Crispy Fried Elephant Fish With Ginger Fish Sauce Ca Tai Tuong Chien Xu Food

CRISPY WHOLE THAI FRIED FISH WITH GINGER TAMARIND SAUCE AND COCONUT-CILANTRO RICE PILAF

Steps:

• Special equipment: A large Dutch oven or deep wok, deep-fry thermometer and two 12-inch bamboo skewers
• Prepare the ginger tamarind sauce: In large saute pan over medium-high heat, add 1/4 cup of the canola oil and allow to heat. Add the garlic, shallots and fresh ginger and saute until fragrant and the shallots are translucent, 3 to 4 minutes. Add the soy sauce, sugar, tamarind paste, fish sauce, sambal and 1/2 cup water. Stir well and cook until the mixture is slightly reduced and has a maple syrup-like consistency, 5 to 6 minutes. Remove from the heat and keep warm until ready to serve.
• Preheat 4 to 5 inches of canola oil to 350 degrees F in a large Dutch oven or deep wok. You need enough oil so the whole fish can be submerged.
• Prepare the fish: Make 3 diagonal slices into the flesh of one side of the snapper, cutting all the way to the bone and spacing the slices 2 inches apart. Repeat with the other side of the fish.
• Combine the cornstarch, rice flour, granulated garlic, ground ginger, salt and pepper in a large baking dish. Lightly dredge the fish all over with the seasoned flour, including inside the cuts. Shake off any excess flour, then form the fish into an "S" curve by threading two 12-inch bamboo skewers through the tail and body so it holds its wavy shape.
• Carefully place the fish into the hot oil so it is almost completely submerged. Fry the fish until deep golden and very crispy, 8 to 10 minutes. As it cooks, use a large metal spoon or ladle to carefully pour hot oil over any exposed part of the fish to ensure it cooks evenly. Carefully remove the fish from the oil and place on a wire rack to drain briefly. Season immediately with salt and lime juice. Carefully remove the skewers from the fish, and place it upright on a platter of Coconut-Cilantro Rice Pilaf. Pour the ginger tamarind sauce over the top. Garnish with the chilies and scallions.
• Rinse the rice by running it under cold water 2 or 3 times until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and ensures the rice comes out light and fluffy.
• Heat the canola oil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the ginger and saute until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Add the chili flakes and rice and stir well to coat the kernels evenly with oil. Add the coconut milk, salt, sugar and 1 cup water. Stir well and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer, cover with a lid and cook until all the liquid has absorbed, 10 to 12 minutes. Turn off the heat, keep covered and allow the rice to sit for 5 minutes to steam. Before serving, add the cilantro and fluff with a fork. Yield: 4 to 6 servings

EASY PAN-FRIED FISH FILLET

Steps:

• Wash fish fillets under running cold water and dry with a paper towel. Drizzle with lemon juice and season with salt on both sides.
• Combine flour and Chinese five-spice powder in a shallow bowl. Dip fish fillets into the flour mixture so they are covered on both sides.
• Heat canola and sesame oils in a large skillet over medium heat. Add fish to hot oil and pan-fry for 2 to 3 minutes. Carefully turn and continue cooking until fish flakes easily with a fork, 2 to 3 minutes more.

FRIED CATFISH WITH A CREAMY THAI SAUCE

Steps:

• Combine spices, salt, cornmeal, flour
• Coat catfish with mixture
• Let sit while making sauce
• In a saucepan heat 2 teaspoons oil add and saute onions, ginger, garlic and lemon grass until soft
• Add red curry paste and cook add brown sugar, fish sauce, coconut milk, basil and lime juice
• Stir mixture
• Place 1 cup of sauce mixture in a blender with cashews blending (carefully hot) well add back to pot
• Cook over medium heat until thick about 5 minutes
• Heat 2 tablespoons oil shaking off excess breading
• Add catfish and fry until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes on each side depending on size
• Remove and drain on paper towels
• Salt fish
• Serve with white rice
• Placing the fish over the rice and topping with coconut sauce