Welcome to the vibrant and flavorful world of Cambodian cuisine! Cambodian cuisine, also known as Khmer cuisine, is a delightful fusion of aromatic herbs, fresh ingredients, and intricate spices that tantalize the taste buds and captivate the senses. Among the many culinary treasures of Cambodia, Trey Ang stands out as a beloved classic. This traditional Cambodian fish dish is not only a celebration of the country's rich culinary heritage but also a testament to its deep connection with the bountiful waters of the Mekong River and the Tonlé Sap Lake.

In this recipe, we'll embark on a culinary adventure to recreate the authentic flavors of Trey Ang right in your kitchen. From selecting the freshest ingredients to mastering the art of balancing sweet, sour, salty, and spicy flavors, we'll guide you through each step to ensure an unforgettable dining experience. So, get ready to immerse yourself in the exotic flavors of Cambodia as we embark on a journey to prepare Trey Ang, a dish that embodies the essence of Cambodian culinary tradition.

Ingredients:

For the Grilled Fish:

• 2 lbs. whole fish (such as tilapia, snapper, or trout), cleaned and scaled
• 3 tablespoons fish sauce
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• Lime wedges, for serving
• Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish

For the Spicy Dipping Sauce:

• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2-3 Thai bird's eye chilies, minced (adjust to taste)
• 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
• 2 tablespoons fish sauce
• 1 tablespoon sugar

Instructions:

1- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.

2- In a small bowl, prepare the marinade for the fish by combining fish sauce, soy sauce, vegetable oil, minced garlic, sugar, and black pepper. Mix well until the sugar is dissolved.

3- Make three diagonal slashes on each side of the fish, about 1 inch apart. This helps the marinade penetrate the fish and allows for even cooking.

4- Place the fish in a shallow dish or tray, then pour the marinade over it, making sure to coat both sides evenly. Allow the fish to marinate for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator.

5- While the fish is marinating, prepare the spicy dipping sauce. In a small bowl, combine minced garlic, minced Thai bird's eye chilies, fresh lime juice, fish sauce, and sugar. Stir well until the sugar is dissolved. Adjust the amount of chili according to your desired level of spiciness.

6- Once the fish has marinated, remove it from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature for about 10 minutes.

7- Place the marinated fish on the preheated grill and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until the fish is cooked through and has grill marks. Cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the fish.

8- Once the fish is cooked, transfer it to a serving platter. Garnish with lime wedges and fresh cilantro leaves.

9- Serve the grilled fish hot, accompanied by the spicy dipping sauce on the side. Enjoy the flavorful combination of tender fish with the zesty and spicy flavors of the dipping sauce.

10- Feel free to serve the grilled fish with steamed rice and your favorite Cambodian side dishes for a complete and satisfying meal.

Nutritional Values:

Here are the approximate nutritional values for the ingredients used in the Cambodian Trey Ang recipe per serving:

Whole Fish (2 lbs):

• Calories: 250
• Protein: 50g
• Fat: 5g
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Cholesterol: 100mg
• Sodium: 100mg
• Potassium: 700mg

benefits:

• Rich source of protein, essential for muscle repair and growth.
• Contains omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health and brain function.
• Provides vitamins and minerals such as vitamin D, vitamin B12, and selenium.

Fish Sauce (3 tablespoons):

• Calories: 15
• Protein: 3g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Sodium: 4500mg

benefits:

• Adds depth of flavor to dishes.
• Contains protein and minerals such as calcium and phosphorus.
• Enhances umami taste in food.

Soy Sauce (2 tablespoons):

• Calories: 20
• Protein: 2g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Sodium: 2000mg

benefits:

• Adds savory flavor (umami) to dishes.
• Contains essential amino acids and protein.
• Provides a small amount of iron and other minerals.

Vegetable Oil (2 tablespoons):

• Calories: 240
• Fat: 28g
• Vitamin E: 3.6mg
• Vitamin K: 5mcg

benefits:

• Source of healthy fats, including monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats.
• Helps in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.
• Can contribute to heart health when used in moderation.

Garlic (2 cloves):

• Calories: 10
• Protein: 0.5g
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Fiber: 0.1g
• Vitamin C: 3mg
• Calcium: 10mg
• Iron: 0.1mg

benefits:

• Has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.
• Contains antioxidants that may help reduce the risk of certain diseases.
• Can support immune system health.

Sugar (1 tablespoon):

• Calories: 50
• Carbohydrates: 13g

benefits:

• Provides a quick source of energy.
• Enhances flavor and sweetness in dishes.
• Should be consumed in moderation to avoid negative health effects.

Freshly Ground Black Pepper (1 teaspoon):

• Calories: 6
• Carbohydrates: 1.4g
• Fiber: 0.6g
• Protein: 0.2g

benefits:

• Contains piperine, which may improve digestion and nutrient absorption.
• Has antioxidant properties that may help protect cells from damage.
• Adds a spicy kick to dishes.

Lime Wedges (for serving):

• Calories: 5
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Vitamin C: 8mg
• Calcium: 8mg
• Potassium: 25mg

benefits:

• Excellent source of vitamin C, which supports immune function and collagen production.
• Provides antioxidants that may help protect against chronic diseases.
• Adds acidity and freshness to dishes.

Fresh Cilantro Leaves (for garnish):

• Calories: 1
• Protein: 0.1g
• Carbohydrates: 0.1g
• Vitamin A: 80IU
• Vitamin C: 1.2mg

benefits:

• Contains antioxidants that may help reduce inflammation and lower the risk of certain diseases.
• Adds a burst of flavor and aroma to dishes.
• May aid in digestion and detoxification.

Thai Bird's Eye Chilies (2-3 chilies):

• Calories: 6
• Carbohydrates: 1.4g
• Fiber: 0.4g
• Protein: 0.3g
• Vitamin C: 60mg
• Vitamin A: 1200IU

benefits:

• Contains capsaicin, which may help boost metabolism and reduce appetite.
• Provides vitamin C and other antioxidants.
• Adds heat and spiciness to dishes.

Fresh Lime Juice (3 tablespoons):

• Calories: 12
• Carbohydrates: 4g
• Vitamin C: 18mg

benefits:

• Excellent source of vitamin C, which supports immune health and collagen synthesis.
• Provides antioxidants that may help protect against oxidative stress.
• Adds tangy acidity to dishes.

Total values may vary slightly depending on factors such as the specific type and brand of ingredients used.