Craving a vibrant, flavorful dish that's both quick and easy to make? Then look no further than this Spicy Catfish Stir-Fry, a delicious Thai-inspired recipe that's sure to tantalize your taste buds. Imagine succulent catfish fillets, expertly stir-fried with a medley of aromatic vegetables and a fiery, yet balanced, chili sauce. This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering with friends – it's guaranteed to impress! The bold flavors and satisfying textures create a truly unforgettable culinary experience.
This recipe utilizes readily available ingredients and simple techniques, making it accessible to home cooks of all skill levels. The rich, spicy sauce perfectly complements the delicate catfish, while the vibrant vegetables add a welcome freshness. Ready to dive into this culinary adventure? Let's get started with the step-by-step instructions!
Tools Needed
- Mortar and Pestle
- Frying Pan
Ingredients
- Catfish
- Salt
- Shallots
- Garlic
- Galangal
- Lemongrass
- Chili
- Red Chili Peppers
- Dried Chili Peppers
- Shrimp Paste
- Fish Sauce
- Green-capped Soy Sauce
- Seasoning Powder (Pork/Chicken)
- Oyster Sauce
- Young Peppercorns
- Red and Blue Chili Peppers
- Bell Peppers
- Basil Leaves
- Kaffir Lime Leaves
- Peanut Oil
- Water
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Catfish and Curry Paste
- Cut the catfish into pieces and mix with salt to remove the fishy smell. Rinse thoroughly 2 times.
- Roast shallots, garlic until fragrant.
- Add galangal and lemongrass. Roast until softened.
- Add chili, red chili peppers, and dried chili peppers. Roast until cooked.
- Pound the roasted ingredients into a paste.
- Add shrimp paste and pound again to mix well. This creates the curry paste.
- Set aside the curry paste. Rinse the mortar and use the water to create a smooth liquid.
Step 2. Stir-fry the Catfish
- Heat oil in a pan. Add the curry paste and stir-fry until fragrant using low heat.
- Add the prepared catfish and stir-fry until partially cooked, ensuring it doesn't stick to the pan.
- Add galangal and kaffir lime leaves to remove fishy smell and enhance aroma.
- Stir-fry using high heat until the fish is cooked.
Step 3. Add Flavor and Vegetables
- Add the mortar washing water, fish sauce, green-capped soy sauce, seasoning powder, and oyster sauce. Mix well.
- Add young peppercorns, red and blue chili peppers, and bell peppers. Stir-fry until cooked.
Step 4. Finish with Basil
- Add basil leaves and stir-fry until wilted.
Read more: Thai Basil Pork: A Quick & Easy Recipe (with Fried Egg!)
Tips
- Use low heat and stir continuously for even cooking of the curry paste.
- Avoid over-stirring the fish to prevent it from breaking apart.
- The water from rinsing the mortar adds flavor and balances the ratios.
Nutrition
- Calories: approximately 400-500
- Fat: 20-30g
- Carbs: 20-30g
- Protein: 30-40g
FAQs
1. Can I substitute the catfish with another type of fish?
Yes! Firm, white-fleshed fish like cod, tilapia, or snapper work well. Adjust cooking time as needed depending on the fish's thickness.
2. How can I adjust the spice level?
Control the heat by adjusting the amount of chili paste or chilies used. Start with less and add more to your preference. You can also remove the seeds from the chilies for a milder flavor.
This Spicy Catfish Stir-Fry is a fantastically flavorful and easy-to-make dish that's perfect for any occasion. From the satisfying crunch of the vegetables to the delightful spice of the sauce, each bite is a burst of deliciousness. Enjoy this simple yet impressive Thai-inspired recipe and impress your friends and family!