Authentic Thai Yum Pla Duk Fu (Crispy Catfish with Green Mango Salad) Recipe

Ingredients

2 medium-sized catfish fillets
Vegetable oil for frying
2 cups of green mango, julienned
3 tablespoons of fish sauce
2 tablespoons of palm sugar
3 tablespoons of lime juice
2 cloves of garlic, minced
4 birds eye chilis, finely chopped
1/4 cup of shallots, thinly sliced
1/4 cup of mint leaves
1/4 cup of coriander leaves
1/4 cup of roasted peanuts, crushed

Steps and instructions

Clean the catfish fillets and pat dry. Heat the oil in a deep frying pan over medium heat.
Fry the catfish until it is crispy and golden brown. This process may take about 15-20 minutes. Be careful as the oil may splatter. Once done, remove from the oil and drain on a paper towel.
Once the catfish has cooled, break it into small fluffy pieces. Be careful to remove any bones.
For the dressing, combine fish sauce, palm sugar, lime juice, garlic, and birds eye chilis in a bowl. Stir well until the sugar is fully dissolved.
In a separate bowl, combine the julienned green mango, shallots, mint leaves, and coriander leaves.
Pour the dressing over the salad and mix well.
Place the fluffy catfish on a serving plate and top with the salad. Sprinkle the crushed peanuts on top.
Enjoy your Yum Pla Duk Fu immediately for maximum crunch and flavor.

Tools for making

Deep frying pan - For frying the catfish fillets until crispy and golden brown.
Paper towels - To drain the fried catfish and remove excess oil.
Bowl - For mixing the dressing and combining the salad ingredients.
Whisk or spoon - To stir and fully dissolve the dressing ingredients.
Knife - For julienned the green mango and slicing the shallots.
Cutting board - To safely chop and prepare the ingredients.

Recipe variations

Substitute catfish with other types of fish such as tilapia, cod, or haddock.
Instead of deep frying, try grilling the fish fillets for a healthier alternative.
For a vegetarian version, replace the catfish with fried tofu or crispy tempeh.
Experiment with different fruits or vegetables in the salad, such as papaya, cucumber, or pineapple.
Add some sliced red onions or cherry tomatoes for an extra burst of flavor.
For a spicier kick, increase the amount of birds eye chilis or add some sliced Thai chili peppers.
Try using brown sugar or honey instead of palm sugar for a slightly different sweetness.
Garnish with toasted sesame seeds or crushed cashew nuts for added texture.
For a gluten-free version, use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce instead of fish sauce.
Add a squeeze of lemongrass or galangal juice to the dressing for a fragrant twist.

Recipe overview

Yum Pla Duk Fu, or Crispy Catfish Salad with Green Mango, is a beloved Thai dish known for its unique textures and flavors. This dish combines the crispy, fluffy catfish with the tartness of green mango and the tangy, spicy dressing creates a vibrant flavor profile that's truly unforgettable. This recipe brings together a variety of tastes and textures, resulting in a dish that's not only delicious but also visually appealing. Although it involves several steps from frying the catfish until it's perfectly crispy and fluffy to preparing the spicy dressing and green mango salad, the process is straightforward and the result is certainly worth the effort. Enjoy this as a standalone meal or as part of a larger Thai feast.

Common questions

How long does it take to fry the catfish fillets?
The frying process may take about 15-20 minutes to achieve a crispy and golden brown texture.
Can I use a different type of fish instead of catfish?
Yes, you can use other white fish fillets such as tilapia or cod as a substitute for catfish.
Can I use ripe mango instead of green mango?
Green mango provides a tart and crisp flavor that complements the dish. Ripe mango may be too sweet and soft for this recipe, but you can try using it if you prefer a different taste.
Can I adjust the spiciness level?
Yes, you can adjust the spiciness level by adding more or fewer birds eye chilis according to your preference.
Can I make the salad ahead of time?
It is best to assemble and enjoy Yum Pla Duk Fu immediately to maintain the crunchiness of the catfish. However, you can prepare the ingredients in advance and mix them together just before serving.

Serving dishes and utensils

Deep frying pan - A deep frying pan is essential for frying the catfish fillets until crispy and golden brown.
Paper towel - Use paper towels to drain the fried catfish and remove excess oil.
Bowl for dressing - A bowl is needed to combine the fish sauce, palm sugar, lime juice, garlic, and birds eye chilis for the dressing.
Separate bowl for salad - Use a separate bowl to combine the julienned green mango, shallots, mint leaves, and coriander leaves.
Serving plate - A serving plate is required to present the Yum Pla Duk Fu with the crispy catfish and salad.
Crushing tool for peanuts - A tool like a mortar and pestle or a kitchen utensil designed for crushing can be used to crush the roasted peanuts before sprinkling them on top of the dish.

Origin stories

A beloved dish in Thai cuisine, Yum Pla Duk Fu, or crispy catfish with green mango salad, offers a delightful balance of flavors that truly embodies the essence of Thai food. Its story is rooted in the simplicity and resourcefulness of traditional Thai cooking, utilizing available local ingredients such as catfish – a fish often found in Thailand’s numerous waterways. With the advent of frying techniques, cooks discovered that the catfish, when fried, puffed up into a light, fluffy texture, hence the name 'Pla Duk Fu' which means 'fluffy fish'. It was then paired with the tangy and spicy green mango salad, creating a flavorful juxtaposition. This dish captures the spirit of Thai cuisine - a harmonious blend of flavors, where no singular taste overpowers the other.

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.