Craving a vibrant and flavorful Thai-inspired dish that's both healthy and satisfying? Look no further than this recipe for Crispy Catfish with Stir-fried Kale! This recipe expertly balances the crispy, savory texture of perfectly pan-fried catfish with the earthy bitterness of tender stir-fried kale, creating a harmonious culinary experience. Forget bland, boring meals; this dish is a celebration of fresh ingredients and bold Thai flavors, showcasing the delightful interplay of sweet, salty, sour, and spicy notes. The fragrant garlic, ginger, and chili peppers infuse the kale with an irresistible aroma, while a simple yet effective sauce elevates the entire dish to new heights.
Prepare yourself for a culinary adventure that's surprisingly easy to achieve, even for novice cooks. We'll guide you through each step, ensuring a delicious and memorable meal. Ready to embark on this flavorful journey? Let's dive into the detailed, step-by-step instructions!
Tools Needed
- Pan
- Spatula
Ingredients
- Catfish: 500 grams per piece
- Kale: 200 grams
- Red Chili Peppers: 8
- Thai Garlic: 1 large clove
- Vegetable Oil
- Crispy Flour: 1 spoon
- Oyster Sauce: 1 tablespoon
- Light Soy Sauce: 1 tablespoon
- Fish Sauce: 1/2 tablespoon
- Seasoning Powder: 1/2 tablespoon
- Sweet Soy Sauce: 1/2 tablespoon
- White Sugar: 1/2 teaspoon (optional)
- Soybean Paste: a little (optional)
- Bay Leaves: a handful
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare and Fry the Catfish
- Wash thoroughly.
- Heat vegetable oil in a pan. Add 1 spoon of crispy flour and mix well. Add the catfish and fry until golden brown on both sides, ensuring it doesn't stick to the pan.
Step 2. Prepare and Stir-fry the Sauce and Kale
- Pound the chili and garlic together.
- Stir-fry the chili and garlic until fragrant.
- Add water (about 200ml).
- Add oyster sauce, light soy sauce, fish sauce, seasoning powder, sweet soy sauce, white sugar (optional), and soybean paste (optional).
- Add kale and stir-fry until cooked.
- Add bay leaves for fragrance.
Step 3. Combine and Finish
- Add the fried catfish and stir-fry everything together gently.
Step 4. Serve
- Serve hot over rice.
Read more: Thai Basil Pork: A Quick & Easy Recipe (with Fried Egg!)
Tips
- Use a non-stick pan to prevent the fish from sticking.
- Dissolve the flour in the hot oil before adding the fish.
- Don't throw away the remaining oil after frying the fish. Let it settle, then pour out the clear top oil for reuse.
- Adjust the amount of sugar and soybean paste to your liking.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of fish?
Yes! Firm, white fish like cod or tilapia will work well as substitutes for catfish. Adjust cooking time as needed depending on the thickness of the fish.
2. What if I don't have all the Thai ingredients?
Don't worry! You can adjust the recipe to your liking. Feel free to omit or substitute ingredients based on what you have available. The core flavors will still shine through.
3. How can I make this dish spicier?
Add more chili flakes or a Thai chili pepper to the stir-fried kale. You can also add a dash of sriracha or your favorite hot sauce to the finished dish.
This Crispy Catfish with Stir-fried Kale recipe offers a delightful fusion of textures and flavors, creating a truly satisfying and healthy meal. From the crispy catfish to the vibrant kale, every bite is a burst of deliciousness. Enjoy this simple yet impressive dish, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion!