Go Back

Cambodian fried fish with green mango salsa

A beautiful and delicious dish, Cambodian fried fish with green mango salsa is a perfect balance of savory, sour, salty, and spicy flavors. The key to this recipe is the contrast between the crispy fried fish and the fresh, zesty salad
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Servings: 2 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

For the Fried Tilapia:
  • 1 whole tilapia about 2 lb., scaled and gutted
  • Kosher salt for seasoning
  • Vegetable oil for frying
  • 2 tbsp corn starch
For the Green Mango Salsa:
  • 1 large green unripe mango, peeled and cut into matchsticks
  • 1 shallot thinly sliced
  • 2-4 bird's-eye chilies finely chopped (adjust to your spice preference)
  • 2 cloves garlic finely chopped
  • 2 tbsp fish sauce
  • 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
  • 1-2 tsp sugar to taste
  • Fresh herbs like cilantro mint, or Thai basil (for garnish)

Method
 

Prepare the Fish:
  1. Pat the whole tilapia dry with paper towels.
  2. Using a sharp knife, make three shallow diagonal slits on each side of the fish. This helps it cook evenly and allows the skin to get extra crispy.
  3. Generously rub the fish all over with kosher salt and cornstarch, both inside and out.
Make the Green Mango Salsa:
  1. In a medium bowl, combine the fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, chopped garlic, and chopped chilies. Stir until the sugar dissolves.
  2. Add the julienned green mango and thinly sliced shallot to the bowl.
  3. Toss well to coat all the mango and shallot with the dressing. Set the salsa aside to let the flavors meld while you fry the fish.
Fry the Tilapia:
  1. Heat vegetable oil in a large, high-sided skillet or wok to a depth of about 1 inch. The oil should be hot enough for frying, around 375°F (190°C). If you don't have a thermometer, you can test it by dropping a small piece of mango into the oil; it should sizzle immediately.
  2. Carefully place the fish in the hot oil. Fry for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until the skin is golden brown, crispy, and the fish is cooked through.
  3. Using a spatula or tongs, carefully flip the fish to cook the other side.
  4. Once cooked, carefully remove the fish from the oil and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
Assemble and Serve:
  1. Place the crispy fried tilapia on a long serving platter.
  2. Mound the green mango salsa on top of the fish, or serve it on the side for guests to add as they wish.
  3. Garnish with fresh herbs like cilantro or mint.
  4. Serve immediately with steamed jasmine rice on the side. Enjoy!