Spicy Stir-fried Canned Fish: Quick & Easy Thai Recipe

Craving a quick, flavorful, and surprisingly easy Thai-inspired dish? Look no further than this spicy stir-fried canned fish recipe! This recipe utilizes readily available ingredients to create a vibrant and aromatic meal perfect for a weeknight dinner or a satisfying lunch. Forget complicated cooking techniques and lengthy prep times; this recipe is all about maximum flavor with minimal effort. The unexpected combination of spicy chilies, fragrant herbs, and tender canned fish will awaken your taste buds and leave you wanting more. This dish is a testament to how simple ingredients can transform into an extraordinary culinary experience.

Forget takeout! This recipe is unbelievably simple and delivers authentic Thai flavors. We’ll be walking you through each step, ensuring you achieve perfectly cooked, spicy, and delicious stir-fried canned fish in minutes. Ready to dive into this exciting culinary adventure? Let's get started with the step-by-step instructions below!

Tools Needed

  • Pan
  • Mortar and pestle

Ingredients

  • Canned fish: 2 cans
  • Coriander
  • Chili
  • Garlic
  • Water (from mortar rinsing)
  • Kaffir lime leaves
  • Basil leaves
  • Oyster sauce
  • Fish sauce
  • Young pepper
  • Brown sugar
  • Yellow chili
  • Chopped galangal
  • Red chili peppers

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1. Sauté Aromatics

  • Heat up the pan and add oil for stir-frying.
  • Add pounded coriander, chili, and garlic; stir-fry until fragrant and slightly yellow.
  • Increase heat and add galangal; stir-fry until fragrant.
  • Add water used to rinse the mortar.
Heat up the pan and add oil for stir-frying.Add pounded coriander, chili, and garlic; stir-fry until fragrant and slightly yellow.Increase heat and add galangal; stir-fry until fragrant.Add water used to rinse the mortar.
Sauté Aromatics
  • Add oyster sauce, fish sauce, brown sugar (optional), and torn kaffir lime leaves; stir-fry until fragrant.
Add oyster sauce, fish sauce, brown sugar (optional), and torn kaffir lime leaves; stir-fry until fragrant.
Sauté Aromatics

Step 2. Add Spices and Chili

  • Add young peppercorns, yellow chili peppers, and red chili peppers.
Add young peppercorns, yellow chili peppers, and red chili peppers.
Add Spices and Chili

Step 3. Cook the Fish

  • Add canned fish and stir-fry until heated through and the sauce is absorbed.

Step 4. Finish with Basil

  • Add basil leaves and stir-fry until wilted.
Add basil leaves and stir-fry until wilted.
Finish with Basil

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

Tips

  • Choose nice, firm pieces of canned fish.
  • Brown sugar can reduce the spiciness; omit if using MSG.
  • Use high heat for most of the cooking process.
  • Be careful not to break the fish pieces when adding them to the pan.
  • Clean and remove the stems from the basil leaves before adding.

Nutrition

  • Calories: 200-350
  • Fat: 10-20g
  • Carbs: 15-25g
  • Protein: 20-30g

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of canned fish?

Yes! Salmon, tuna, or mackerel all work well. Adjust the spice level accordingly, as some fish are naturally richer in flavor.

2. What if I don't have all the listed ingredients?

Feel free to substitute! If you're missing a specific herb or chili, don't worry. The dish will still be delicious. Focus on getting the main flavors – spicy, savory, and slightly sweet.


This spicy stir-fried canned fish recipe proves that delicious and authentic Thai food doesn't require hours in the kitchen. With minimal ingredients and even less effort, you can enjoy a restaurant-quality meal in minutes. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to experience the vibrant flavors of Thailand!