Fried fish cakes with fish sauce – A Flavorful 10-Minute Meal

Fried fish cakes with fish sauce is a familiar dish in many Vietnamese family meals. Crispy golden fish cakes coated in a savory sweet fish sauce create a rich and comforting flavor that pairs perfectly with rice. Simple ingredients and quick preparation make this dish a favorite for busy days.

Why is this dish so popular?

• Easy to make: Simple ingredients and quick preparation
• Rich and appetizing: A balanced sweet and savory flavor that pairs perfectly with rice
• Perfect for family meals: Easy to enjoy for every family member

Ingredients

• 200g Thoai An fish cake
• 2–3 cloves of minced garlic
• 2 tablespoons fish sauce
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• Cooking oil
• Optional: minced chili

How to make

Step 1: Fry the fish cake

• Heat a pan with cooking oil
• Add the fish cake and fry until both sides are golden, then remove and drain the oil

Step 2: Make the fish sauce glaze

• Sauté the minced garlic until fragrant
• Add fish sauce and sugar to the pan, then simmer over low heat until the mixture slightly thickens

Step 3: Coat the fish cake with sauce

• Add the fried fish cake back into the pan
• Stir well so the fish cake absorbs the sauce evenly
• Turn off the heat after 1–2 minutes

Small tips

• Adjust the fish sauce and sugar ratio to suit your family’s taste
• Add chili for a mild spicy kick and a more appetizing flavor
• Avoid stirring for too long after adding the sauce to prevent the fish cake from becoming dry

Fish cake is a convenient ingredient that helps you easily prepare many flavorful dishes in just a few minutes. It is perfect for busy days when you still want a delicious family meal.