Preparation
15 minutes Cooking
20 minutes Servings
2-3 people
Catfish, also known as sole, is a simple yet mouthwatering dish that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. This step-by-step guide will show you how to create a delicious fried catfish in a flavorful fish sauce.
1 Ingredients for Fried Catfish in Fish Sauce
- 400g catfish
- 1 stalk spring onion
- 3 chili peppers
- 3 cloves garlic
- Seasonings: salt, sugar, fish sauce, MSG, ground black pepper, and cooking oil
A delicious array of ingredients for your fried catfish in fish sauce
Tip: When selecting catfish, look for clear and shiny eyes, bright red gills, and a fresh, sea-like aroma. Avoid cloudy or sunken eyes, as these indicate the fish isn’t fresh. The scales should be shiny and firmly attached, and the flesh should be springy.
2 How to Make Fried Catfish in Fish Sauce
Step 1 Prepare the Ingredients
Start by cleaning the catfish—remove the fins, scale, and gut the fish. To eliminate any fishy odor, wash the catfish with a mixture of water and salt, then rinse thoroughly with clean water.
Cut the catfish into bite-sized pieces and make shallow slashes on the surface of the flesh to help the marinade penetrate deeper.
Rinse the spring onion and finely chop it. For the garlic and chili peppers, crush and mince them to release their flavors.
Get all your ingredients ready for the cooking process
Step 2 Marinate the Catfish
In a bowl, combine the catfish with the following seasonings: 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/3 teaspoon MSG, 1/3 teaspoon seasoning powder, 1 teaspoon sugar, and 1 tablespoon fish sauce. Mix well to ensure the fish is evenly coated, and let it marinate for about 15 minutes to allow the flavors to absorb.
Coat the catfish pieces with the savory marinade
Step 3 Make the Sauce
In a separate bowl, create a mouthwatering sauce by mixing 4 tablespoons water, 1/2 teaspoon MSG, 1/3 teaspoon salt, 2 tablespoons sugar, and 2 tablespoons fish sauce. Stir well until all the seasonings are dissolved, creating a harmonious blend.
The sauce is a perfect balance of sweet, salty, and umami flavors
Step 4 Fry the Catfish
Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil is nice and hot, carefully add the marinated catfish pieces. Fry until the flesh turns opaque, which should take around 4-5 minutes.
Remove the fish from the pan and drain any excess oil. In the same pan, sauté the garlic and chili peppers to release their aromatic flavors. Then, add the sauce and the catfish back into the pan and continue cooking. You’ll know it’s ready when the fish turns a gorgeous golden brown, and the sauce thickens.
Fry the catfish to perfection
Step 5 Final Touches
Just before serving, sprinkle the chopped spring onion over the catfish for a fresh, flavorful finish.
The final touch of spring onion adds a burst of flavor and color
3 Serving
Your fried catfish in fish sauce is now ready to be devoured! The golden-brown fish exudes an irresistible aroma, thanks to the fish sauce. Bite into the crispy exterior to reveal tender, juicy flesh infused with the savory flavors of the sauce.
A tempting serving suggestion for your fried catfish in fish sauce
There you have it! A simple and tasty fried catfish in fish sauce that you can easily prepare at home. Impress your family and friends with this delicious dish.
Source: Youtube H?U QU?C MÓN NGON D? LÀM