Caramel-Coated Catfish

Ingredients

• 2/3 cup water, divided
• tablespoon sfish sauce
• medium shallots, chopped
• clove sgarlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon sground black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1/3 cup white sugar
• pound scatfish fillets
• 1/2 teaspoon white sugar
• tablespoon fresh lime juice
• green onion, thinly slice d
• 1/2 cup chopped cilantro

Instructions

1. Combine 1/3 cup water and fish sauce in a small bowl. Combine shallots, garlic, black pepper, and red pepper flakes in a separate bowl.
2. Heat 1/3 cup sugar and remaining 1/3 cup water in a large skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until sugar turns deep golden brown, 4 to 6 minutes. Gently stir in fish sauce mixture and bring to a boil.
3. Stir in shallot mixture and cook until shallots soften, 2 to 3 minutes. Add catfish, cover, and cook until fish flakes easily with a fork, about 5 minutes per side. Transfer catfish to a large plate, and cover to keep warm.
4. Increase the heat to high and stir in 1/2 teaspoon sugar. Stir in lime juice and add any catfish juices that have collected on the plate. Bring mixture to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer until sauce has reduced, 2 to 3 minutes. Pour sauce over catfish and garnish with cilantro and green onion.