Xeth_
Tasty Apprentice
Hey, spice lovers! Let’s turn up the heat with Pad Phet Pla Dook, a fiery and flavorful Thai dish featuring crispy catfish stir-fried with aromatic herbs and spicy chili paste. This mouth-watering recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings for bold and vibrant flavors. Let’s explore this exciting dish together!
Ingredients:
- 500g catfish fillets, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 3 tablespoons red curry paste
- 1 cup Thai eggplant, quartered (or substitute with green beans)
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 3-4 kaffir lime leaves, finely sliced
- 2-3 Thai bird's eye chilies, finely chopped (adjust to taste)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Catfish:
- Pat the catfish pieces dry with paper towels. In a large pan or wok, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Fry the catfish pieces until golden and crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and drain on paper towels. Set aside.
- Stir-Fry the Aromatics:
- In the same pan, remove excess oil, leaving about 1 tablespoon. Add minced garlic, chopped chilies, and red curry paste. Stir-fry until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
- Add the Vegetables:
- Add the quartered Thai eggplant (or green beans) and bell pepper slices to the pan. Stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still crisp.
- Combine with Catfish:
- Return the crispy catfish pieces to the pan. Add fish sauce, soy sauce, and sugar. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
- Add Kaffir Lime Leaves and Basil:
- Stir in the finely sliced kaffir lime leaves and fresh basil leaves. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until the herbs are wilted and fragrant.
- Serve:
- Transfer Pad Phet Pla Dook to a serving platter. Garnish with additional basil leaves and sliced red chili if desired.
Serving Suggestion:
- Enjoy Pad Phet Pla Dook with steamed jasmine rice for a complete and satisfying meal. The crispy catfish combined with the bold flavors of red curry paste, fresh herbs, and spicy chilies will leave you craving more!