Delicious and Authentic Pla Duk Foo Recipe - Thai Crispy Catfish Salad

Ingredients

2 medium-sized catfish fillets
Oil for deep frying
1 cup roasted peanuts
2 tablespoons fish sauce
3 tablespoons lime juice
1 tablespoon palm sugar
2 green mangoes, julienned
3 shallots, thinly sliced
2 red bird's eye chillies, finely chopped
Handful of mint leaves
Handful of coriander leaves
1 teaspoon roasted rice powder

Steps and instructions

First, you need to clean the catfish fillets and pat them dry.
Heat the oil in a deep pan or wok over medium heat.
When the oil is hot, add the catfish fillets and deep fry them until they are golden brown and crispy. This should take around 10-15 minutes.
Once the fillets are done, remove them from the oil and drain them on paper towels.
Break the fried catfish into small pieces and grind them along with the roasted peanuts in a food processor until they become a fluffy mixture.
In a bowl, combine the fish sauce, lime juice, and palm sugar. Stir well until the sugar is completely dissolved.
Add the green mangoes, shallots, and bird's eye chillies to the bowl. Toss well to combine.
Add the catfish and peanut mixture to the bowl. Mix everything together until well combined.
Garnish with mint and coriander leaves, then sprinkle roasted rice powder on top.
Pla Duk Foo is now ready to be served. Enjoy this dish with warm jasmine rice or on its own as a salad.

Tools for making

Deep Pan or Wok - A deep pan or wok is needed to fry the catfish fillets.
Paper Towels - Paper towels are necessary to drain the fried catfish fillets.
Food Processor - A food processor is required to grind the catfish fillets and roasted peanuts.
Bowl - A bowl is needed to mix the fish sauce, lime juice, palm sugar, and other ingredients.
Tongs - Tongs are useful for flipping and removing the catfish fillets from the hot oil.
Knife - A knife is necessary for slicing the shallots, mangoes, and chillies.
Cutting Board - A cutting board is needed to safely chop and slice the ingredients.
Measuring Spoons - Measuring spoons are useful for accurately measuring the fish sauce, lime juice, and palm sugar.

Recipe variations

Use a different type of fish fillet, such as tilapia or cod, instead of catfish.
Try coating the fish fillets in panko breadcrumbs before deep frying for an extra crispy crust.
For a gluten-free version, use rice flour or cornstarch instead of regular flour to coat the fish.
Add a pinch of chili flakes or cayenne pepper to the fish coating for a spicy kick.
Replace the fish with tofu cubes or tempeh for a vegetarian or vegan option.
Experiment with different nuts like cashews or almonds instead of peanuts for an alternative flavor.
Add grated green papaya or carrots to the salad for added crunch and color.
For a sweeter flavor, substitute the palm sugar with honey or maple syrup.
Add chopped Thai basil or lemongrass to the salad for a fragrant twist.
Serve the Pla Duk Foo with a side of sticky rice or lettuce leaves for a wrap-style presentation.

Recipe overview

Pla Duk Foo, or Thai Crispy Catfish Salad, is a traditional Thai dish that combines the crispy texture of deep-fried catfish with the tangy freshness of green mango salad. This recipe takes you through the steps of preparing this unique and flavorful dish, from properly deep frying the catfish fillets, to making the spicy, sweet, and sour dressing that's characteristic of Thai cuisine. The result is a fluffy and crispy salad that's packed with robust flavors and varying textures. This recipe is perfect for anyone looking to try a unique seafood dish or those who love the vibrant flavors of Thai cuisine. Enjoy this salad with warm jasmine rice or eat it on its own for a lighter meal.

Common questions

Can I use a different type of fish for this recipe? Yes, you can use other white fish fillets like tilapia or cod as a substitute for catfish.
Can I use roasted peanuts or peanut butter instead of grinding peanuts? Yes, you can use roasted peanuts or even peanut butter as a convenient alternative to grinding peanuts.
Can I substitute palm sugar with regular granulated sugar? While palm sugar adds a unique flavor, you can substitute it with an equal amount of granulated sugar if palm sugar is not available.
What can I use as a replacement for green mangoes? If green mangoes are not available, you can use green papaya or even crisp green apples as a substitute.
Can I adjust the level of spiciness in this dish? Absolutely! You can increase or decrease the amount of bird's eye chillies based on your desired level of spiciness.

Serving dishes and utensils

Deep Pan or Wok - A deep pan or wok is needed for deep frying the catfish fillets.
Food Processor - A food processor is necessary to grind the fried catfish fillets and roasted peanuts into a fluffy mixture.
Bowl - A bowl is required for mixing the sauce, mangoes, shallots, chillies, and the catfish and peanut mixture together.
Paper Towels - Paper towels are needed for draining the fried catfish fillets after deep frying them.

Origin stories

Pla Duk Foo, a flavorful and crunchy dish, hails from the culinary heart of Northeast Thailand, also known as Isan. This region is known for its distinct and bold flavors, often incorporating fish, chillies, and tangy fruits into the mix. The Isan people are primarily farmers, and their cuisine reflects the fruits of their land. When it comes to Pla Duk Foo, it tells the tale of their ingenuity. Catfish, a common catch in the local waters, is transformed from a humble ingredient into a crispy, flavorful delight. Deep-fried to perfection, combined with tangy green mangoes and fiery chillies, this dish is a testament to the simplicity and beauty of Isan cuisine. So, as you savor each bite, be reminded of its origins, rooted in the rich soil and abundant waters of Thailand's Northeast.

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.