Delicious and Authentic Thai Yam Pla Duk Foo Recipe

Ingredients

600 grams of catfish fillet
Vegetable oil for deep frying
2 tablespoons of lime juice
2 tablespoons of fish sauce
1 tablespoon of sugar
2 tablespoons of sliced red onion
1 cup of green mango, thinly sliced
1/2 cup of chopped fresh cilantro
2 tablespoons of chopped mint leaves
2 tablespoons of chopped roasted peanuts
2 tablespoons of fried garlic
1 tablespoon of dried chili flakes

Steps and instructions

Pat dry the catfish fillet and deep fry in hot oil until it turns golden and crispy. Make sure that the fish is fully submerged in the oil.
Once done, remove the fish from the oil and let it cool.
After cooling, flake the fish into small pieces and fry again until the pieces become light and fluffy.
In a separate bowl, mix together lime juice, fish sauce, and sugar until the sugar is completely dissolved.
Add the sliced red onion, green mango, cilantro, mint leaves, roasted peanuts, fried garlic, and dried chili flakes to the bowl and mix well.
Add the fried catfish to the bowl and mix gently, ensuring not to break the fluffy fish pieces.
Transfer the mixture to a serving plate and garnish with additional mint leaves and roasted peanuts if desired.
Yam Pla Duk Foo is ready to be served and enjoyed.

Tools for making

Deep Fryer - A deep fryer or a deep pot with a frying thermometer is needed to properly fry the catfish fillet.
Mixing Bowl - A mixing bowl is required to combine the lime juice, fish sauce, and sugar, as well as to mix the other ingredients together.
Frying Spoon - A frying spoon or slotted spoon is essential for removing the fried catfish from the hot oil.
Knife - A knife will be needed to slice the red onion, green mango, and other ingredients.
Cutting Board - A cutting board provides a suitable surface for chopping and slicing the ingredients.
Measuring Spoons - Measuring spoons are necessary to accurately measure lime juice, fish sauce, and sugar.
Serving Plate - A serving plate is needed to present and serve the finished dish.
Garnish Options - Optional garnishes like additional mint leaves and roasted peanuts can be used to enhance the presentation of Yam Pla Duk Foo.

Recipe variations

Use a different type of fish fillet such as tilapia or snapper instead of catfish.
Experiment with different coatings for the fish, such as panko breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes.
Add a spicy kick by including chopped Thai bird's eye chilies or sriracha sauce to the lime juice mixture.
Replace the green mango with green papaya for a slightly different twist.
For a vegetarian version, substitute the fish with tofu or tempeh and adjust the seasonings accordingly.
Include additional vegetables such as thinly sliced cucumber or bell peppers for added crunch and freshness.
For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari instead of fish sauce.
Add a tablespoon of sesame oil to the lime juice mixture for a nutty flavor.
Garnish with fresh Thai basil or coriander leaves for an aromatic touch.
For a spicier version, add a teaspoon of Thai red curry paste or sliced red chili peppers.

Recipe overview

Yam Pla Duk Foo is an exquisite Thai dish that perfectly combines the textures and flavors of a variety of ingredients. This traditional recipe features crispy fried catfish that's been flaked to a fluffy texture and paired with a tangy dressing and a colorful array of fresh herbs, spicy chili, and crunchy peanuts. The result is a dish that's not only visually appealing but also brimming with an explosion of flavors that embody Thai cuisine. This recipe is quite straightforward and will guide you through creating this delightful dish at home. Enjoy the fun process of frying and flaking the catfish, and mixing together the vibrant salad ingredients. The final product is a unique dish that's sure to impress at any dinner table.

Common questions

What type of fish can I use for Yam Pla Duk Foo?
You can use catfish fillet for this recipe.
How do I know when the fish is fully cooked?
The fish is fully cooked when it turns golden and crispy during the initial frying and becomes light and fluffy during the second frying.
Can I use a different type of oil for frying?
Yes, you can use any vegetable oil suitable for deep frying.
Can I adjust the amount of lime juice, fish sauce, and sugar according to my taste?
Yes, you can adjust the amount of lime juice, fish sauce, and sugar to suit your personal preference.
Can I add or substitute any additional ingredients?
While the recipe traditionally includes specific ingredients, you can experiment with adding or substituting ingredients to customize the dish according to your taste.
How should I serve Yam Pla Duk Foo?
Yam Pla Duk Foo is typically served as a salad or appetizer. It can be enjoyed on its own or with steamed rice.

Serving dishes and utensils

Mixing Bowl - A large bowl for mixing the ingredients and dressing.
Frying Pan - A pan for deep frying the catfish fillet.
Slotted Spoon - A spoon with slots or holes to remove the fried catfish from the oil.
Serving Plate - A plate used for presenting and serving the Yam Pla Duk Foo.
Knife - A sharp knife for slicing the red onion and green mango.
Cutting Board - A sturdy surface for chopping and preparing ingredients.
Measuring Spoons - Utensils for accurately measuring the lime juice, fish sauce, and sugar.
Tongs - Used for tossing and mixing the ingredients in the bowl.
Garnish Tools - Optional tools such as additional mint leaves and roasted peanuts for garnishing the dish.

Origin stories

Yam Pla Duk Foo is a classic dish hailing from the vibrant, aromatic kitchens of Thailand. This dish has a unique texture and taste that can take your taste buds on a journey to the bustling streets of Bangkok. The dish is often enjoyed in the hot summer months due to its refreshing flavors from lime, mint, and green mango. Interestingly, the process of double frying catfish to create a light, fluffy texture is a culinary technique that showcases the ingenuity and resourcefulness of Thai cuisine. This dish, with its exciting textures and bold flavors, truly embodies the spirit of Thai food - a blend of the sweet, sour, salty, and spicy!

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.