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!
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🐟 Ingredients
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.
Minh says
My mom makes a fish curry with green mango for a tart taste. I don't see the recipe often.
Alisha C Nguyen says
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!
Suzanne Nuyen says
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!