Here, the salmon is cooked (poached, essentially) directly in the caramel, which gives it a delicate texture and an unbelievable amount of flavor. It may sound like a strange technique, but this cooking method is classic and totally ubiquitous in Vietnam. Feel free to swap in a different kind of fish for the salmon; red snapper, grouper, black sea bass and catfish will all work.

Makes: 4 servings
Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 ⁄ 2 cup fish sauce

• 1 cup sugar

• 1 red onion, halved and sliced

• 1 teaspoon pepper, or more as needed

• 1 ⁄ 4 cup rice vinegar, or to taste

• 1 1 ⁄ 2 pounds salmon fillets or steaks

• 1 ⁄ 4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish

Instructions

1. Mix the fish sauce with 1 ⁄ 2 cup water in a measuring cup with a pour spout. Put the sugar in a large skillet over medium heat, add 2 tablespoons water, and stir to combine. Cook, gently shaking the pan occasionally but not stirring, until the sugar liquefies and begins to bubble. When the sugar is all melted, continue to cook and shake until the caramel darkens to the color of iced tea, a minute or 2. Remove from the heat.

2. Carefully and slowly, standing away from the pan to avoid any spatters, pour in the fish sauce mixture. Return the skillet to medium heat and cook, stirring constantly, until the caramel melts into the liquid. Add the onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until it softens, 3 to 5 minutes. Add the pepper and vinegar and mix.

3. Nestle the salmon in the sauce (skin side down, if using fillets). If necessary, add enough water to bring the sauce about halfway up the sides of the fish. Adjust the heat so it bubbles very gently and cook, using a spoon to baste the top of each piece with sauce occasionally until the fish is almost opaque at the center and flakes without looking dry, 5 to 10 minutes, depending on the thickness.

4. Remove the fish from the pan with a spatula. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning, adding more vinegar or pepper if necessary. Pour the sauce over the fish, garnish with the cilantro, and serve.

Recipe from Dinner for Everyone (Photo: Aya Brackett)

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