Caramelized Catfish In Claypot

The tradition of cooking food in clay pots has been around since the ancient times. Clay pot cooking is healthy as it can preserve and even enhance the nutritional value of food. The clay pot’s alkaline nature also neutralizes the pH balance of the food which can, so they say, protect us from various diseases like cancer. Cooking in a clay pot also requires less oil or fat. As clay pots are made from natural materials, they are also safe and environment-friendly. Due to the porous texture of the clay pot, moisture and heat circulate evenly through the pot while cooking which gives a great flavor and texture to the food. Another advantage is that the clay pot is pretty enough to take from the stove to the table.

Today we’re sharing with you a simple way to cook a catfish stew in a clay pot. The rich sauce has a balance of sweet, salty and spicy flavors and the catfish steaks are moist and tender. This dish is perfect with hot steaming rice.

Ingredients:

• 8 catfish steaks
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• 3 shallots, thinly sliced
• 2 tbsp minced garlic
• 2 Thai chilies, chopped
• 3 tbsp fish sauce
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 1 tbsp sweet soy sauce
• 2 tsp black pepper
• 1 can of coconut soda
• ½ cup of hot water
• ½ cup of chopped green onions

Instructions:

This recipe takes about 30 minutes to make. Serves 4 to 6.

Heat oil in a clay pot over medium-high heat.
Add shallots and sauté until golden brown.
Add garlic and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes.
Add Thai chili and sauté for 1 minute.
Add fish sauce, sugar, sweet soy sauce, and black pepper.
Mix well until the sauce boils.
Add catfish steaks and cook for 4 minutes.
Turn the steaks over, then add coconut soda and hot water.
Once the liquid boils, turn heat down to medium.
Skim off the foam forming on top of the liquid.
Simmer for 15 to 20 minutes or until the sauce has reduced and thickened.
Turn off heat.
Sprinkle green onions on top.

Ideas And Tips:

• Aside from catfish, you can use tilapia, flounder, sea bass or cod.

• You can use coconut water to substitute coconut soda.

images – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KJJYrAT2TVo