Discover how to make Pla Tod, a Thai-style crispy fried fish that's perfectly golden and crunchy. This recipe includes a flavorful sweet and spicy dipping sauce that enhances the fish's deliciousness. Ideal for a tasty appetizer or main course, Pla Tod is sure to impress with its blend of textures and flavors. Follow our step-by-step guide to create this delectable dish at home.

Ingredients:

- For the Fish:

 - 1 whole fish (such as tilapia or snapper), cleaned and scaled

 - 1 cup all-purpose flour

 - 1 cup cornstarch

 - 1 teaspoon baking powder

 - 1 teaspoon salt

 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

 - 1 cup cold water

 - Vegetable oil, for frying

- For the Dipping Sauce:

 - 1/4 cup fish sauce

 - 1/4 cup lime juice

 - 2 tablespoons sugar

 - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar

 - 1-2 red chili peppers, finely chopped (adjust to taste)

 - 1 garlic clove, minced

 - 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro (optional)

Instructions:

Prepare the Fish:

  - Rinse the fish under cold water and pat dry with paper towels.

  - Make several diagonal cuts on both sides of the fish to ensure even cooking.

Make the Batter:

  - In a large bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, and pepper.

  - Gradually whisk in the cold water until the batter is smooth and thick.

Heat the Oil:

  - Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or skillet over medium-high heat. The oil should be hot enough for frying (about 350°F or 175°C).

Fry the Fish:

  - Dip the fish into the batter, coating it evenly.

  - Carefully place the battered fish into the hot oil and fry until golden brown and crispy, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove and drain on paper towels.

Prepare the Dipping Sauce:

  - In a small bowl, whisk together the fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, rice vinegar, chili peppers, and minced garlic.

  - Adjust the seasoning to taste and stir in chopped cilantro if desired.

Serve:

  - Serve the crispy Pla Tod hot with the sweet and spicy dipping sauce on the side. Enjoy it as an appetizer or a main dish!

Nutritional values

For the Fish

Whole Fish (such as Tilapia or Snapper)

 - Calories: ~120

 - Carbohydrates: 0g

 - Protein: ~20g

 - Fat: ~3g

Benefits:

 - High in protein, essential for muscle growth and repair.

 - Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, beneficial for heart health.

 - Provides vitamins and minerals, including vitamin D and selenium.

All-Purpose Flour (1 cup)

 - Calories: ~455

 - Carbohydrates: ~95g

 - Protein: ~13g

 - Fat: ~1g

Benefits:

 - Supplies carbohydrates for energy.

 - Used for coating, helps achieve a crispy texture when fried.

Cornstarch (1 cup)

 - Calories: ~488

 - Carbohydrates: ~117g

 - Protein: 0g

 - Fat: 0g

Benefits:

 - Contributes to a light and crispy coating.

 - Used as a thickening agent in sauces.

Baking Powder (1 teaspoon)

 - Calories: ~5

 - Carbohydrates: ~1g

 - Protein: 0g

 - Fat: 0g

Benefits:

 - Helps the coating become airy and crisp.

 - Leavening agent that improves texture.

Salt (1 teaspoon)

 - Sodium: ~2,300mg

Benefits:

 - Enhances flavor.

 - Essential for fluid balance and nerve function.

Black Pepper (1/2 teaspoon)

 - Calories: ~6

 - Carbohydrates: ~1g

 - Protein: ~0.3g

 - Fat: ~0.3g

Benefits:

 - Contains piperine, which may help with nutrient absorption.

 - Adds flavor and has antioxidant properties.

Cold Water (1 cup)

 - Calories: 0

 - Carbohydrates: 0g

 - Protein: 0g

 - Fat: 0g

Benefits:

 - Used to create the batter’s consistency.

 - Cold water helps make the coating crispier when fried.

Vegetable Oil (for frying)

 - Calories: ~120

 - Carbohydrates: 0g

 - Protein: 0g

 - Fat: ~14g

Benefits:

 - Provides the necessary fat for frying.

 - Choose oils with high smoke points for better frying results.

For the Dipping Sauce

Fish Sauce (1/4 cup)

 - Calories: ~35

 - Carbohydrates: ~2g

 - Protein: ~6g

 - Fat: ~0g

Benefits:

 - Adds umami flavor.

 - Provides protein and essential minerals like sodium.

Lime Juice (1/4 cup)

 - Calories: ~8

 - Carbohydrates: ~2g

 - Protein: ~0g

 - Fat: ~0g

Benefits:

 - Rich in vitamin C, which supports immune function.

 - Adds tanginess to the sauce.

Sugar (2 tablespoons)

 - Calories: ~96

 - Carbohydrates: ~25g

 - Protein: 0g

 - Fat: 0g

Benefits:

 - Provides sweetness to balance the sourness and saltiness in the sauce.

 - Enhances the overall flavor.

Rice Vinegar (1 tablespoon)

 - Calories: ~14

 - Carbohydrates: ~0g

 - Protein: 0g

 - Fat: 0g

Benefits:

 - Adds acidity and enhances flavor.

 - Low in calories and has a mild vinegar taste.

Red Chili Peppers (1-2, finely chopped)

 - Calories: ~6

 - Carbohydrates: ~1g

 - Protein: ~0.2g

 - Fat: ~0g

Benefits:

 - Adds heat and spiciness.

 - Contains capsaicin, which may boost metabolism and offer antioxidant benefits.

Garlic (1 clove, minced)

 - Calories: ~5

 - Carbohydrates: ~1g

 - Protein: ~0.2g

 - Fat: ~0g

Benefits:

 - Known for its antibacterial and antiviral properties.

 - Adds depth of flavor.

Fresh Cilantro (1 tablespoon, chopped, optional)

 - Calories: ~1

 - Carbohydrates: ~0.2g

 - Protein: ~0.1g

 - Fat: ~0g

Benefits:

 - Adds fresh flavor and color.

 - Contains vitamins A, C, and K, and has antioxidant properties.

This breakdown provides a detailed look at the nutritional content and health benefits of each ingredient in your fish recipe and dipping sauce.