Thai Spicy Fish Recipe
Thai Spicy Fish Recipe
Preparation Time: 30 minutes Cooking Time: 20 minutes Serves: 4
Ingredients:
For the fish:
- 4 fish fillets (such as tilapia or snapper)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Thai Spicy Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 red Thai chilies, thinly sliced (adjust to your spice preference)
- 2 stalks lemongrass, finely chopped
- 1-inch piece of galangal or ginger, thinly sliced
- 3 kaffir lime leaves, finely chopped (or substitute with lime zest)
- 1 shallot, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon shrimp paste (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1/2 cup coconut milk
- Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
Instructions:
- Prepare the Fish:
- Season the fish fillets with salt and pepper.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the fish fillets to the skillet and cook for about 3-4 minutes per side or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Remove the fish from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Thai Spicy Sauce:
- In the same skillet, add 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil and heat over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic, sliced Thai chilies, chopped lemongrass, sliced galangal or ginger, chopped kaffir lime leaves, and chopped shallot. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
- Add Flavor to the Sauce:
- If using shrimp paste, add it to the skillet and stir well. Cook for another minute.
- Pour in the fish sauce, lime juice, and sugar. Stir to combine.
- Add Coconut Milk:
- Slowly pour in the coconut milk while stirring continuously. Let the sauce simmer for 5-7 minutes until it thickens slightly and becomes aromatic.
- Combine with Fish:
- Return the cooked fish fillets to the skillet, coating them with the spicy sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the fish to absorb the flavors.
- Serve:
- Transfer the Thai spicy fish to a serving platter.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves.
- Enjoy:
- Serve the Thai spicy fish hot with steamed jasmine rice or rice noodles.
This Thai spicy fish recipe delivers a burst of flavors with the perfect balance of heat, tanginess, and creaminess from the coconut milk. Adjust the level of spiciness by adding more or fewer Thai chilies according to your taste preferences. Enjoy this delightful and exotic Thai dish!
