Indulge in the vibrant flavors of Vietnam with this recipe for crispy fried fish, elevated by a tangy and sweet mango fish sauce. This dish offers a delightful contrast of textures – the incredibly crisp exterior of the fish yielding to flaky, succulent flesh – perfectly balanced by the refreshing, zesty sauce. The aroma alone is enough to transport you to a bustling Vietnamese street food market, a sensory experience that will leave you wanting more. Forget bland, overcooked fish; this recipe guarantees a culinary adventure for your taste buds.
The combination of perfectly fried fish and the unique mango fish sauce creates a truly unforgettable culinary experience. Ready to embark on this delicious journey? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions to create your own unforgettable Crispy Fried Fish with Mango Fish Sauce.
Tools Needed
- Basin
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Mixing bowl
- Frying pan
- Stove
- Tray
Ingredients
- Fish (Gung)
- Phi vegetables
- Cucumbers
- Chili
- Garlic
- Lettuce
- Herbs
- Green onions
- Lemon: 1
- Green mango
- Salt: 2 handfuls
- Sugar: 3 tablespoons
- Fish sauce: 3 tablespoons
- Water: 6 tablespoons
- Pickled shallots
- Cooking oil
- Banana leaf
- Peanuts
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Fish and Sauce
- Place the fish in a basin. Add two handfuls of salt. Cut a lemon in half, squeeze the juice onto the fish, and rub the lemon peel on both sides of the fish to remove slime and fishy smell.
- Rinse and drain the fish thoroughly.
- In a bowl, combine 3 tablespoons of sugar, 3 tablespoons of fish sauce, and 6 tablespoons of water. Stir until sugar and fish sauce dissolve. Add 3 tablespoons of lemon juice, followed by chopped garlic and chili.
- Add pickled shallots (optional).
- Chop and shred the green mango.
- Shred cucumbers and chop green onions.
Step 2. Fry the Fish
- Heat oil in a pan, add chopped green onions and salt. Fry until fragrant.
- Place a banana leaf in the hot pan. Place the fish on the banana leaf to prevent sticking. Fry until golden brown, then flip and fry the other side.
- Once golden brown, remove the fish and place it on a tray. Drizzle with scallion oil and sprinkle with crushed roasted peanuts.
Step 3. Prepare the Garnish
- Heat oil in a pan, add chopped green onions and salt. Fry until fragrant.
Step 4. Serve
- Serve the crispy fried fish with the prepared mango fish sauce and accompanying vegetables.
Read more: Vietnamese Grilled Pork: A Delicious BBQ Recipe
Tips
- Use a green mango for the fish sauce for a sweet and sour taste. Avoid mangoes that are too sour.
- Don't be impatient when frying the fish. Fry slowly until golden brown and crispy.
- The banana leaf helps prevent the fish from sticking to the pan while frying.
Nutrition
- Calories: approximately 500-700
- Fat: 30-45g
- Carbs: 20-35g
- Protein: 30-40g
FAQs
1. What type of fish is best for this recipe?
Firm, white-fleshed fish like cod, snapper, or catfish work well. Avoid overly oily fish.
2. Can I make the mango fish sauce ahead of time?
Yes! The sauce actually tastes even better after sitting for a few hours, allowing the flavors to meld.
3. How do I ensure the fish is crispy?
Make sure the fish is completely dry before frying, and use a high enough temperature to create a quick, even crust. Don't overcrowd the pan.
This Crispy Fried Fish with Mango Fish Sauce recipe is a testament to the vibrant and flavorful cuisine of Vietnam. Enjoy the satisfying crunch of the fish and the delightful zing of the mango-infused sauce – a truly unforgettable culinary experience. Now go ahead and impress your friends and family with this delicious and easy-to-make dish!