SWEET BLACK PEPPER HALIBUT OR OTHER FISH STEAKS, VIETNAMESE STYLE

Sweet Black Pepper Halibut or Other Fish Steaks, Vietnamese Style image

Yield makes 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 9

1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup nam pla
1/4 cup minced lemongrass (page 143)
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
4 scallions, trimmed and roughly chopped
1 1/2 to 2 pounds halibut or other fish steaks or sturdy fillets
Salt to taste
Chopped fresh cilantro leaves for garnish

Steps:

Combine the sugar, nam pla, and 1/4 cup water in a skillet just large enough to hold the fish. Place over medium heat and cook, stirring infrequently, until the sugar melts and the mixture bubbles, 5 to 10 minutes. Add the lemongrass, garlic, and black pepper and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 3 minutes more.
Add the scallions, fish, and another 1/4 cup water. Cook over medium-high heat, turning the fish occasionally (if you're using fillets, turn it less often so that it doesn't break up), until the sauce is very thick and the fish cooked through, about 10 minutes. Taste, add salt if necessary, then garnish and serve.