Forget everything you thought you knew about fried chicken. This recipe takes the classic comfort food and elevates it to a whole new level of flavor with the surprising addition of fish sauce. Don't let the unusual ingredient intimidate you; the salty, umami depth it adds to the crispy, juicy chicken is truly transformative. Imagine perfectly golden-brown skin, crackling with each bite, revealing succulent meat infused with a subtle, savory richness that's both addictive and unforgettable. This isn't your grandma's fried chicken, but it might just become your new favorite.
The secret lies in a perfectly balanced marinade that marries the fish sauce with classic Southern spices. This unique blend tenderizes the chicken while imbuing it with a complex flavor profile. Ready to experience the magic of crispy, flavorful fish sauce fried chicken? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions to create this culinary masterpiece.
Tools Needed
- Frying pan
- Bowl
- Skewer or meat piercing tool
- Refrigerator
Ingredients
- Chicken: 1 kg
- Eggs: 200-250g
- Garlic: 50g
- Satay: 50g
- Salt: 1g
- Sugar: 30g
- Seasoning Powder: 10g
- Fish Sauce: 20-30g
- Cornstarch
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Chicken
- Wash the chicken thoroughly. Then, pre-process the chicken by mixing it with cornstarch and sugar . This helps remove fishy smell and impurities.
- Add water and soak the chicken for 15 minutes to release bad blood and smell . After that, wash it again.
- Prick the thicker parts of the chicken using a skewer or meat piercing tool to allow better marinade absorption.
- Marinate the chicken with seasoning powder, salt, and the soft-boiled eggs . Mix well, wrap it and refrigerate for 30-60 minutes.
- Marinate the eggs separately with the remaining spices, salt, and seasoning . Refrigerate for 30 minutes.
Step 2. Fry the Chicken and Eggs
- Fry the garlic until fragrant and golden brown . Use some of the garlic oil for the fish sauce later.
- Coat the chicken with about a spoonful of cornstarch before frying to prevent it from drying out.
- Heat up the oil in a pan and deep fry the chicken until golden brown on both sides . Keep the heat low to prevent dryness. Fry for about 20 minutes.
- Deep fry the eggs for 3-5 minutes until golden brown .
Step 3. Make the Fish Sauce and Combine
- Prepare the fish sauce by mixing fish sauce, sugar, satay, and fried garlic oil . Cook until the spices dissolve.
- Add the fried chicken and eggs to the fish sauce . Stir well for 5-7 minutes to allow everything to absorb the sauce.
- Add fried garlic. Stir for another 3-5 minutes . Serve and enjoy!
Read more: Crispy Tofu with Onions: A Delicious Vietnamese Beer Snack
Tips
- To remove fishy smell from chicken effectively, use cornstarch and sugar .
- Don't over-fry the garlic, or it will be bitter .
- Keep the heat low when frying chicken to prevent dryness .
- Increase the heat for 10-15 seconds at the end of frying to push out excess oil and make the chicken soft and shiny
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I substitute the fish sauce?
While fish sauce provides a unique umami flavor, you can try substituting with soy sauce (for saltiness) and a touch of Worcestershire sauce (for depth). The flavor will be different, but still delicious.
2. How do I ensure the chicken is crispy?
Make sure your chicken is completely dry before breading. Use a double-dredging method (flour, egg wash, bread crumbs) and fry in hot oil (350°F/175°C) for even browning and crispiness. Don't overcrowd the pan!
This Crispy Fish Sauce Fried Chicken recipe delivers a unique and unforgettable flavor experience, far surpassing traditional fried chicken. The combination of crispy texture and savory depth is sure to impress your friends and family. So gather your ingredients and get ready to enjoy this delicious and surprisingly addictive dish!