Marinated Grilled Fish: Ca Nuong Nuoc Mam Style

When it comes to delicious Southeast Asian cuisine, one dish that stands out is marinated grilled fish, Vietnamese style, known as Ca Nuong Nuoc Mam. This dish is a perfect combination of savory, sweet, and salty flavors that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving for more.

Ca Nuong Nuoc Mam is a traditional Vietnamese dish that features a whole fish marinated in a flavorful mixture of fish sauce, sugar, garlic, and lemongrass. The fish is then grilled to perfection, resulting in a dish that is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.

Ingredients:

• 1 whole fish (such as tilapia or snapper), cleaned and scaled
• 1/4 cup fish sauce
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 stalks lemongrass, finely chopped
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• Fresh herbs for garnish (such as cilantro and mint)

Instructions:

To prepare the marinade, mix the fish sauce, sugar, garlic, lemongrass, and black pepper in a bowl. Make a few slits on both sides of the fish and rub the marinade all over the fish, making sure to get it into the slits. Let the fish marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Brush the grill grates with vegetable oil to prevent the fish from sticking. Place the fish on the grill and cook for about 10-15 minutes on each side, or until the fish is cooked through and has a nice charred exterior.

Once the fish is cooked, remove it from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh herbs and serve hot with steamed rice and a side of dipping sauce made with fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, and chili.

Ca Nuong Nuoc Mam is a simple yet flavorful dish that is sure to impress your family and friends. The combination of the sweet and salty marinade with the smoky flavor from the grill creates a dish that is truly irresistible. Give this recipe a try and experience the taste of Vietnam in your own kitchen!