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Thailand · Food

Crispy Fluffy Catfish

45 min
350 kcal
4 servings

By eatmundo · August 3, 2026

Crispy Fluffy Catfish🇹🇭Takeaway · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Same ingredients, elsewhere in the world

1 match

This dish doesn't have a strong Mundo Match yet — but here's the closest ingredient overlap we found across the world's cuisines. The percentage is the share of ingredients the two recipes have in common.

Same technique: Fritter74 recipes from 19 countries

A dramatic Thai appetizer featuring deep-fried minced catfish that puffs up into a golden, cloud-like texture. It is served with a zesty, sharp green mango salad to cut through the richness.

According to eatmundo's ingredient comparison, the closest dish to Crispy Fluffy Catfish from another cuisine is Tauhu Sumbat (Malaysia): the two share 29% of their ingredients.

Ingredients

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Adapt this recipe:
4 servings

How to Make It

  • 1

    Steam the catfish for 15 minutes until opaque and tender, then let it cool.

  • 2

    Remove all skin and bones, and finely flake the white meat into a bowl.

  • 3

    Mix the fish with 100g of flour, adding just enough ice water to form a loose, wet batter.

  • 4

    Heat 500ml of oil in a wok to 180°C; you can test it by dropping a tiny bit of batter—if it sizzles instantly, it's ready.

  • 5

    Scatter the fish mixture into the hot oil bit by bit, using a slotted spoon to help it puff into golden, crispy wisps.

  • 6

    Fry for about 2-3 minutes until deep golden brown, then drain on paper towels to ensure it stays crunchy.

  • 7

    Julienne the green mango and toss it with fish sauce, lime juice, and palm sugar to make the dressing.

  • 8

    Serve the crispy fish pile on a plate, topped or accompanied by the fresh, tangy mango salad.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Crispy Fluffy Catfish?

Crispy Fluffy Catfish is a Thai dish consisting of deep-fried, aerated catfish served with a spicy green mango salad. It is typically consumed as a communal appetizer or main course, balancing the crispy texture of the fish with zesty, acidic toppings.

Why does my fish get soggy?

The oil must be at a high, consistent temperature (180°C). If the oil is too cold, the fish absorbs it and loses its crunch.

Can I use another fish?

Yes, any firm white fish works well, provided you steam it first and remove all moisture before battering.

Is the green mango essential?

Yes, its acidity and crunchy texture are critical to balancing the fried, oily fish meat.

How long does it stay crispy?

It is best served immediately. It will soften within 30 minutes due to the moisture in the air and salad.

All Mundo matches

Malaysia

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