Thai Spicy Mackerel & Tilapia with Chili Paste: Budget-Friendly Recipe

Craving a fiery, flavorful fish dish that's both quick to make and incredibly satisfying? Look no further than this Spicy Fried Fish with Jaew recipe! This vibrant Thai-inspired dish combines the flaky texture of fried fish with the explosive punch of Jaew, a potent northern Thai chili paste. Forget expensive takeout – this recipe uses readily available ingredients to deliver a restaurant-quality meal at a fraction of the cost. The perfect balance of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy will tantalize your taste buds and leave you wanting more.

Get ready to experience a culinary adventure as we guide you through each step of creating this delicious and easy-to-follow recipe. From preparing the fish to mastering the art of the Jaew, we'll ensure you achieve perfectly crispy fried fish coated in a mouthwatering, addictive chili paste. Let's dive into the detailed instructions below and discover the magic of Spicy Fried Fish with Jaew!

Tools Needed

  • Frying pan
  • Grill
  • Mortar and pestle

Ingredients

  • Small fried tilapia: 2
  • Mackerels: 2
  • Chili
  • Onion
  • Garlic
  • Water
  • MSG
  • Fish sauce
  • Kolekole (likely a type of sauce or paste)
  • Okra: some
  • Sticky rice
  • Cooking oil

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1. Prepare the Fish and Chili Paste Base

  • Fry the mackerels until the skin is tight. Don't overcook to avoid tough meat.
  • Grill the chili, onion, and garlic with a little water until fragrant.
  • Pound the grilled chili, onion, and garlic in a mortar and pestle to your desired consistency.
Fry the mackerels until the skin is tight. Don't overcook to avoid tough meat.Grill the chili, onion, and garlic with a little water until fragrant.Pound the grilled chili, onion, and garlic in a mortar and pestle to your desired consistency.
Prepare the Fish and Chili Paste Base

Step 2. Make the Chili Paste

  • Add MSG, fish sauce, and Kolekole to the pounded chili mixture to make chili paste.
Add MSG, fish sauce, and Kolekole to the pounded chili mixture to make chili paste.
Make the Chili Paste

Step 3. Serve the Dish

  • Serve the fried fish with the chili paste, okra, and sticky rice.
Serve the fried fish with the chili paste, okra, and sticky rice.
Serve the Dish

Read more: Thai Basil Pork: A Quick & Easy Recipe (with Fried Egg!)

Tips

  • Use a private market to find cheaper ingredients.
  • Fry the fish on one side, then the other, until the skin is tight. Don't overcook.
  • Adjust the chili paste consistency to your preference.
  • The chili paste can be used for various dishes like spicy salads.

Nutrition

  • Calories: 600-800
  • Fat: 30-45g
  • Carbs: 50-70g
  • Protein: 40-50g

FAQs

1. Can I use other types of fish instead of mackerel and tilapia?

Yes! Firm, white-fleshed fish like cod, snapper, or catfish would work well. Just adjust cooking time as needed based on the fish's thickness.

2. What can I do if I don't have all the ingredients for the chili paste?

You can substitute ingredients or omit some. For example, if you don't have fish sauce, you can use soy sauce instead, but the flavor will be slightly different. Adjust the seasoning to your preference.


This Thai Spicy Mackerel & Tilapia recipe is a testament to how delicious and affordable home-cooked meals can be. Enjoy the satisfying blend of textures and flavors, and don't be afraid to experiment with different chili pastes to find your perfect level of spice. Now go forth and create your own flavorful Thai feast!