| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 30 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 467 | 29g | 4g | 26g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 9g | 2g | 28g | 2.67g |
Why I Love Vietnamese Deep-Fried Silver Carp with Fish Sauce
My newest obsession in the kitchen is the Vietnamese delicacy known as Deep-Fried Silver Carp with Fish Sauce. This is a dish that is not only packed with flavor but also tells a story – a story of Vietnamese culture, tradition, and their close relationship with the mighty Mekong River where Silver Carp thrives. I’ll always have a soft spot for Caribbean flavors and Spanish classics, thanks to my Cuban and Spanish roots, but the heart of a food explorer beats in me. I revel in the adventure of diversifying my plate and challenging my palate.
A Dance of Flavors and Textures
The dance between the crunchy goodness of the golden brown fillets and the heat, aromatic allure, and umami punch of the sauce is just incredible. The garlic and chili peppers bring the spice, the fish sauce the depth, with sugar and water providing a sweet balance. Then comes the vibrancy and freshness of cilantro and mint – it’s like a salsa routine on your tongue, a dance that I, as a teacher and, more importantly, a ardent student of dance, truly appreciate and enjoy.
Inspiration and Fusion
While creating the Deep-Fried Silver Carp with Fish Sauce, my inspiration was the renowned Vietnamese Chef Nguyen Minh Hai. His mantra of using fresh, local ingredients to highlight the traditional flavors of Vietnam resonates deeply with my own culinary philosophy. This dish was inspired by my desire to bring his spirit of Vietnamese culinary excellence into my Miami kitchen, fusing it subtly with a hint of familiar Caribbean flair.
So, whether you whisk yourself away to a bustling Vietnamese marketplace while enjoying this, or remember the salty sea breeze of a Miami summer, the Deep-Fried Silver Carp with Fish Sauce welcomes everyone to the table. It’s more than a dish; it’s a cultural and gastronomic journey.
What You’ll Need
- 2 pounds of Silver Carp fillets
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1 teaspoon of black pepper
- 2 cups of vegetable oil, for frying
- 6 cloves of garlic, minced
- 3 chili peppers, sliced
- 1 cup of fish sauce
- 1/2 cup of sugar
- 1/2 cup of water
- 1 tablespoon of cornstarch, mixed with 2 tablespoons of water
- 1 bunch of fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 bunch of fresh mint, chopped
Method
Step One
Start by seasoning the Silver Carp fillets with salt and black pepper. Let them rest and marinate for about 15 minutes to fully absorb the flavors.
Step Two
Next, heat the vegetable oil in a deep frying pan over medium heat. While the oil is heating, coat the seasoned Silver Carp fillets with the all-purpose flour evenly.
Step Three
Deep fry the coated fillets in the heated oil until they turn golden brown and crispy. This should approximately take 5-7 minutes on each side. Once done, remove them from the oil and place them on a paper towel to absorb the excess oil.
Step Four
In another saucepan, sauté the minced garlic and sliced chili peppers until they become fragrant.
Step Five
Add the fish sauce, sugar, and water into the pan and stir until the sugar dissolves completely. Bring the mixture to a boil.
Step Six
Add the cornstarch and water mixture into the boiling pan and stir continuously until the sauce begins to thicken.
Step Seven
Pour the hot sauce over the fried Silver Carp fillets and garnish it with the chopped cilantro and mint.
Step Eight
Your Deep-Fried Silver Carp with Fish Sauce is ready to be served. Enjoy this delicious and flavorful dish with a side of steamed rice or fresh salad.
