Hello foodies and rice cooker addicts! If you are looking for a delicious and authentic Vietnamese dish, then you must try this catfish rice recipe. The combination of tender catfish, fragrant rice, and savory seasoning will take your taste buds on a journey across the South China Sea and leave you wanting more. Whether you are a seasoned home cook or a beginner, this recipe is perfect for rice cooker enthusiasts looking for a simple yet impressive meal. So let’s get started and discover the flavors of Vietnam together! We’ve made this vietnamese catfish rice recipe easy to follow 👨🍳. If you’re looking for our favorite rice cookers to make this recipe, check out our list of top rice cookers here.
Ingredients
- 1 lb catfish fillet, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup jasmine rice
- 2 cups water
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped scallions, for garnish
Instructions
- Rinse the rice in cold water until the water runs clear. Drain the rice in a fine-mesh strainer and transfer to a pot with 2 cups of water. Bring the water to a boil then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and cook for 20 minutes or until the rice is tender and the water has been absorbed.
- Meanwhile, heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add vegetable oil. Once the oil is hot, add garlic and onion and cook for about 2 minutes until the onion is translucent. Add the green bell pepper and cook for about 3 minutes until slightly softened.
- Add the catfish to the skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes until the fish is cooked through.
- In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, fish sauce, sugar, and black pepper. Mix well.
- Add the sauce to the skillet and toss to coat the catfish and vegetables. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce has thickened slightly.
- Fluff the cooked rice with a fork and divide it into serving bowls. Top the rice with the catfish and vegetables and sprinkle with chopped scallions. Serve hot.
How long does vietnamese catfish rice last in the fridge?
Vietnamese catfish rice can be stored in the fridge after cooking for up to 4 days. It is important to let the rice and catfish cool down to room temperature before storing it in an airtight container in the fridge. The container should be tightly sealed to prevent any air from getting in, which can cause the food to spoil faster. When reheating the catfish rice, it is important to heat it thoroughly to an internal temperature of at least 165°F to kill any bacteria that may have grown during storage. If the rice and catfish have been left at room temperature for more than 2 hours, it is best to discard it to avoid the risk of foodborne illness.
Low calorie vietnamese catfish rice recipe substitutions
To make this Vietnamese catfish rice recipe lower in calories, you could try replacing the jasmine rice with cauliflower rice, which is significantly lower in calories. You could also reduce the amount of oil used to cook the fish and vegetables, or substitute it with a calorie-free cooking spray. Instead of using sugar, you could swap it with a small amount of honey or stevia to sweeten the sauce. Another option would be to reduce the amount of fish used and add more vegetables, such as broccoli or mushrooms, to the dish. Finally, you could try reducing the amount of sauce used or using a cooking method such as steaming instead of pan-frying the fish to further reduce calorie intake.
What to serve with a vietnamese catfish rice?
Vietnamese catfish rice is a flavorful and filling meal that can be paired with a variety of side dishes. Some popular options include steamed or stir-fried vegetables such as bok choy, green beans, or broccoli. You may also want to serve a light salad to balance out the richness of the catfish, such as a cucumber and tomato salad with lime vinaigrette. Another great choice is a side of pickled vegetables, such as carrots and daikon, to add a crunchy and tangy element to the meal. Finally, don’t forget about some dipping sauces, such as soy sauce, chili sauce, or nuoc cham, to enhance the flavors of the dish.
Whats the best sauce for a vietnamese catfish rice?
The best sauce for Vietnamese catfish rice is nuoc cham, a classic Vietnamese dipping sauce made with fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, garlic, and chili peppers. It’s delicious with the crispy fried catfish and rice, adding a salty, sweet, tangy, and spicy flavor to the dish. To make a simple but tasty nuoc cham, combine 1/4 cup fish sauce, 1/4 cup fresh lime juice, 2 tbsp sugar, 1 clove minced garlic, and 1-2 chopped Thai chilies (or other hot pepper) in a bowl. Stir well until the sugar dissolves and the flavors meld together. Adjust the seasoning to your taste by adding more sugar, lime juice, or chili pepper if you prefer. Drizzle the nuoc cham over the catfish and rice, garnish with some chopped herbs and sliced vegetables, and enjoy!
Vietnamese catfish rice health benefits
Vietnamese catfish rice is a dish that offers several health benefits. Catfish is a low-calorie source of protein that is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin B12, phosphorus, and selenium. Additionally, the rice in the dish is a good source of energy and is packed with vitamins and minerals. The herbs and spices used in the recipe, such as ginger, garlic, and cilantro, have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. However, since catfish is a freshwater fish, it may contain environmental contaminants such as mercury, which can be harmful to your health if consumed in large amounts. To make a healthier alternative, you might consider replacing the catfish with a different type of fish that is lower in mercury, such as salmon or trout, and using brown rice instead of white rice to add more fiber and nutrients to the dish.