Forget everything you thought you knew about fried chicken. This recipe for Crispy Fish Sauce Fried Chicken Thighs elevates the classic dish to a whole new level of flavor. The secret? A vibrant, umami-rich marinade featuring fragrant fish sauce, garlic, and ginger, which creates incredibly juicy and flavorful chicken thighs with an addictive crispy exterior. Say goodbye to bland, dry fried chicken and prepare for a taste explosion that will leave you craving more.
This isn't your grandma's fried chicken; it's a bold, sophisticated take on a beloved comfort food. The combination of salty fish sauce, pungent garlic, and sweet ginger creates a complex flavor profile that perfectly balances the richness of the chicken. Ready to experience the magic? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions to create your own batch of these incredibly delicious Crispy Fish Sauce Fried Chicken Thighs.
Tools Needed
- Pan
- Paper towels
- Mortar and pestle (or food processor)
Ingredients
- Chicken thighs: 350g
- Garlic cloves: 4
- Chili peppers: 3
- Sugar: 2 spoons
- MSG: 1/2 teaspoon (optional)
- Ground pepper: 1/2 teaspoon
- Fish sauce: 3 spoons
- Water: 2 spoons
- Soy sauce: 1 spoon
- Lemon
- Salt
- Crispy flour: 1/2 spoon
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare Chicken and Marinade
- Clean chicken thighs by squeezing with lemon and salt, then wash and drain.
- Crush garlic cloves and chili peppers.
- Mix sugar, MSG (optional), ground pepper, fish sauce, water, and soy sauce. Add crushed chili peppers and stir well.
- Dry chicken thighs with paper towels.
Step 2. Fry Chicken
- Add crispy flour to chicken thighs.
- Fry chicken thighs in medium heat until golden brown on both sides.
Step 3. Simmer in Fish Sauce Glaze
- In a separate pan, heat cooking oil and add the fish sauce marinade. Bring to a boil.
- Add fried chicken thighs to the boiling fish sauce marinade. Stir gently to coat evenly, ensuring all chicken pieces absorb the sauce. Reduce heat to low and continue to cook until the sauce has coated evenly.
Step 4. Serve
- Turn off the heat and serve.
Read more: Crispy Tofu with Onions: A Delicious Vietnamese Beer Snack
Tips
- Drying the chicken thighs before frying prevents splattering.
- Keep flipping the chicken thighs while cooking in fish sauce to prevent burning and ensure even coating.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs?
Yes! Bone-in, skin-on thighs are ideal as the bone helps keep the chicken moist and the skin gets incredibly crispy.
2. What can I substitute for fish sauce?
Soy sauce can be used as a substitute, but it won't give the same umami depth. You might consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce to mimic the richness.
3. How do I keep the chicken crispy after it's cooked?
Place the fried chicken on a wire rack to allow air circulation. This prevents the chicken from becoming soggy.
These crispy fish sauce fried chicken thighs are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, offering a unique and unforgettable flavor experience. From the perfectly crispy skin to the juicy, flavorful meat, this recipe is sure to become a new family favorite. So go ahead, give it a try and prepare to be amazed!