1. Nước chấm

    Fish sauce, lime, sugar, garlic and chili.

  2. Pad thai

    Fish sauce is what makes the sauce taste right.

  3. Tomato sauce

    A few drops add depth to pasta sauce or chili.

Vietnamese caramel chicken

Recipe · Made with fish sauce

Vietnamese caramel chicken

Serves 440 minutesMedium

Method

  1. 1Toss the chicken with 1 tablespoon of the fish sauce and plenty of black pepper.
  2. 2In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the sugar with 2 tablespoons of water, swirling the pan, for 3 to 4 minutes, until deep amber. Watch it closely.
  3. 3Take the pan off the heat and carefully add the rest of the fish sauce and the ½ cup of water (it will bubble up). Return to the heat and stir until smooth.
  4. 4Add the shallots, garlic, ginger, chili and chicken. Simmer uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring now and then, until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is dark and sticky. Scatter with scallions and cilantro and serve with rice.

  • Short ingredients

    The best are anchovies and salt. Some add sugar.

  • First press

    Labels like "first press" mean the first, richest liquid from the barrel.

  • Color

    A clear, reddish amber is a good sign.