Flaky whitefish, like cod, is delicate and has a subtle flavor; it craves a high-octane dressing to punch it up. Here that takes the form of a sticky, savory, and sweet condiment inspired by Vietnamese fish sauce caramel. This sauce uses a heap of turmeric, so seek out a high-quality product like Spicewalla, Diaspora Co., or Burlap & Barrel. Don’t hold back on the fresh herbs and sliced raw onions on top—their freshness and bite offer a perfect counterpart to the umami-rich sauce.
All products featured on Epicurious are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
What you’ll need
Large Nonstick Skillet
$50 At Amazon
Mini Tongs
$20 At Williams-Sonoma
Citrus Juicer
$20 $15 At Amazon
Mesh Sieve
$16 At Amazon
Whisk
$12 $10 At Amazon
Recipe information
Yield
4 servings
Ingredients
Preparation
Step 1
Slice 3 limes in half and squeeze through a fine-mesh sieve into a small bowl (you should have about 5 Tbsp. juice); discard seeds. Cut remaining lime into wedges and set aside for serving.
Step 2
Whisk lime juice, brown sugar, soy sauce, turmeric, cayenne, and a pinch of salt in a small saucepan to combine. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cook, swirling pan occasionally to keep mixture from bubbling up, until thickened, about 8 minutes. Let caramel cool slightly (it will continue to thicken as it cools).
Step 3
Meanwhile, pat fish dry, then season with salt. Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high. Cook fish until flesh is opaque, cooked through, and flakes easily with a fork, about 3 minutes per side.
Step 4
Divide rice among plates and top each with a fillet. Spoon warm caramel over. Top with white onion, mint, and cilantro. Serve with reserved lime wedges for squeezing over.
Recipe notes
Back to topSee Related Recipes and Cooking Tips
31 Turmeric Recipes to Brighten Your Nights
Like a cozy dal, a golden hot toddy, and an antioxidant-rich chicken soup.
