, you can confidently make authentic Southern-style braised fish at home. Try it out and enjoy your culinary creation!

Simple home-made braised fish recipe

Thoroughly clean the fish before cooking

Good luck with this delicious braised fish recipe!