Marinate catfish with fish sauce, 2 tbsp of sugar, garlic, and sliced shallot.

Heat vegetable oil in dutch oven or clay pot over medium heat. Add remaining coconut sugar in an even layer on the bottom of the pot. Watch the sugar to make sure it does not burn! It will caramelize quickly.

Place catfish into the pot in a single layer. Add pepper to taste.

Once you get a nice brown color on one side of your catfish, flip it over and add your coconut water.

Cover the pot and let braise for 10 minutes.

Garnish with green onions before serving.