Savoring Southeast Asia, Le Colonial Style

Chan Le, Executive Chef of Le Colonial Chicago, transported the Kenmore Live Studio to another time and place. Her dish of Sautéed Monkfish with Rice Crackers recaptured the spirit of 1920s French colonial Southeast Asia.

Chef Le spoke of her passion for authentic Vietnamese cuisine and how she keeps the menu innovative by using new methods and ingredients. Bring these savory flavors home by trying Chef Le’s delicious monkfish recipe.

Ca Bam Xuc Trang (Sautéed monkfish with rice crackers)

• 1 lb. monkfish tail
• 2 T. vegetable oil
• 3 T. oyster sauce
• 2 T. fish sauce
• 2 T. honey
• 1 tsp. salt
• 1 T. chopped garlic
• 1 T. chopped shallots
• 1/2 tsp. turmeric
• 3 T. chopped lemongrass
• 3 T. chopped cilantro
• 1 T. chopped fresh chilies
• 1 package sesame rice crackers (can be purchased at Asian food markets)

Thoroughly clean monkfish tail and chop into quarter-inch dice. For marinade, combine fish sauce, oyster sauce, honey, salt, garlic, shallots, turmeric and lemongrass in a shallow bowl to make marinade. Marinate monkfish for one hour.

Heat sauté pan and add vegetable oil. Sauté monkfish in small batches until no longer translucent. Do not overcrowd the pan. Set aside cooked fish on paper towels to drain. When the last batch of fish is no longer translucent, add chopped cilantro and chopped fresh chilies. Grill, oven-roast or microwave rice crackers until puffed and brown.
Serves 6.

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