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Preparation
30 minutes
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Cooking
30 minutes
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Difficulty
Easy
Catfish is an ingredient loved by many people not only because it is easy to eat but also because it contains a lot of nutrients, especially in braised dishes. Today, the Cooking section will guide you on how to make delicious braised catfish with tomatoes, adding variety to your family meal!
Ingredients for Braised Catfish with Tomatoes Serves 2
Catfish 400 gr Tomatoes 3 pieces Green onions 2 stalks Single garlic 2 bulbs Red onions 2 bulbs Fish sauce 2 teaspoons Common spices a little (salt/ sugar/ seasoning powder) Cooking oil. 3 tablespoons
How to choose fresh ingredients
How to choose fresh basa fish
- Choose fish that swim vigorously, the body should have a light brown color, the belly should bulge outwards, the gills should be naturally red, and the eyes should be clear. If you see fish swimming weakly, with pale skin, sunken eyes, and a cloudy film, do not buy them.
- Because basa fish are large, they are often pre-processed and cut into slices, sold in food stores, supermarkets, markets, etc. When buying pre-processed basa fish, you should choose slices that have a natural pink color, with fat mixed with meat.
- Fresh and delicious fish slices usually have small, firm flesh, and when pressed with your finger, they bounce back and have a natural aroma. If you notice the fish has a sour or strange smell, do not buy it as it may have been treated with preservatives to maintain freshness.
See details: How to choose fresh fish
How to choose fresh tomatoes
- Pay attention to the color and aroma of the tomatoes. Choose those that are bright red, evenly colored, with firm, smooth skin, and feel heavy in your hand.
- Good tomatoes have a mild, natural aroma. The green stem should be fresh and tightly attached to the fruit. If you pull the stem and it stays firmly attached, it indicates that the tomato is fresh and will taste great.
- Do not choose tomatoes that are overly red, with wrinkled skin, wilted and detached stems, and lack aroma, as these are overripe and damaged tomatoes.
See details: How to choose fresh tomatoes
How to prepare Basa fish stewed with tomatoes
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Prepare the basa fish
To make the dish easier to prepare, you should choose to buy basa fish that has been pre-sliced at reputable food stores or supermarkets.
To eliminate the fishy smell and clean the fish, place the basa fish in a small basin, add a little salt, and gently massage the fish with your hands. Then, rinse it with clean water and let it drain.
How to eliminate the fishy smell of basa fish
- You can rub it with salt or rinse the fish with cold water mixed with a little wine or vinegar.
- Continue to rinse the fish with clean water once more, then place it in a colander to drain.
- Alternatively, you can boil water and pour it gently over the fish, then use a knife to scrape off the slime. This will help remove the sliminess and fishy smell of the fish.
See details: 7 tips to easily and effectively eliminate the fishy smell of fish
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Prepare other ingredients
Prepare a basin of diluted salt water, soak the tomatoes for about 5 minutes to remove impurities, then take them out and rinse with clean water. Use a knife to cut the tomatoes into diced pieces.
Peel and slice 2 cloves of garlic into small pieces. Similarly, slice 2 shallots.
Wash the green onions, chop the green parts finely, and slice the white parts lengthwise.
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Lightly fry the fish
First, place a pan on the stove and heat 3 tablespoons of cooking oil until hot. Then, add the catfish and fry over medium heat for about 10 – 15 minutes. Use chopsticks to turn the fish evenly on both sides.
When the fish meat is firm, both sides are beautifully golden, and the skin is crispy and delicious, you can turn off the heat and transfer the fish to a plate.
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Making tomato sauce
First, place a small pot on the stove and heat 2 tablespoons of cooking oil (the oil used for frying fish earlier) until it boils. Next, add sliced shallots and garlic and sauté until fragrant. Use chopsticks to stir continuously until the shallots and garlic turn golden and aromatic.
Then, pour in the tomatoes and stir-fry over medium heat for about 4 – 5 minutes, then cover and simmer for about 5 minutes to allow the tomatoes to release their juices.
When the tomatoes are soft, add a little water, 2 teaspoons of sugar, 2 teaspoons of seasoning powder, and 2 teaspoons of fish sauce. Use chopsticks to stir well so that the seasonings blend together, and taste again to adjust the seasoning.
Finally, when the tomato sauce has thickened, add the chopped green onions and cook for an additional 1 – 2 minutes before turning off the heat.
Use a spoon to ladle the tomato sauce evenly over the fried basa fish. Garnish with some lettuce for an appealing presentation and get ready to enjoy!
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Finished Product
The braised catfish with tomatoes looks really appetizing! The pieces of catfish are crispy, chewy, and delicious, fully absorbing the rich sweet and sour flavor of the tomato sauce.
What could be better than enjoying a fragrant braised catfish in tomato sauce, alongside a plate of fresh vegetables to accompany it and a hot bowl of white rice, right?
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So, TasteVN has just guided you on how to make braised catfish with tomatoes deliciously! What are you waiting for? Let’s get into the kitchen and make it right away.
*Refer to the recipe and images from the YouTube channel Tra My Cooking
