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    Home » Recipes

    Fried Fish with Curry and Lemongrass (Cá Chiên Cà Ri Sả)

    Published: Jun 24, 2019 Modified: Sep 15, 2023 by Suzanne Nuyen This post may contain affiliate links · This blog generates income via ads

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    This Fried Fish with Curry and Lemongrass, or Cá Chiên Cà Ri Sả, is so nostalgic for me. It's one of my go-to quick dinner recipes, and it was one of my mom's too. I remember eating this multiple times a month growing up! There are a ton of different recipes for fried fish, or cá chiên in Vietnam. Many of them use whole fish, but this recipe uses filets. It saves on time, but don't worry — the flavor is all there.

    Fried Fish with Curry and Lemongrass (Cá Chiên Cà Ri Sả) to try later!

    Jump to:
    • 🐟 Ingredients
    • Instructions

    🐟 Ingredients

    A wooden cutting board with a white plate of fish filets.

    You will need:

    • Fish filets
    • Vietnamese curry powder
    • Minced Garlic
    • Minced Shallot
    • Minced Lemongrass
    • Fish Sauce
    • Salt
    • Pepper
    • Cooking oil

    See recipe card for quantities.

    Instructions

    Vietnamese curry has a very similar flavor to Japanese curry. The curry powder mix usually includes a lot of turmeric to give it a bright yellow color. I get mine in bulk from a stall in the Cho Ben Thanh market in Vietnam, but you can find it in any Asian supermarket. S&B is a popular Asian brand. Madras curry powder is also a good substitute.

    Cá chiên cà ri sả: Step-by-step instructions

    Pat your fish dry and season liberally with salt and pepper. I used tilapia filets. You can use catfish, cod or any other firm white fish.

    Pat the curry powder onto the fish, followed by the lemongrass. I buy my lemongrass frozen and pre-ground, but you can also use fresh lemongrass processed in a food processor. It will taste better!

    Use a patting motion instead of a rubbing motion to help the lemongrass stick.

    Heat a few tablespoons of oil in a pan and pan-fry on medium-high heat for about 4 minutes on each side, or until browned.

    This cá chiên tastes great with rice. I served mine with cauliflower rice for a low carb option. Add a few of your favorite veggies, and you've got yourself a quick meal.

    Did you make this recipe? Tag @bun.bobae on instagram and hashtag it #bunbobae!


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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Alisha C Nguyen

      June 10, 2021 at 8:19 pm

      Easy, fast and delicious! Tastes similar to the fish with turmeric and dill, but simpler to make. After a long busy day with a crazy toddler, I was very happy to have a recipe like this that comes together in no time!

      Reply
      • Suzanne Nuyen

        June 11, 2021 at 3:25 pm

        Thank you for the kind review! My mom used to make this for me all the time when I was younger too. Probably for the same reason love it: it's quick and easy!

        Reply

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    Hi! I'm Suzanne, your Bun Bo Bae. I'm a journalist, professional amateur baker, noodle enthusiast and food photographer living in Washington, DC. My immigrant parents taught me everything I know about Vietnamese home cooking, and now I want to share it with you!

    More about me →

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