How to catch giant river fish to sell - Cooking fish for my little daughter to eat

How to catch giant river fish to sell - Cooking fish for my little daughter to eat is a easy Vietnamese recipe that serves 2. 200 calories per serving. Recipe by Chúc Thị Dương on YouTube.

Prep: 15 min | Cook: 15 min | Total: 40 min

Cost: $5.00 total, $2.50 per serving

Ingredients

  • 1 whole Catfish (Cá Trê) (about 500 g, cleaned, scaled, gutted)
  • 2 liters Water (enough to fully submerge the fish)

Instructions

  1. Clean the fish

    Rinse the catfish under cold water, remove scales with the back of a knife, gut the fish, and pat dry with paper towels.

    Time: PT10M

  2. Prepare the steaming liquid

    Place the large pot on the stove, add 2 L of water, and bring to a rolling boil over high heat.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: 100°C

  3. Steam the catfish

    Gently lower the cleaned catfish into the boiling water, reduce heat to a gentle simmer, and cover the pot. Steam for about 12 minutes until the flesh becomes opaque and flakes easily with a fork.

    Time: PT12M

    Temperature: 90°C

  4. Remove and drain

    Using a slotted spoon, carefully lift the fish out of the pot and place it in a large bowl to drain excess water.

    Time: PT2M

  5. Serve

    Transfer the steamed catfish to a serving plate, drizzle a little of the steaming broth if desired, and serve hot with rice or noodles.

    Time: PT1M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
200
Protein
30 g
Carbohydrates
0 g
Fat
5 g
Fiber
0 g

Dietary info: Pescatarian, Gluten-Free

Allergens: Fish

Last updated: March 26, 2026

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How to catch giant river fish to sell - Cooking fish for my little daughter to eat

Recipe by Chúc Thị Dương

A simple, healthy Vietnamese‑style steamed catfish inspired by the fish‑catching adventure in the Chúc Thị Dương video. The whole catfish is cleaned, gently steamed in water until tender, and served hot. Perfect for a quick family dinner.

EasyVietnameseServes 2

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
12m
Prep
18m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
40m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$5.00
Total cost
$2.50
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Cleaning the fish thoroughly to remove scales and innards.
  • Ensuring the water is at a rolling boil before adding the fish.
  • Steaming the fish just until opaque; over‑cooking makes it tough.

Safety Warnings

  • Handle hot water and steam with care to avoid burns.
  • Watch out for fish bones when serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance of catfish (cá trê) in Vietnamese cuisine?

A

Catfish is a staple in many Vietnamese households, especially in the Mekong Delta, where it is abundant in rivers and ponds. It is traditionally prepared by steaming, grilling, or frying and is often served with rice as a simple, nutritious meal.

cultural
Q

What regional variations of steamed catfish exist in Vietnam?

A

In the southern regions, catfish is often steamed with aromatics like ginger, scallions, and lemongrass. In the north, it may be served with a light fish‑sauce broth, while central Vietnam sometimes adds chili and turmeric for a spicier profile.

cultural
Q

During which Vietnamese celebrations is steamed catfish commonly served?

A

Steamed catfish appears at family gatherings, Lunar New Year (Tết) meals, and river‑festival celebrations where fresh catch is showcased as a symbol of prosperity and abundance.

cultural
Q

What authentic ingredients are traditionally used in Vietnamese steamed catfish, and what can I substitute?

A

Traditional ingredients include fresh catfish, water, a pinch of salt, and optional aromatics such as ginger, lemongrass, or scallions. If catfish is unavailable, mild‑flavored white fish like tilapia or snapper works well as a substitute.

cultural
Q

What other Vietnamese dishes pair well with steamed catfish?

A

Steamed catfish pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice, pickled vegetables (đồ chua), and a simple herb salad. It also complements soups like canh chua (sour fish soup) for a balanced meal.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making steamed catfish?

A

Common mistakes include over‑cooking the fish, which makes it rubbery, and adding the fish before the water reaches a full boil, which can result in uneven cooking. Also, neglecting to clean the fish thoroughly can cause off‑flavors.

technical
Q

How do I know when the steamed catfish is done?

A

The flesh should turn opaque and easily flake apart with a fork. If you insert a thin knife and it slides in without resistance, the fish is fully cooked.

technical
Q

Can I make this steamed catfish ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, you can steam the fish a few hours in advance. Cool it quickly, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and gently re‑steam or microwave before serving to restore moisture.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Chúc Thị Dương specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Chúc Thị Dương focuses on everyday Vietnamese family life, including simple cooking tutorials, market trips, and child‑friendly activities that showcase traditional home‑cooked meals.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Chúc Thị Dương's approach to Vietnamese cooking differ from other cooking channels?

A

Chúc Thị Dương emphasizes real‑life, unscripted kitchen moments with children, highlighting practical, low‑tech methods and authentic local ingredients, whereas many other channels use polished studio setups and elaborate plating.

channel

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