Dive into a flavor explosion with this Spicy Stir-Fried Catfish with Basil recipe! This dish transcends the ordinary, transforming humble catfish into a culinary masterpiece. Imagine succulent, crispy catfish fillets tossed in a vibrant sauce bursting with the fragrant heat of chili, the refreshing zest of lime, and the aromatic punch of fresh basil. It's a symphony of textures and tastes, a perfect blend of sweet, sour, spicy, and savory that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more. This recipe is surprisingly easy to master, even for beginner cooks.
Forget bland, boring fish dinners! This Spicy Stir-Fried Catfish with Basil is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for a weeknight meal or a special occasion. The combination of crispy catfish and zesty sauce makes it a truly unforgettable culinary experience. Ready to create this delicious dish? Let's move on to the step-by-step instructions.
Tools Needed
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Sieve/Strainer
- Frying pan
- Mortar and pestle
- Spoon
Ingredients
- Catfish: 500 grams
- Basil leaves: 35 grams
- Kaffir lime leaves: 3
- Jinda chili peppers: 5
- Garlic: 20 grams
- Green cap/Soy sauce
- Fish sauce: 1 teaspoon
- Palm sugar: ½ tablespoon
- Oyster sauce: 1.5 tablespoons
- Red chili pepper: 1
- Vegetable oil/Palm oil
- Soybean oil
- Salt
- Vinegar
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Catfish
- Clean the catfish. Remove any dirt, fat, or stuffing. Sprinkle with salt and vinegar, knead thoroughly to remove fishy smell. Rinse and drain well.
- Cut the cleaned catfish into pieces.
Step 2. Fry the Catfish
- Deep-fry the catfish in hot oil until crispy and golden yellow. Avoid overcrowding the pan; fry in batches if necessary. Use a lid to prevent oil splattering.
- Drain the fried catfish on a wire rack to remove excess oil and let it cool completely.
Step 3. Make the Spicy Basil Sauce
- Pound garlic and chili peppers in a mortar until roughly crushed. (You can add peppercorns for extra spice.)
- Heat oil in a wok or frying pan. Add the pounded garlic and chili and stir-fry until fragrant and lightly golden. Use low to medium heat to avoid burning.
- Add water (or bone broth for extra flavor) to the pan. Add palm sugar, fish sauce, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and stir until palm sugar dissolves. Simmer to thicken the sauce.
Step 4. Combine and Serve
- Add the fried catfish, kaffir lime leaves, red chili, and basil to the sauce. Stir-fry until the basil wilts. Serve immediately.
Read more: Crispy Garlic Green Beans: A Mom's Recipe
Tips
- For smaller garlic cloves, reduce the amount to 15 grams.
- Adjust the amount of palm sugar and chili peppers to your preferred level of sweetness and spiciness.
- Don't overcook the fried catfish; overcooking will make it tough.
- Eat the dish immediately while it's crispy and fragrant.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen catfish fillets?
Yes, but make sure to thaw them completely and pat them very dry before breading and frying for the crispiest results.
2. What type of oil is best for frying the catfish?
Vegetable oil or peanut oil are good choices because of their high smoke points. Avoid olive oil as it has a lower smoke point.
3. Can I adjust the spice level of the basil sauce?
Absolutely! Adjust the amount of chili flakes or chili paste to your preferred level of spiciness. You can also add more or less lime juice to control the heat.
This Crispy Fried Catfish with Spicy Basil Sauce recipe is a delightful journey for your taste buds, balancing crispy textures with vibrant, spicy flavors. From simple ingredients, you've created a truly memorable dish that's perfect for sharing with friends and family. Enjoy the delicious results of your culinary adventure!