20-Min Caramelized Fish with Rice & Greens
Crispy-edged fish braised in a sweet-salty caramel sauce with bitter melon beef and fresh greens on the side. A complete Vietnamese weeknight dinner in one skillet.
- Total time
- 20 min
- Servings
- 2
- Calories
- 385
- Protein
- 38g
Ingredients
- ¾ lb white fish fillets (catfish, snapper, or cod)
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp fish sauce
- ½ cup beef with bitter melon (pre-cooked or rotisserie beef)
- 2 cups steamed white rice
- 2 cups fresh salad greens (arugula, lettuce, or mixed)
Instructions
- 1
Heat 2 tbsp oil in a large skillet over medium-high until it shimmers, about 90 seconds.
- 2
Add sugar and stir until it dissolves and turns golden, about 2 minutes — watch it carefully.
- 3
Pour in fish sauce, then slide the fish fillets into the skillet without stirring them.
- 4
Cook for 6–7 minutes without moving; the edges should look opaque and caramelized on the bottom.
- 5
Warm the cooked beef mixture in a small bowl or on the side of the skillet while the fish finishes.
- 6
Serve the fish with rice, warmed beef, fresh greens, and a drizzle of pan sauce on top.
Tools you’ll need
- 12-inch skillet with lid
- small bowl
- wooden spoon
- spatula
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