Get ready for a culinary adventure to Southern Thailand! This vibrant region is renowned for its intensely flavorful curries, and today we’re diving into one of its most iconic dishes: Southern Thai Sour Curry with Green Mango. This isn't your typical mild curry; prepare your taste buds for a thrilling explosion of sour, spicy, salty, and sweet notes all perfectly balanced. The fragrant blend of spices, the refreshing crunch of green mango, and the delicate flakiness of the fish create a symphony of flavors that will leave you craving more. This recipe showcases the unique culinary heritage of Southern Thailand, bringing the heat and the deliciousness right to your kitchen.
The magic of Southern Thai Sour Curry lies in the precise balance of ingredients and the careful layering of flavors. Ready to embark on this flavorful journey and master this authentic Southern Thai delicacy? Let's get started with the step-by-step guide below!
Tools Needed
- Mortar and pestle
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Pot
Ingredients
- Tilapia: 1 medium fish
- Green Mango: 1/2 young mango
- Dried Chili: 4-5 pieces
- Fresh Chili
- Shallots
- Garlic
- Turmeric: 1 teaspoon
- Salt
- Shrimp Paste: 1 tablespoon
- Fish Sauce
- Sugar
- Lemon
- Tamarind
- Water: 1000 ml
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Ingredients
- Peel and clean the green mango, ensuring no black peel remains. Soak in salt water to prevent browning.
- Cut the mango into 4 pieces and remove the seeds.
- Clean and season the tilapia with salt, rubbing especially on the belly.
- pound dried chilies, fresh chilies, shallots, garlic, turmeric, salt, and shrimp paste until smooth.
Step 2. Make the Curry
- In a pot, combine 1000 ml of water and the curry paste, including the water used to rinse the mortar.
- Season the curry with salt, sugar, fish sauce, and tamarind juice.
- Bring the water to a boil, then add the tilapia. Add the green mango after the fish.
Step 3. Cook and Season
- Simmer until the fish is cooked and the mango is tender.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Add lemon juice for extra tang.
- Turn off the heat and add 1 ladle of lime juice.
Step 4. Serve
- Serve hot.
Read more: Easy Ground Beef Curry: A Delicious Asian Home-Style Recipe
Tips
- Use young green mangoes for best results. They offer a unique sourness and flavor.
- Adding the fish after the water boils prevents a fishy smell.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I substitute the tilapia with another type of fish?
Yes! Firm white fish like snapper, sea bass, or even firm tofu work well. Adjust cooking time as needed depending on the fish's thickness.
2. What if I don't have all the listed spices?
Don't worry! The key spices are lemongrass, galangal, and chilies. You can omit less essential ones, but the flavor will be slightly different. Adjust chili quantity to your spice preference.
3. How can I make the curry less sour?
Reduce the amount of tamarind paste or lime juice. Start by using half the amount indicated in the recipe and taste-test before adding more. You can also add a little more sugar to balance the flavors.
This Southern Thai Sour Curry with Green Mango and Tilapia is a testament to the vibrant and complex flavors of Thai cuisine. The combination of sweet, sour, spicy, and salty elements creates a truly unforgettable dining experience. Enjoy the fruits of your labor, and savor every delicious bite of this authentic Thai masterpiece!