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Vietnamese Style Fish

A quick and flavorful Vietnamese dish featuring tender fish infused with garlic, shallots, and ginger in a tangy sauce.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 2 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Vietnamese
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

For the fish
  • 2 whole whole fish (e.g., tilapia or snapper) Choose firm fish for best results.
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil Use for frying.
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 shallots shallots, sliced
  • 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
For the sauce
  • 1 tablespoon fish sauce
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce Can substitute with a vegan alternative.
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice Freshly squeezed is best.
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
For serving
  • to taste Fresh herbs (e.g., cilantro, mint) Use for garnishing.
  • as needed Cooked rice Serve alongside the fish.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Clean and gut the fish, making diagonal cuts on both sides to help cook evenly.
  2. In a small bowl, mix together the fish sauce, soy sauce, lime juice, and sugar until well combined.
Cooking
  1. Heat the vegetable oil in a pan over medium-high heat until it shimmers.
  2. Add the minced garlic, sliced shallots, and grated ginger to the pan, sautéing until fragrant and the shallots become translucent.
  3. Carefully place the fish in the pan, then pour the sauce over them.
  4. Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
Serving
  1. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs and alongside cooked rice.

Notes

For extra flavor, marinate the fish in the sauce for 30 minutes before cooking. Use a non-stick pan to prevent sticking. For a spicy kick, add sliced fresh chili to the sautéing aromatics. If using leftovers, store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days; reheat gently to maintain texture.
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