Craving a quick, flavorful, and surprisingly sophisticated meal? Look no further than this spicy stir-fried canned mackerel recipe! This dish transforms humble canned mackerel into a culinary delight, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a vibrant addition to your next meal prep session. Forget the image of canned fish as bland and boring – this recipe explodes with aromatic spices and a satisfying kick of heat, all while being incredibly easy to prepare. The secret lies in the perfect balance of fresh ingredients and bold flavors that elevate the canned mackerel to unexpected heights.
Using readily available ingredients and simple techniques, you’ll be amazed at how quickly this dish comes together. Forget spending hours in the kitchen; this recipe prioritizes efficiency without sacrificing deliciousness. Ready to transform your canned mackerel into a spicy masterpiece? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions below.
Tools Needed
- Mortar and pestle
- Wok or frying pan
Ingredients
- Canned fish (mackerel): 2 small cans
- Basil leaves
- Yellow chili
- Clean water
- Sugar
- Garlic
- Chili
- White soy sauce
- Oil
- Clams in soy sauce
- Galangal
- Coriander root: 1-2 roots
- Pepper
- Chili peppers
- Young peppercorns
- Kaffir lime leaves
- Fish sauce
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare Aromatics and Fish
- Separate the fish from the canned water. Save the fish meat.
- Pound garlic, coriander root, pepper, and peppercorns in a mortar and pestle.
- Add the mortar rinse water (reserved from pounding ingredients).
Step 2. Stir-fry the Aromatics and Season
- Heat oil in a wok or frying pan. Add the pounded ingredients and stir-fry until fragrant and slightly yellow.
- Add galangal and kaffir lime leaves, stir-fry until cooked.
- Season with white soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, and fish sauce.
Step 3. Gently Incorporate the Fish and Chili
- Add the canned fish and mix well.
- Add chili peppers and stir gently to avoid breaking the fish.
Step 4. Finish and Serve
- Add yellow chili peppers and basil leaves. Stir gently.
- Once everything is cooked and well-mixed, turn off the heat.
Read more: Thai Basil Pork: A Quick & Easy Recipe (with Fried Egg!)
Tips
- Adjust the amount of oil according to your preference.
- Stir-fry until the ingredients are fragrant and slightly yellow.
- Be gentle when mixing to avoid breaking the fish pieces.
- You can adjust the order of adding ingredients based on your preference.
Nutrition
- Calories: 200-300
- Fat: 10-15g
- Carbs: 5-10g
- Protein: 20-25g
FAQs
1. Can I use other types of canned fish besides mackerel?
Yes! Salmon, tuna, or sardines would all work well, though you might need to adjust the cooking time slightly depending on the fish's texture.
2. What if I don't have all the spices listed?
Feel free to substitute! The key is to have a balance of savory, sweet, and spicy. Experiment and find your favorite combination.
3. How can I make this dish less spicy?
Reduce the amount of chili flakes or substitute with a milder chili powder. You can also add a squeeze of lime juice at the end to balance the heat.
This Spicy Stir-Fried Canned Fish recipe proves that delicious and impressive meals can be created with minimal effort and readily available ingredients. Mr. Tom Jok's simple method elevates canned fish to a whole new level of flavor, surprising and delighting even the most discerning palates. So go ahead, give it a try and experience the magic of this quick and flavorful dish!