Deep-Fried Fish with Toasted Rice Sauce | How to Make Fried Fish with Spicy Sauce - NAM JIM JAEW

fish sauce

🥗Healthier: soy sauce

💰Cheaper: salt

Soy sauce provides umami flavor while being lower in calories.

whole fish

🥗Healthier: tofu

💰Cheaper: frozen fish

Tofu offers a plant-based option, while frozen fish can be more affordable.

vegetable oil

🥗Healthier: coconut oil

💰Cheaper: canola oil

Coconut oil adds flavor, while canola oil is often less expensive.

fresh herbs

🥗Healthier: dried herbs

💰Cheaper: frozen herbs

Dried herbs are lower in cost and have a longer shelf life.

Prepare the fish by cleaning and gutting it, then pat it dry with paper towels.

Season the fish with salt and black pepper, rubbing it inside and out.

Heat vegetable oil in a deep-fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C).

In a bowl, combine the toasted rice powder, tamarind juice, palm sugar, fish sauce, MSG, chillies powder, minced garlic, and chopped shallot to create the sauce.

Once the oil is hot, carefully lower the fish into the oil, frying until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-8 minutes per side.

Remove the fish from the oil and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.

Serve the fried fish on a platter, garnished with fresh parsley.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level: