Craving a delicious and easy-to-make seafood dish? Look no further than this recipe for crispy fried tilapia with a vibrant, spicy fish sauce chili sauce. This recipe delivers perfectly crispy tilapia fillets, boasting a delightful crunch with each bite, thanks to a simple yet effective breading technique. The accompanying fish sauce chili sauce adds a powerful punch of umami and heat, perfectly complementing the delicate flavor of the fish. This dish is a fantastic weeknight meal, ready in under 30 minutes and guaranteed to impress.
Forget complicated techniques and lengthy prep times. This recipe is designed for simplicity, focusing on delivering maximum flavor with minimal fuss. From selecting the freshest tilapia to achieving that perfect golden-brown crust, we'll guide you through every step. Ready to learn how to create this irresistible dish? Let's dive into the detailed, step-by-step instructions below.
Tools Needed
- frying pan
Ingredients
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Tilapia and Fry
- Heat oil in a frying pan. Add fried flour and stir until dissolved.
- Add tilapia to the hot oil. The flour in the oil helps prevent sticking and splattering.
- Fry the fish until golden brown on both sides.
- Remove the fish from the pan and set aside. The oil can be reused after the flour settles.
Step 2. Make the Spicy Fish Sauce Chili Sauce
- In a pan, combine water, palm sugar (or white sugar), fish sauce, soy sauce, and MSG (optional). Stir until sugar dissolves.
- Season the sauce to your liking (add more salt, sugar, etc.). Simmer until slightly thickened.
- Add shallots, chili peppers, and lime juice to the sauce.
Step 3. Combine and Serve
- Pour the sauce over the fried tilapia and serve.
Read more: Crispy Garlic Green Beans: A Mom's Recipe
Tips
- Adding fried flour to the hot oil before frying fish prevents sticking and splattering.
- The oil used for frying can be reused after the flour settles.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen tilapia fillets?
Yes, just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before breading to ensure a crispy result.
2. How can I adjust the spiciness of the chili sauce?
Control the heat by adjusting the amount of chili flakes or chili paste you add. Start with less and add more to your taste.
This crispy fried tilapia with spicy fish sauce chili sauce recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering. The combination of textures and flavors creates a truly unforgettable culinary experience. Enjoy this simple yet flavorful dish, and don't hesitate to experiment with different chili levels to suit your preferences!