Authentic Thai Crispy Fried Fish (Pla Tod) Recipe

Ingredients

2 whole tilapia fish, about 1 to 1.5 pounds each
Salt to taste
2 cups of flour for dusting
4 cups of vegetable oil for frying
1 tablespoon of chopped garlic
2 tablespoons of chopped red chili
1 tablespoon of chopped galangal
2 lemongrass stalks, finely chopped
1/4 cup of fish sauce
1/4 cup of palm sugar
1/4 cup of tamarind juice
Fresh coriander leaves for garnish

Steps and instructions

Clean the fish thoroughly and pat it dry. Make diagonal cuts on both sides of the fish. Season with salt and set aside.
Prepare the flour by spreading it on a large plate. Dredge the fish in the flour, making sure it is well-coated.
Heat the vegetable oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the fish. Fry each side for about 5-7 minutes or until the skin is crispy and golden brown. Remove the fish from the pan and drain excess oil on paper towels.
To prepare the sauce, combine garlic, red chili, galangal, and lemongrass in a mortar and pestle. Grind the ingredients until they form a paste.
In a saucepan, combine the fish sauce, palm sugar, and tamarind juice. Stir over medium heat until the sugar has dissolved.
Add the garlic-chili paste into the saucepan, stirring well to combine. Cook for a few more minutes until the sauce has thickened slightly.
Drizzle the sauce over the fried fish. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves before serving.

Tools for making

Cutting board - Used for preparing and cutting the fish.
Knife - Essential for cleaning and cutting the fish.
Large plate - Used for coating the fish with flour.
Frying pan - Needed for frying the fish.
Paper towels - Used for draining excess oil from the fried fish.
Mortar and pestle - Required for grinding the ingredients for the sauce.
Saucepan - Used for preparing the sauce.

Recipe variations

Use a different type of fish such as snapper, catfish, or cod instead of tilapia.
Experiment with different coatings for the fish, such as panko breadcrumbs, cornmeal, or crushed nuts.
Try using gluten-free flour or cornstarch as a coating for a gluten-free version of the dish.
Add spices or herbs to the flour mixture for extra flavor, such as paprika, cayenne pepper, or dried herbs like thyme or oregano.
For a vegetarian or vegan option, substitute the fish with tofu or tempeh and adjust the cooking time accordingly.
If you prefer a lighter version, you can bake the fish instead of frying it. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake for about 15-20 minutes or until the fish is cooked through.
Serve the fish with a side of steamed vegetables or a refreshing salad for a healthier meal.
Adjust the level of spiciness by adding more or less chili according to your taste.

Recipe overview

Experience the flavors of Thai cuisine in your own kitchen with this recipe for Pla Tod, a popular fried fish dish. This recipe calls for tilapia, but you can use any whole fish of your choice. The fish is coated with flour, fried until perfectly crispy, and served with a tangy and spicy sauce made of garlic, red chili, galangal, lemongrass, fish sauce, palm sugar, and tamarind juice. This combination of flavors is a hallmark of Thai food – the sharpness of garlic, the heat of red chili, the citrusy notes of lemongrass, and the sweetness of palm sugar all balance out beautifully. Finished with a garnish of fresh coriander leaves, Pla Tod is a delicious and satisfying dish that can easily be the star of any meal.

Common questions

Can I use a different type of fish for this recipe? Yes, you can use other types of firm-fleshed fish such as snapper or bass as a substitute for tilapia.
Is it necessary to make diagonal cuts on the fish? Making diagonal cuts on the fish helps it to cook evenly and allows the flavors to penetrate deeper. It is recommended but not necessary.
Can I use a different type of oil for frying? Vegetable oil is commonly used for frying in this recipe, but you can use other high-heat oils like canola or peanut oil if desired.
What can I use as a substitute for palm sugar? If you don't have palm sugar, you can use brown sugar or granulated sugar as a substitute. However, palm sugar adds a unique flavor to the dish.
Where can I find galangal and lemongrass? Galangal and lemongrass are commonly found in Asian grocery stores or international markets. You can also check the produce section of well-stocked supermarkets.
Can I adjust the spiciness level of the sauce? Yes, you can adjust the spiciness level by adding more or less red chili. Taste the sauce as you go and adjust according to your preference.

Serving dishes and utensils

Large frying pan - A large frying pan is essential for frying the fish.
Paper towels - Paper towels are useful for draining excess oil from the fried fish.
Mortar and pestle - A mortar and pestle are needed to grind the garlic, chili, galangal, and lemongrass into a paste for the sauce.
Saucepan - A saucepan is necessary for preparing the sauce.

Origin stories

Pla Tod, this delightfully crispy, deep-fried fish dish, hails from the vibrant culinary world of Thailand. In Thailand, fish symbolizes abundance and prosperity, and as such, it's often served at celebratory events and on special occasions. This particular dish is loved for its punch of flavors, a symphony of sweet, sour, and spicy notes, a trademark of Thai cuisine. The traditional way of eating Pla Tod is with a heap of steamed jasmine rice and a side of fresh vegetables, making it a well-rounded meal. The use of herbs and spices in the recipe, like garlic, red chili, galangal, and lemongrass, not only makes the dish fragrant and flavorful but also mirrors the Thai belief in balancing nutritional elements in food. So the next time you enjoy Pla Tod, remember the rich traditions and philosophies that make it more than just a tasty dish, but a reflection of Thai culture.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.