Cambodian fried fish with green mango salsa
A beautiful and delicious dish, Cambodian fried fish with green mango salsa is a perfect balance of savory, sour, salty, and spicy flavors. The key to this recipe is the contrast between the crispy fried fish and the fresh, zesty salad
- Prep time
- 14 min
- Cook time
- 31 min
- Yield
- 2 servings
- Difficulty
- MEDIUM
Ingredients
Quantities are shown as originally provided.
- 1 whole tilapia (about 2 lb., scaled and gutted)
- Kosher salt (for seasoning)
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- 2 tablespoons corn starch
- 1 large green (unripe mango, peeled and cut into matchsticks)
- 1 shallot (thinly sliced)
- 2-4 bird's-eye chilies (finely chopped (adjust to your spice preference))
- 2 cloves garlic (finely chopped)
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce
- 1 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1-2 tsp sugar (to taste)
- Fresh herbs like cilantro (mint, or Thai basil (for garnish))
Instructions
- 1
Pat the whole tilapia dry with paper towels.
- 2
Using a sharp knife, make three shallow diagonal slits on each side of the fish. This helps it cook evenly and allows the skin to get extra crispy.
- 3
Generously rub the fish all over with kosher salt and cornstarch, both inside and out.
- 4
In a medium bowl, combine the fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, chopped garlic, and chopped chilies. Stir until the sugar dissolves.
- 5
Add the julienned green mango and thinly sliced shallot to the bowl.
- 6
Toss well to coat all the mango and shallot with the dressing. Set the salsa aside to let the flavors meld while you fry the fish.
- 7
Heat vegetable oil in a large, high-sided skillet or wok to a depth of about 1 inch. The oil should be hot enough for frying, around 375°F (190°C). If you don't have a thermometer, you can test it by dropping a small piece of mango into the oil; it should sizzle immediately.
- 8
Carefully place the fish in the hot oil. Fry for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until the skin is golden brown, crispy, and the fish is cooked through.
- 9
Using a spatula or tongs, carefully flip the fish to cook the other side.
- 10
Once cooked, carefully remove the fish from the oil and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
- 11
Place the crispy fried tilapia on a long serving platter.
- 12
Mound the green mango salsa on top of the fish, or serve it on the side for guests to add as they wish.
- 13
Garnish with fresh herbs like cilantro or mint.
- 14
Serve immediately with steamed jasmine rice on the side. Enjoy!