3-Flavor Crispy Fish & Kaffir Lime Chili Paste Recipe

Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with this vibrant and flavorful recipe for 3-Flavor Crispy Fish & Kaffir Lime Chili Paste! This dish is a delightful fusion of textures and tastes, boasting perfectly crispy fish fillets with a spicy, aromatic chili paste that will leave you craving more. Imagine the satisfying crunch of the fish, the bright zing of the kaffir lime, and the pleasant heat of the chili all working together in perfect harmony. It's a dish that’s both impressive and surprisingly easy to make, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

This recipe explores three distinct flavor profiles – the crispy exterior of the fish, the zesty kaffir lime infusion, and the fiery kick of the chili paste – creating a culinary experience that's unforgettable. Each element is carefully crafted to achieve maximum flavor impact, culminating in a truly exceptional dish. Ready to embark on a culinary adventure? Let's dive into the step-by-step process to create this delicious 3-Flavor Crispy Fish & Kaffir Lime Chili Paste.

Tools Needed

  • Knife
  • Mortar and pestle
  • Frying pan
  • Sieve

Ingredients

  • Garlic: 200 grams
  • Shallots: 200 grams
  • Dried chilies
  • Kaffir lime
  • Kaffir lime peel
  • Palm sugar/Coconut sugar
  • Salted fish
  • Water

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1. Prepare the Aromatic Chili Paste

  • Chop garlic and shallots into equal-sized pieces.
  • Chop kaffir lime and separate the peel.
  • Fry shallots until golden and crispy. Set aside to drain.
  • Fry garlic until golden and crispy. Avoid over-frying to prevent bitterness.
Chop garlic and shallots into equal-sized pieces.Chop kaffir lime and separate the peel.Fry shallots until golden and crispy. Set aside to drain.Fry garlic until golden and crispy. Avoid over-frying to prevent bitterness.
Prepare the Aromatic Chili Paste
  • Fry dried chilies until cooked. Avoid over-frying to prevent bitterness.
  • Pound dried chilies in a mortar and pestle until finely ground.
  • Add fried shallots and garlic to the pounded chilies and pound until smooth.
  • Transfer the chili paste mixture to a bowl. Set aside.
Fry dried chilies until cooked. Avoid over-frying to prevent bitterness.Pound dried chilies in a mortar and pestle until finely ground.Add fried shallots and garlic to the pounded chilies and pound until smooth.Transfer the chili paste mixture to a bowl. Set aside.
Prepare the Aromatic Chili Paste

Step 2. Create the Kaffir Lime Chili Sauce

  • Dissolve palm sugar in a little water. Adjust sweetness to taste.
  • Add salted fish, lime juice, and kaffir lime peel to the chili paste.
  • Simmer the mixture until the sauce thickens.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning (sweet, sour, salty) as needed.
Dissolve palm sugar in a little water. Adjust sweetness to taste.Add salted fish, lime juice, and kaffir lime peel to the chili paste.Simmer the mixture until the sauce thickens.Taste and adjust seasoning (sweet, sour, salty) as needed.
Create the Kaffir Lime Chili Sauce

Step 3. Combine and Finish the Sauce

  • Add the pounded shallot and garlic mixture. Stir-fry until fragrant.
Add the pounded shallot and garlic mixture. Stir-fry until fragrant.
Combine and Finish the Sauce

Read more: Crispy Garlic Green Beans: A Mom's Recipe

Tips

  • Use equal amounts of garlic and shallots for even cooking.
  • Adjust the amount of dried chilies to control the spiciness.
  • Don't over-fry the chilies or garlic, as it will cause bitterness.
  • A little kaffir lime peel enhances the aroma, but too much can make it bitter.
  • Aim for a balance of sweet, sour, and salty flavors.

Nutrition

  • N/A

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of fish?

Yes! Firm, white-fleshed fish like cod, snapper, or tilapia work well. Avoid overly oily fish.

2. What if I don't have kaffir lime leaves?

You can substitute with lime zest and a touch of lime juice for a similar citrusy flavor, though the aroma will be slightly different.


This 3-Flavor Crispy Fish & Kaffir Lime Chili Paste recipe delivers a truly unforgettable dining experience, showcasing the beautiful balance of crispy, zesty, and spicy flavors. Impress your friends and family with this relatively simple yet incredibly rewarding dish. Enjoy the delicious results of your culinary adventure!