Ingredients

1 whole tilapia , or more as desired
oil for deep frying
Sauce :
1 tablespoon vegetable oil , or as desired
1 yellow onion , chopped
5 large red chile peppers , sliced
5 cloves garlic , chopped
2 tablespoons fish sauce
2 tablespoons light soy sauce
1/4 cup Thai basil leaves , or to taste
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro , or to taste
Whole Fish Fried with Basil and Chiles is a traditional cuisine that has been widely popularized by street food vendors in Thailand. The dish involves deep frying a whole fish, which is then served on a plate with a flavorful sauce made with basil, chilies, garlic, fish sauce, and soy sauce. The dish is often served with rice and stir-fried vegetables as a complete meal. The dish can be enjoyed at any time of the day, but it is a particular favorite for dinner, and it is a perfect way to gather friends and family together to share in the pleasure of a delicious meal.

Instructions

1.Cut the cleaned fish 2-3 times diagonally on each side, but be careful to not cut through the bone.
2.Deep fry the fish in hot oil until crispy and cooked through.
3.Remove the fish from the oil and place it on a serving plate.
4.In a saucepan, heat oil and fry onions, chilies, and garlic until fragrant.
5.Add the fish sauce and light soy sauce and let it simmer for 1-2 minutes.
6.Add the Thai basil and fresh cilantro and turn off the heat.
7.Pour the sauce over the fried fish and serve immediately.

PROS

Whole fish is a delicious and visually stunning dish, and the aromatic sauce made with fresh herbs and spices adds a flavorful dimension to the dish.

It is an excellent source of protein and Omega-3 fatty acids, making it a healthy meal choice.

CONS

This dish can be challenging to prepare, especially for those not familiar with cooking whole fish.
The dish may contain small bones, so diners should be careful and eat with caution.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

Whole fish is rich in lean protein, a necessary component for the growth and repair of muscle and tissue in the body.
The Omega-3 fatty acids present in fish are essential for brain function and may also benefit heart health by decreasing blood pressure and reducing the risk of heart disease.
Herbs such as basil and cilantro have high levels of antioxidants and are anti-inflammatory, which may reduce the risk of chronic diseases like Alzheimer’s and cancer.
The dish provided a perfect balance between the protein and the fresh produce added, making it rich in vitamins and minerals crucial to the body.

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