Crispy Fried Fish with Lemongrass and Chili

This crispy fried fish with lemongrass and chili is a classic Vietnamese dish that balances savory, spicy, and aromatic flavors. It’s a crowd-pleaser with a beautiful golden crust and a tangy, flavorful sauce.  While it’s a staple in many Vietnamese homes and restaurants, this version is adapted for the home kitchen, making it easy to recreate without compromising taste.  Today, I want to share this recipe from my family when we owned a Vietnamese restaurant in Chicago.  Many people support this dish.  However, frying a fish in a restaurant kitchen is easier than in your small kitchen, but this recipe will help break that difficulty and become a unique dish you can make every week.

Ingredients:

Ingredients For the Fish:

• 1 whole tilapia (about 1/2 lb.), cleaned and scaled
• 1 stalks lemongrass, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1-2 fresh red chilies, thinly sliced
• 1 small shallot, minced
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Ingredients For the Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 2 tablespoons fish sauce
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons vinegar
• 4 tablespoons water
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 fresh red chili, minced (optional for extra heat)

Ingredients For Garnish:

• Fresh cilantro and sliced green onions (optional)

Directions:

1.    Preparing the Fish:

·         Rinse the fish thoroughly and pat dry with paper towels.

·         Use a sharp knife to make 2-3 diagonal cuts on each side of the fish, allowing the flavors to penetrate and the fish to cook evenly.

·         Rub the fish with a pinch of salt, minced lemongrass, garlic, and freshly ground pepper, pressing the aromatics into the cuts.  Let the fish marinate for at least 1 hour for the crispest results, or ideally overnight in the refrigerator.

2.    Making the Sauce:

·         Combine the sugar, fish sauce, salt, vinegar, and water in a small saucepan.

·         Simmer over medium heat, stirring until the sugar fully dissolves.

·         Add the minced garlic and chili, adjusting the seasoning to taste.  Set aside.

3.    Frying the Fish:

·         Heat enough oil in a large skillet or deep pan to submerge the fish about halfway.

·         Once the oil is hot, carefully add the fish and fry over medium heat until golden and crispy on both sides, about 4-5 minutes per side, depending on the size of the fish.

4.    Serving:

·         Transfer the fish to a serving plate, then drizzle the prepared sauce evenly over the fish.

·         Garnish with fresh cilantro and green onions for a burst of color and added freshness.

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Enjoy this dish with steamed jasmine rice and fresh vegetables for a satisfying meal.