Vietnam
Cá Hố Chiên Giòn Recipe: Deep Fried Belt Fish

Cá Hố Chiên Giòn Recipe: Deep Fried Belt Fish

Hanna Tran Hanna Tran | Updated October 16, 2026

Belt fish comes from the middle area of Vietnam, where people usually turn it into dried fish. This recipe cooks it another way: the pieces are rolled in tapioca starch and fried, then eaten with steamed rice and fish sauce with a little chili.

Cá Hố Chiên Giòn Recipe: Deep Fried Belt Fish

Time: the fish marinates in salt for 15 minutes.

    Ingredients

    For the fish

    • 3–4 sliced belt fish pieces (200–300 g)
    • Salt
    • 1 tablespoon tapioca starch or wheat flour
    • Oil (3–4 tablespoons)

    For the sauce

    • Fish sauce, ginger, garlic, chili, sugar

    How to make cá hố chiên giòn

    1. Clean and salt the fish

    Clean the belt fish well a few times in water with a little salt added. Marinate it with 1 teaspoon salt for 15 minutes.

    Belt fish pieces cleaned and salted

    2. Coat in starch

    Roll the fish pieces in the tapioca starch. This is the key point: it helps the skin stay crispy longer.

    Belt fish rolled in tapioca starch

    3. Fry

    Heat the oil (3–4 tablespoons), add the fish and fry until the sides turn golden brown. Lift the pieces onto a plate lined with paper napkins to soak up the excess oil.

    Belt fish frying in oil

    4. Make the sauce and serve

    Mix the minced chili, garlic and ginger with sugar and fish sauce, and taste to suit your liking.

    Chili, garlic and ginger fish sauce

    Serve the fish with this sauce, steamed rice and a hot soup for a family meal, especially on rainy days.

    Share:
    Ga-T3-Tan-Son-Nhat-1.jpg

    How to Save More Money & Time When Arriving in Vietnam?

    Long lines, confusing process, and unreliable taxis can ruin your first impression.

    OUR VIETNAM COMBO

    Where Do You Want to Go?