Crispy Pan-Fried Red Tilapia Fish Recipe (Ca Dieu Hong Chien Gion)
Serves 3-4
Ingredients
- 1-1⁄2 lbs whole red tilapia fish (1 large fish or two small ones; can substitute with other white flesh fish)
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon mushroom or chicken bouillon powder
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black or white pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- Vegetable oil
Instructions
- Clean the fish by rinsing with water inside and out. Towel dry. With a sharp knife, cut deep diagonal slits on both sides.
- Add vegetable oil to a large pan or wok (about 1-1⁄2 high) and heat on medium-high.
- Combine all the dry ingredients (ground ginger, bouillon powder, sea salt, ground pepper, garlic powder and onion powder) in a small bowl and rub generously into the flesh and slights of the fish.
- Coat the fish with cornstarch then dust off excess.
- To test the temperature of the oil, drop a pinch of cornstarch into the oil. If it starts to sizzle, it's ready to go. Carefully lower the fish, head first, into the oil. Pan-fry for 5 minutes per side then transfer to a wire rack or a plate lined with paper towels. Serve immediately for best results.