300g goby fish (cleaned) 2 tablespoons fish sauce 1 tablespoon sugar (for caramel) 2 cloves garlic (minced) 1 shallot (sliced) 1 teaspoon black pepper 1–2 red chili peppers (optional, sliced) 1 tablespoon cooking oil ½ cup water or coconut water Fresh herbs (e.g., spring onion, optional for garnish)