Main Course · Dinner · Asian ·

Savory Vietnamese Clay Pot Fish with Caramel Sauce

Name: Savory Vietnamese Clay Pot Fish with Caramel Sauce
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 90 min
Total time: 120 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Main Course
Ingredients: White-fleshed fish, 1 ½ lbs, cut into 2-inch pieces; Fish sauce, 2 tablespoons; Sugar, 1 tablespoon; Black pepper, ½ teaspoon; Sugar, 3 tablespoons; Water, 2 tablespoons; Vegetable oil, 2 tablespoons; Garlic, minced, 2 cloves; Onion, finely chopped, 1 small; Coconut water, 1 cup; Fish sauce, 2 tablespoons; Soy sauce, 1 tablespoon; Freshly ground black pepper, To taste; Scallions, thinly sliced, 2 tablespoons; Fresh cilantro, chopped, 1 tablespoon

Experience the authentic taste of Vietnam with this clay pot fish in caramel sauce, a traditional dish that will tantalize your taste buds.

4.2(428 reviews)

·By Ethan Brooks·November 12, 2025

Savory Vietnamese Clay Pot Fish with Caramel Sauce — Main Course served and photographed from above

Prep

30 min

Cook

1 h 30 min

Difficulty

Intermediate

Serves

Ingredients

Servings

For the Marinade

For the Caramel Sauce

For the Dish

Optional Garnish

Nutrition

Per serving

Calories: 314 kcal
Protein: 28 g
Carbs: 18.25 g
Fat: 14.25 g
Fiber: 1.08 g

Whole recipe

Total

Calories: 1254 kcal
Protein: 112 g
Carbs: 73 g
Fat: 57 g
Fiber: 4.3 g

Breakdown by ingredient▾

Ingredient	Cal	P	C	F	Fib
White-fleshed fish 1 ½ lbs, cut into 2-inch pieces	680	105	0	30	0
Fish sauce 2 tablespoons	20	2	2	0	0
Sugar 1 tablespoon	48	0	12	0	0
Black pepper ½ teaspoon	3	0	1	0	0.5
Sugar 3 tablespoons	144	0	36	0	0
Water 2 tablespoons	0	0	0	0	0
Vegetable oil 2 tablespoons	240	0	0	27	0
Garlic, minced 2 cloves	9	0	2	0	0.2
Onion, finely chopped 1 small	28	1	7	0	1
Coconut water 1 cup	46	1	9	0	2
Fish sauce 2 tablespoons	20	2	2	0	0
Soy sauce 1 tablespoon	10	1	1	0	0
Freshly ground black pepper To taste	1	0	0	0	0
Scallions, thinly sliced 2 tablespoons	4	0	1	0	0.5
Fresh cilantro, chopped 1 tablespoon	1	0	0	0	0.1

These are estimates based on typical values and are not dietary advice.

Preparation

Get these tasks done before you start cooking.

Marinating the Fish

1
Combine Marinade Ingredients
Combine the fish sauce, sugar, and black pepper in a bowl.
2
Coat Fish Pieces
Add fish pieces to the marinade, ensuring each piece is well-coated.
3
Marinate Refrigerated
Let marinate in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.

Preparing the Caramel Sauce

1
Combine Sugar and Water
In a small pot, combine sugar and water over medium heat.
2
Cook Until Amber
Cook until the sugar dissolves and turns a deep amber color.
Tip: Do not stir while making caramel as it may crystallize. Pro Tip: Lightly swirl the pot to ensure even caramelization.
3
Remove and Set Aside
Remove from heat and set aside.

How to Make Savory Vietnamese Clay Pot Fish with Caramel Sauce

Total time: 2 h · Yields 4 servings

1
Sauté Aromatics
Heat vegetable oil in a clay pot over medium heat. Add garlic and onion, sautéing until fragrant and translucent.
2
Add Fish
Place the marinated fish pieces in the pot, pouring in any remaining marinade. Carefully turn the fish to lightly brown it.
3
Simmer Fish
Pour in caramel sauce, coconut water, fish sauce, and soy sauce. Bring to a simmer and cook until the fish is cooked through and the sauce thickens slightly.