Whole fish fried with basil and chillies
This whole fish is fried and topped with a Thai basil and chilli sauce for a stunning main coarse at the dinner table.
Ingredients
Serves: 4
- 1 whole (280g) tilapia or white fish
- oil for deep frying
- Sauce
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil, or as desired
- 1 yellow onion, chopped
- 5 large red chilli peppers, sliced
- 5 cloves garlic, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce
- 2 tablespoons light soy sauce
- 10g Thai basil leaves, or to taste
- 10g chopped fresh coriander, or to taste
Method
Prep:15min ›
Cook:15min ›
Ready in:30min
- Cut several angled slits along the body of the fish, cutting down to the rib bones. Cut 2 lateral slits along the back of the fish, from head to tail on either side of the dorsal fin. These cuts will ensure quick cooking and maximum crispiness.
- Heat oil in a deep-fat fryer or large saucepan to 175 degrees C.
- Gently place fish into the hot oil and fry until crispy, 3 to 4 minutes per side. Gently remove fish from the oil and drain on kitchen paper.
- Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a wok or large pan over medium heat; cook and stir onion, red chilli peppers and garlic until lightly browned, 5 to 10 minutes. Add fish sauce and soy sauce and remove wok from heat. Quickly stir in fresh Thai basil and coriander.
- Place fish on a large serving platter and pour sauce over fish.
Note:
To test the oil temperature if you do not have a thermometer, dip the head of the fish into the oil; if it sizzles, it is ready, if it does not sizzle, then wait a couple minutes and try again.
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Reviews & ratings
Average global rating:
(7)
Reviews in English (5)
Exactly what I was looking for! I had whole fried tilapia in an Asian restaurant once and was sure that there was something trickier than just frying it; but no there isn't! I used canola to health up the frying and fried until super crispy 10-12 min. I was in a hurry so I didn't make paste but used Asian Rooster sauce and premade garlic-chili oil. The fish is sooo much more tender this way! THANK YOU! - 11 May 2010 (Review from Allrecipes US | Canada)
Much better grilled and just as "stunning at the dinner table". Fried.... Very Unhealthy. Sauce is tasty, tasty. - 19 Mar 2010 (Review from Allrecipes US | Canada)
looks awesome i will definetely try it,it has an asian twist,and i love fish. thanks wiley - 13 Mar 2010 (Review from Allrecipes US | Canada)