Making authentic Thai fish cakes at home might seem challenging, but with the right ingredients and some simple steps, you can create this delicious dish easily. Fish cakes, or "Tod Mun Pla," are a popular street food in Thailand, known for their unique flavor and texture. In this guide, we'll take you through ten easy steps to make your very own authentic Thai fish cakes. Let's dive into the delicious world of Thai cuisine! πΉπ
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Ingredients You'll Need π
Before we get started, letβs gather the ingredients. Authentic Thai fish cakes typically include:
- 500 grams of white fish fillet (such as cod or snapper)
- 2 tablespoons of red curry paste
- 1 tablespoon of fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon of lime juice
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons of fresh coriander, chopped
- 2 tablespoons of green beans, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon of cornflour
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Cucumber and chili for serving
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Step 1: Prepare the Fish π
The first step in making delicious Thai fish cakes is to prepare your fish. You can use fresh fish fillets or frozen fish that has been thawed. Make sure to remove any skin and bones. Cut the fish into small pieces for easier blending.
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Step 2: Blend the Fish Mixture π½οΈ
In a food processor, add the fish pieces along with the red curry paste, fish sauce, lime juice, and egg. Blend until smooth. The mixture should have a slightly sticky consistency.
Important Note: Don't over-blend; a little texture is perfect for fish cakes!
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Step 3: Add Fresh Ingredients πΏ
Once you have a smooth fish mixture, transfer it to a mixing bowl. Stir in the chopped coriander, green beans, and cornflour. Mixing in these ingredients adds flavor and a bit of crunch to your fish cakes.
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Step 4: Shape the Cakes π°
With wet hands, take a tablespoon of the fish mixture and shape it into a patty or cake. You can make them as thick or as thin as you like, but typically they are about 1.5 cm thick.
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Step 5: Refrigerate the Fish Cakes βοΈ
Place the shaped fish cakes onto a plate lined with parchment paper. Cover them with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This helps the cakes hold their shape while frying.
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Step 6: Heat the Oil π₯
In a frying pan, heat a good amount of vegetable oil over medium heat. Make sure the oil is hot enough; you can test it by dropping a small piece of the fish mixture into the oil. If it sizzles immediately, itβs ready for frying.
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Step 7: Fry the Fish Cakes π³
Carefully add the fish cakes to the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown.
Important Note: Adjust the heat as necessary to avoid burning.
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Step 8: Drain Excess Oil π§Ό
Once the fish cakes are golden brown and cooked through, use a slotted spoon to transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels. This will help absorb any excess oil.
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Step 9: Serve with Dipping Sauce π²
Thai fish cakes are best enjoyed hot. Serve them with a side of cucumber salad or a sweet chili sauce for dipping. The flavors complement each other beautifully.
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Step 10: Enjoy Your Homemade Thai Fish Cakes! π
Take a moment to enjoy your delicious creation. Serve your fish cakes to family and friends, and donβt forget to share the love for authentic Thai cuisine!
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Now that you have successfully made your own Thai fish cakes, you can experiment with different dipping sauces or even incorporate other herbs and spices to make them uniquely yours! Happy cooking! π