Thai Fried Fish Cakes (Tod Mun Pla)

Imagine yourself walking through the bustling streets of Bangkok, the tantalizing aroma of street food wafting through the air. You come across a small food stall where a skilled chef is expertly crafting Thai Fried Fish Cakes, known locally as Tod Mun Pla. The sizzle of the hot oil, the fragrant herbs and spices, and the crispy golden exterior of the fish cakes beckon you to take a bite.

History and Origins

Thai Fried Fish Cakes have a long history in Thai cuisine, dating back to ancient times. The dish is believed to have originated in the Ayutthaya period, when Thai cooks began experimenting with different ways to prepare fish. Tod Mun Pla quickly became a popular street food snack, enjoyed by locals and tourists alike.

Why My Family Loves This Meal

For my family, Thai Fried Fish Cakes hold a special place in our hearts. The dish reminds us of our travels to Thailand, where we first discovered the delicious flavors of Thai cuisine. Whenever we make Tod Mun Pla at home, it brings back memories of our time spent exploring the vibrant markets and tasting the diverse dishes of Thailand.

Reasons to Make Thai Fried Fish Cakes

1. Delicious and flavorful
2. Easy to make
3. Perfect for entertaining guests
4. A great way to introduce Thai cuisine to your family

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Ingredients

• 1 lb white fish fillets, such as cod or tilapia – provides the base for the fish cakes
• 1/4 cup red curry paste – adds a spicy kick to the dish
• 1/4 cup green beans, finely chopped – adds texture and color
• 1/4 cup kaffir lime leaves, finely chopped – adds a citrusy flavor
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped – adds freshness
• 1 egg – binds the ingredients together
• 1/4 cup fish sauce – adds umami flavor
• 1/4 cup coconut milk – adds creaminess
• 1/4 cup cornstarch – helps thicken the mixture
• Vegetable oil for frying – for frying the fish cakes

Preparing the Ingredients

Before you start making the fish cakes, it’s important to prepare all the ingredients. Cut the fish fillets into small pieces and place them in a food processor. Add the red curry paste, green beans, kaffir lime leaves, cilantro, egg, fish sauce, coconut milk, and cornstarch. Pulse the mixture until it forms a smooth paste.

Kitchen Tools Required

To make Thai Fried Fish Cakes, you will need a food processor to blend the ingredients together. You will also need a frying pan and a spatula for frying the fish cakes. Additionally, you will need a sharp knife for cutting the ingredients and a mixing bowl for combining them.

Cutting Techniques

When cutting the ingredients for the fish cakes, make sure to chop them finely to ensure even distribution of flavors. The fish fillets should be cut into small pieces to make them easier to blend in the food processor. The green beans, kaffir lime leaves, and cilantro should also be finely chopped to add texture and flavor to the fish cakes.

Common Issues and Solutions

• If the fish cake mixture is too wet, add more cornstarch to thicken it.
• If the fish cakes are falling apart during frying, let them chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before frying.
• If the fish cakes are not crispy enough, fry them in hotter oil for a shorter amount of time.

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Instructions

1. Form the fish cake mixture into small patties. Using your hands, shape the mixture into small patties about 2 inches in diameter.
2. Heat vegetable oil in a frying pan. Heat enough vegetable oil in a frying pan to cover the bottom of the pan.
3. Fry the fish cakes. Carefully place the fish cakes in the hot oil and fry until golden brown on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side.
4. Remove from the pan and drain on paper towels. Once the fish cakes are cooked, remove them from the pan and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil.
5. Serve hot with sweet chili sauce. Enjoy your Thai Fried Fish Cakes hot with a side of sweet chili sauce for dipping.

Tips for Quality Results

To achieve the best results when making Thai Fried Fish Cakes, make sure to use fresh ingredients and adjust the seasoning to suit your taste preferences. You can also experiment with different types of fish and spices to create your own unique twist on this classic Thai dish.

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Alternative Ways to Make Thai Fried Fish Cakes

• Use shrimp instead of fish. For a different flavor profile, you can substitute shrimp for the white fish fillets in this recipe.
• Add chopped peanuts for crunch. To add a crunchy texture to the fish cakes, you can mix in some chopped peanuts before frying.
• Make vegetarian fish cakes. If you’re vegetarian, you can make a plant-based version of this dish using tofu or tempeh as a base.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, Thai Fried Fish Cakes are a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a snack or a main course. By following this recipe and adding your own personal touch, you can create a flavorful and satisfying meal that will transport you to the streets of Thailand. So gather your ingredients, fire up the stove, and get ready to savor the flavors of Thai cuisine with these mouthwatering fish cakes. Enjoy!