Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 10 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
320 | 18g | 3g | 24g |
sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
5g | 2g | 18g | 1.2g |
Why I Love Thai Thai Fish Sliders with Tangy Cilantro Lime Sauce
One of the things I adore about these Thai Fish Sliders with Tangy Cilantro Lime Sauce is the way they effortlessly merge diverse culinary traditions into one mouthwatering dish. With both the heartiness of fresh New England white fish and the zesty vibrancy of Thai cuisine, this recipe holds a special place in my culinary repertoire. It’s the kind of dish that beckons you to gather around the table with family and friends, each bite bursting with flavors that linger joyfully on your palate.
Why It Resonates With Me
As a Boston native with deep-rooted Irish heritage, my culinary journey has been significantly influenced by the seafood-rich diet of New England and the comforting, hearty meals that come from Irish traditions. My Irish grandparents would often tell stories of their homeland, infusing our family gatherings with a sense of nostalgia and cultural pride. Yet, living in a vibrant, multicultural city like Boston, I’ve had the privilege to explore and appreciate flavors from all over the world. This recipe is a delicious testament to that blend of old and new, of local and global.
Laura, my fiancée, is a fan of bold flavors, and our baby boy seems to be growing up with a similar affinity. The combination of tender white fish, aromatic garlic, punchy fresh ginger, and the subtly sweet tang of the cilantro lime sauce makes these sliders a family favorite. They’re easy to prepare, even with a little one demanding your attention, but they taste like they took all day.
A Touch of Inspiration
The inspiration behind these Thai Fish Sliders stems from my admiration for Chef Jet Tila, a culinary expert who has made significant contributions to popularizing Thai cuisine in America. His ability to blend traditional recipes with contemporary twists struck a chord with me, leading to the creation of this delightful dish. Although my approach integrates more regional fish from here in New England, the essence of Thai flavors remains uncompromised.
I particularly love how this dish pairs well with a light, crispy salad featuring a tangy dressing, or even some spicy Thai peanut noodles. The Tangy Cilantro Lime Sauce not only enhances the fish sliders but also doubles as a fantastic dip for fresh veggies or a spread for other sandwiches. The versatility of this recipe, from weekday dinners to festive gatherings, makes it a true gem in my kitchen.
So, there you have it – a dish born out of heritage, inspired by world cuisine, and perfected through cherished moments spent cooking for loved ones. These Thai Fish Sliders with Tangy Cilantro Lime Sauce are more than just a meal; they’re a fusion of stories, cultures, and unforgettable flavors. Enjoy them as much as my family does, and let them bring a touch of gourmet delight to your table.
What You’ll Need
- 1 lb white fish fillets (such as tilapia or cod)
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
- 1/4 cup finely chopped cilantro
- 1/4 cup finely chopped green onions
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 12 small slider buns
- 6 butter lettuce leaves, halved
- 1 small cucumber, thinly sliced
- 1.5 tbsp vegetable oil (for cooking)
Tangy Cilantro Lime Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1/4 cup finely chopped cilantro
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
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Method
Step One: Prepare the Fish Mixture
Start by cutting the white fish fillets into small pieces. In a food processor, blend the fish until you get a chunky paste. Transfer the fish paste to a large mixing bowl. Add panko breadcrumbs, one large egg, minced garlic, fish sauce, soy sauce, lime juice, grated fresh ginger, finely chopped cilantro, finely chopped green onions, and black pepper. Mix everything together until well combined. Refrigerate the mixture for at least 15 minutes to make it easier to handle.
Step Two: Form and Cook the Sliders
Shape the fish mixture into 12 small patties. In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. Cook the fish patties in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Fry each patty for about 3-4 minutes per side or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
Step Three: Prepare the Tangy Cilantro Lime Sauce
In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, lime juice, honey, finely chopped cilantro, and minced garlic. Add salt and pepper to taste. Mix well until all the ingredients are fully incorporated. Set the sauce aside for later use.
Step Four: Assemble the Sliders
To assemble the sliders, start by spreading a generous amount of tangy cilantro lime sauce on the bottom half of each slider bun. Place a butter lettuce leaf half on top of the sauce, followed by a cooked fish patty. Add a few slices of cucumber and then top with the other half of the slider bun. Secure with a toothpick if desired.
Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious Thai Fish Sliders with Tangy Cilantro Lime Sauce!