| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 20 mins – 30 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 370 | 22g | 5g | 16g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 3g | 1g | 28g | 1.2g |
Why I Love Romanian Fried Fish with Garlic Sauce
One of my favorite recipes to prepare, the enticing Romanian Fried Fish with Garlic Sauce, is an absolute treat to the taste buds. It captures the essence of global food cultures that meld together in the crowded streets of NYC.
A Dynamic Fusion of Flavors
The Romanian Fried Fish with Garlic Sauce is a vibrant melange of flavors, encapsulating a fantastic fusion of savory, sour, and a hint of spice. Every bite is a nod to the timeless Romanian culinary culture, echoing an atmosphere of comfort that brings me straight back to my grandmother’s kitchen in Queens, where I first discovered my love for cooking.
While the dish itself is not very common in typical New York kitchens, it indeed encompasses the multi-cultural aspect of urban cuisine – bringing together international flavors in the heart of the big city. Taking inspiration from chefs like Bobby Flay, I find joy in adding my twist to traditional recipes, creating a bridge between cultures and uniting them in the form of mouth-watering culinary delights.
Exquisite Combinations
The rich garlic sauce, paired with freshly fried fish, adds a unique twist to the dish, making it perfect for a wholesome dinner with family. Due to its versatility, this Romanian delight pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or even southern sautéed green beans for those who’d like to elevate their meal a notch.
Then again, as a standalone dish, it leaves no room for complaints. The crunchiness of the fish on the outside, the supremely succulent inside, and the creamy, tangy garlic sauce create a harmony that is downright irresistible!
Whether you are treated to it in a Romanian home kitchen, or you create it in your own with a touch of your own culinary style, the Romanian Fried Fish with Garlic Sauce is a testament to the magic of simple ingredients put together. It is this love for simplicity and tradition married with the spirit of culinary adventure that I continue to cherish in each dish, on and off stage.
What You’ll Need
- 2 lbs of fresh fish (trout, perch, or carp)
- 2 cups of flour for coating
- 1 cup of cooking oil
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- 3 cloves of garlic
- 1 cup of sour cream
- 2 tablespoons of vinegar
- 1/2 cup of fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon wedges for serving
Method
Step One
Start by cleaning the fish – removing the scales, guts and gills. Thoroughly rinse the fish under cold water. Pat the fish dry using paper towels.
Step Two
Season the fish with salt and pepper to taste. Then coat the fish in flour. Make sure to shake off any excess.
Step Three
Heat the cooking oil in a deep pan or frying pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the fish. Cook each side for about 5-7 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Once done, remove the fish from the pan and let it rest on a plate lined with paper towels to get rid of excess oil.
Step Four
For the garlic sauce, finely mince the garlic cloves and set it aside. In a medium-sized bowl, mix together the sour cream, vinegar, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt. Stir until well combined.
Step Five
Add the chopped parsley and give it another good stir. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Step Six
Transfer the fried fish to a serving plate. Pour the garlic sauce over the fish, or serve it on the side. Add lemon wedges for guests to squeeze over the fish according to their preference.
Step Seven
Best served with a side of steamed vegetables or fresh green salad. Enjoy your Fried Fish with Garlic Sauce.
