Craving a vibrant and flavorful explosion in your mouth? Then look no further than this Crispy Gourami Salad, a spicy Thai-inspired dish that's guaranteed to tantalize your taste buds. Imagine perfectly crispy, golden-brown gourami fillets, tossed with a medley of fresh herbs, crunchy vegetables, and a zesty, slightly sweet and intensely spicy dressing. This isn't your average salad; it's a culinary adventure that combines the satisfying crunch of fried fish with the refreshing lightness of a vibrant salad. The perfect balance of textures and flavors makes this dish a true standout.
This recipe delivers a unique and unforgettable culinary experience, showcasing the versatility of gourami fish. Forget bland salads – this one is packed with bold, exciting flavors that will leave you wanting more. Ready to create this delicious and impressive dish? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions below!
Tools Needed
- Pan
- Cloth or tissue paper
Ingredients
- Gourami fish
- Lemongrass
- Celery leaves
- Sour mangoes
- Shallots
- Red chili
- Lime juice
- Peanuts
- Palm sugar
- Fish sauce
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Gourami
- Clean the gourami fish and wash to remove salty taste.
- Trim the fins and tail of the gourami for even frying.
- Pat the gourami dry with a cloth or tissue paper to prevent oil splattering.
- Heat a pan with oil until very hot. Carefully add the gourami, avoiding oil splattering.
- Fry the gourami until lightly golden, flipping once it starts to turn yellow. Avoid stirring too frequently.
- Remove the gourami and set aside to drain oil.
- Separate the gourami meat from the bones. Fry the meat again until crispy.
- Cut the gourami meat into bite-sized pieces.
- Heat the pan with oil again, fry the gourami meat until crispy and golden brown.
Step 2. Make the Crispy Fried Gourami
- Fry the peanuts in not-too-hot oil until cooked through.
Step 3. Prepare the Salad Dressing and Ingredients
- Combine lime juice, palm sugar, fish sauce, and chili. Adjust to your preferred taste.
- Chop shallots, thinly slice lemongrass and celery.
Step 4. Assemble and Serve the Salad
- Combine the fried gourami, sour mangoes, shallots, lemongrass, celery, peanuts, and dressing. Mix well.
Read more: Authentic Thai Bean Sprout Salad (Kerabu Tauge) Recipe
Tips
- Use a lid to prevent oil splattering while frying.
- Adjust the amount of sourness, saltiness, spiciness, and sweetness in the dressing to your preference.
- For extra crispy gourami, fry in two rounds.
Nutrition
- Calories: approximately 400-500
- Fat: 20-30g
- Carbs: 20-30g
- Protein: 25-35g
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of fish instead of gourami?
While gourami is ideal for its flaky texture, you can substitute with other firm, white fish like tilapia or cod. Just be sure to adjust the frying time as needed.
2. How can I make the salad less spicy?
Reduce the amount of chili flakes or bird's eye chilies in the dressing. You can also add a squeeze of lime juice to balance the heat.
This Crispy Fried Gourami Salad is the perfect dish for a light yet satisfying meal, impressing guests or treating yourself. The combination of textures and flavors creates a truly unforgettable culinary experience. So gather your ingredients and get ready to enjoy this spicy Thai delight!