Home Food & Receipts The Secret to a Perfectly Crispy and Delicious Fried Catfish with a...

Food & Receipts

The Secret to a Perfectly Crispy and Delicious Fried Catfish with a Soy Sauce Dip

18 September, 2024

Preparation
15 minutes Cooking
20 minutes Servings
1-2 people

Have you ever tried crispy fried catfish with soy sauce dip? If not, let’s explore how to make this simple yet incredibly delicious dish!

1Ingredients for Crispy Catfish

500g catfish
1 packet of dry coating mix for frying
1 red bell pepper
1 green bell pepper
1 tablespoon chopped dill
1 tablespoon chopped garlic
3 sprigs of spring onion
Seasonings: salt, sugar, fish sauce, pepper, soy sauce, MSG

Ingredients for Crispy Catfish

Tip: Choose catfish with clear and shiny eyes, indicating freshness. The flesh should be firm and spring back when pressed. Go for red bell peppers with a vibrant color and no unpleasant odor.

2How to Make Crispy Catfish

Step 1 Prepare the Ingredients

Start by cleaning the catfish: remove the black skin, cut off the head, and rinse thoroughly. Pat the fish dry. Using a knife, make shallow slashes on one side of the fish to allow better absorption of the marinade.

For the bell peppers, rinse them and leave them whole. Place them directly on the grill until slightly charred. Then, cut them into bite-sized pieces.

Tip: Grilling the bell peppers enhances their sweetness and makes them more receptive to the marinade.

Preparing the Ingredients

Step 2 Marinate the Catfish

Crush the dill and garlic, and rub this mixture evenly over the catfish.

Marinating the Catfish

Step 3 Make the Dipping Sauce

In a saucepan, combine 4 tablespoons of soy sauce, 3 tablespoons of rice vinegar, 3 tablespoons of sugar, a pinch of salt, and a dash of MSG. Heat the mixture, stirring continuously, until the sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and let it cool. Then, add the chopped bell peppers, garlic, chili, and a teaspoon of sesame oil to the sauce, stirring well.

Making the Dipping Sauce

Step 4 Fry the Catfish

Just before frying, coat both sides of the catfish evenly with the dry coating mix. Fry the fish over medium heat, adding a few sprigs of spring onion to the oil for extra fragrance. Fry until the catfish turns golden brown and crispy.

Frying the Catfish

Step 5 Serving

Your crispy catfish is now ready to be served! It’s golden brown on the outside and tender on the inside, with the delightful aroma of dill and the sweet and sour bell peppers.

Serving Suggestion

3Enjoy!

This dish offers a unique combination of flavors and textures. The catfish is sweet and buttery, with a crispy exterior, complemented by the fragrant dill and the sweet and sour bell peppers. It’s a delightful addition to any family meal!

Enjoy!

There you have it—a mouthwatering recipe for crispy catfish with a soy sauce dip. Impress your family and friends with this delicious dish!

Frequently asked questions

The key is to use a combination of cornstarch and flour for the batter, and to fry the fish at a moderate temperature of around 350°F. This ensures a crispy exterior without overcooking the delicate fish. Additionally, a quick dip in a soy sauce mixture adds a burst of flavor and moisture to the dish.

Cornstarch adds a light and crispy texture to the fried catfish, while the flour provides a hearty base that ensures the batter adheres to the fish. This combination creates a perfectly golden and crispy exterior.

The ideal temperature for frying catfish is around 350°F. This moderate temperature allows the fish to cook through gently, resulting in a tender and flaky texture, while also achieving a crispy golden brown exterior.

The soy sauce dip is a simple mixture of soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and a touch of sesame oil. This combination creates a balanced dip that is savory, sweet, and tangy. Simply whisk the ingredients together and adjust the amounts to suit your taste preferences.

Yes, you can certainly experiment with other types of firm white-fleshed fish such as cod, tilapia, or snapper. Just make sure the fish is fresh and of good quality for the best results.

It’s important to pat the catfish fillets dry with paper towels before dipping them in the batter. This ensures that the batter adheres properly and creates a crispier final product. Additionally, season the fillets with salt and pepper to enhance the natural flavors of the fish.