Crispy Thai Fried Fish

Ingredients

• 2 fish fillets (such as tilapia or sea bass), about 200g (7oz) each 2 fish fillets (such as tilapia or sea bass), about 200g (7oz) each
• 2 stalks lemongrass, finely chopped 2 stalks lemongrass, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger, grated 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger, grated
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce 1 tablespoon fish sauce
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon sugar 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 cup all-purpose flour 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon baking powder
• Vegetable oil, for frying Vegetable oil, for frying
• Fresh cilantro or Thai basil, for garnish Fresh cilantro or Thai basil, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 10g, 2g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 20g, 1g
• Protein: 20g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a bowl, combine the lemongrass, garlic, ginger, fish sauce, soy sauce, and sugar. Mix well to create a marinade.
2. 2.
   Place the fish fillets in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Ensure the fillets are evenly coated. Let them marinate for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
3. 3.
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder. This will be used to coat the fish.
4. 4.
   Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or skillet over medium-high heat.
5. 5.
   Remove the fish fillets from the marinade and allow any excess marinade to drip off.
6. 6.
   Dip each fillet into the flour mixture, ensuring it is evenly coated on all sides.
7. 7.
   Carefully place the coated fish fillets into the hot oil and fry until golden brown and crispy, about 4-5 minutes per side.
8. 8.
   Once cooked, transfer the fish to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
9. 9.
   Garnish with fresh cilantro or Thai basil leaves.
10. 10.
    Serve the Crispy Thai Fried Fish with the tangy and spicy dipping sauce on the side.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Lemongrass — To release its flavor, bruise the lemongrass stalks with the back of a knife before chopping.
• Fish fillets — Ensure the fillets are patted dry before marinating to allow the flavors to penetrate better.
• Vegetable oil — Use a neutral-tasting oil with a high smoke point, such as canola or peanut oil, for frying.
• Thai basil — If Thai basil is not available, regular basil can be used as a substitute.
• Fresh cilantro — If cilantro is not preferred, parsley can be used as an alternative garnish.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra crispy crust, refrigerate the coated fish fillets for 15 minutes before frying.
• Adjust the level of spiciness in the dipping sauce by adding more or less chili according to personal preference.
• Serve the Crispy Thai Fried Fish with a side of steamed jasmine rice and a refreshing cucumber salad for a complete meal.
• Experiment with different types of fish to find your favorite variation of this dish.
• To make the dish more visually appealing, serve it on a bed of lettuce leaves.

Serving advice

Serve the Crispy Thai Fried Fish as a main course, accompanied by steamed jasmine rice and the tangy dipping sauce. Garnish with fresh cilantro or Thai basil leaves for an added burst of flavor and color.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Crispy Thai Fried Fish fillets on a platter, ensuring they are evenly spaced and the golden crust is visible. Drizzle the tangy dipping sauce over the fillets or serve it in a small bowl on the side. Garnish with fresh herbs for an attractive presentation.