How to make braised snakehead fish with spicy onion, fragrant and flavorful, perfect for the whole family

How to prepare Catfish with onion and chili

• 1

  Prepare the ingredients

  After buying the catfish, cut it into small pieces, wash it with diluted salt water, and rinse it again with clean water, then let it drain.

  How to prepare fish without a fishy smell

  • To eliminate the fishy smell of catfish, rub the fish thoroughly with 2 tablespoons of coarse salt and a little vinegar to clean the slime and odor.
  • Remove the gills, entrails, head, and any congealed blood still inside the fish. Finally, wash the fish thoroughly with water.

  See details: How to prepare fish without a fishy smell

  Wash the chili peppers and let them drain.

  For the green onions, clean the roots and the parts of the leaves that are wilted or damaged, then wash them and let them drain.

  Next, use a knife to cut the green onions into 2 parts; the bulb part will be used to pound with the chili to marinate the fish, while the leaves should be cut into small pieces about the length of a finger and placed into a bowl.

  

  

  

  
• 2

  Marinate the fish

  First, take the onion and chili heads and grind them in a mortar until fine.

  Next, add the seasoning to marinate the fish, which includes: the ground onion and chili, 3 tablespoons of fish sauce, 2 tablespoons of sugar, 1 teaspoon of monosodium glutamate, and mix well so that all the seasoning coats the fish evenly.

  After that, marinate the fish for about 20 minutes to let it absorb the flavors.

  

  

  
• 3

  Cook the fish

  Place a pot on the stove, add 2 tablespoons of cooking oil and 1 tablespoon of sugar to cook over medium heat until the sugar gradually dissolves.

  When the sugar starts to melt, use a pair of chopsticks to stir until the sugar is completely dissolved, then continue to cook until the sugar turns a brown color.

  Tip: You can also easily find ready-made caramel outside. However, to ensure quality, you can also make caramel at home following the recipe shared by TasteVN.

  See details: How to make simple homemade caramel

  You put the marinated fish into the pot and stir evenly for 3 minutes until the fish is firm.

  Next, add water to the pot until it just covers the fish (about 1/2 cup), then cover the pot and turn the heat to medium, simmering the fish for about 20 minutes.

  After 20 minutes, open the lid and adjust the seasoning to taste, continue to simmer until the sauce thickens, then add green onions and turn off the heat.

  

  

  

  
• 4

  Finished Product

  Serve the simmered fish on a plate, and cut a few thin slices of chili to enhance the dish’s appeal.

  When enjoying, you will feel the fragrant smell of fish mixed with the spicy heat of chili, the fish meat is firm and the seasoning is rich.

  With the fish simmered with onion and chili dish, you should serve it with white rice and a bit of fresh vegetables. Your meal will be much more appealing with this flavorful dish.