Honestly, it took me 3 whole tries to finally fry a fish correctly like my mom’s. However, I could use some more practice and precision! When my mom was here visiting, she used my stainless steel pan to fry delicious fish! I tried it with my stainless steel pan and nearly burned down my apartment. I suppose my heat was too high when I added the oil. Not a a good idea. My mom decided to give me a non-stick skillet and I finally was able to fry my fish! Now, let’s get back to “ca chien”, which means “fried fish” in Vietnamese. Fried fish is a normal staple in everyday Vietnamese cooking. I grew up on fish and we eat that a lot. When I traveled to Vietnam in 2002, fried fish was a part of many dinners. It’s so simple yet so delicious and complex in flavor from the crispyness of the skin to the soft delicate meat. It’s often served with a tomato (fish sauce) sautee poured on top or under the fish. That’s my favorite type! Alongside the fish, you’d eat it with your bowl of white jasmine rice, dipping fish sauce, a vegetable side, and a soup! I made this alongside canh chua, which I will post next. Most people are afraid of frying or cooking fish because of the smell and the intimidation of it. I know I was, but if you do it right and with practice, it should come out fragrant and delicious!

“Ca Chien” with a Tomato Sauce

Makes 4 servings: 20 minutes (depending on the width of your fish)

Ingredients:

  • I used a white flounder about 1lb (16oz). Butter fish is also a good one to fry too.
  • 1 medium tomato, diced
  • 1 garlic clove minced
  • 2 tbs fish sauce
  • Salt & pepper to taste
  • 1 chili pepper
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1 tbs vegetable oil

Directions:

  1. Heat skillet on medium-high heat. Once it gets nice and hot. Lower the heat to medium. Add 1 tbs of vegetable oil.
  2. After a min, lay fish in the skillet. Leave it alone and let it fry for 10 minutes. Use a flat spatula and slowly move the fish and flip it to the other side for 10 minutes. Try not to cover the fish or else the condensation will soften the crispyness. Remove the fish and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, add garlic and tomatoes on medium high heat. Add fish sauce, and water, chili pepper and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes. Salt and pepper to taste.
  4. Pour sauce over fish and serve with rice.

Enjoy!

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