Imagine biting into a perfectly golden, crispy fish exterior that gives way to a creamy, herb-infused filling that will make your taste buds dance with joy! This Deep Fried Stuffed Fish isn't just a recipe—it's a flavor explosion that transforms ordinary seafood into an extraordinary culinary experience. Whether you're looking to impress dinner guests or treat yourself to a restaurant-quality meal at home, this Asian-inspired dish promises to be your new go-to recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Asian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 whole fish, cleaned
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup chopped herbs (parsley, cilantro)
- 1/4 cup minced garlic
- 1/2 cup cream cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the fish. Rinse the cleaned whole fish under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Make sure to remove any remaining scales and ensure the cavity is clean.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, chopped herbs, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated. This will be your stuffing for the fish.
- Carefully stuff each fish with the cream cheese mixture. Use a spoon to fill the cavity of each fish generously, ensuring that the stuffing is evenly distributed. You can also use toothpicks to secure the opening if needed.
- Once all the fish are stuffed, place the breadcrumbs in a shallow dish. Take each stuffed fish and roll it in the breadcrumbs, ensuring that it is fully coated on all sides. This will create a crispy exterior when fried.
- In a large skillet or deep frying pan, heat oil over medium-high heat. You will need enough oil to submerge the fish partially. To check if the oil is hot enough, drop a small piece of bread into the oil; if it sizzles and turns golden brown, the oil is ready.
- Carefully place the breaded fish into the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry the fish for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Adjust the heat as necessary to prevent burning.
- Once cooked, remove the fish from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Let them rest for a minute before serving.
- Serve the deep-fried stuffed fish hot, garnished with additional herbs or lemon wedges if desired. Enjoy your delicious Asian-inspired dish!
Tips
- Fish Selection Matters: Choose fresh, whole fish with firm flesh like sea bass, snapper, or mackerel for the best results.
- Pat Fish Completely Dry: Moisture is the enemy of crispy breading, so ensure your fish is thoroughly dried with paper towels before coating.
- Oil Temperature is Crucial: Maintain oil at around 350-375°F for perfect golden-brown crispiness without absorbing excess oil.
- Don't Overcrowd the Pan: Fry fish in batches to ensure even cooking and maintain oil temperature.
- Stuffing Hack: Use a piping bag or zip-lock bag with the corner cut off for more even cream cheese stuffing distribution.
- Drain Excess Oil: Always let fried fish rest on paper towels to absorb extra oil and maintain that desirable crispy texture.
- Serve Immediately: Deep-fried stuffed fish is best enjoyed hot and fresh, right out of the pan for maximum crunch and flavor!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
