Spicy Grilled Catfish with Sweet Soy Glaze

Grilled Catfish with Sweet Soy and Spicy Soy Sauce

Delight in the smoky, succulent flavors of Grilled Catfish, an exquisite dish featuring perfectly marinated fish with a tantalizing blend of spices and sauces. This recipe is crafted to elevate the natural taste of catfish with a delightful harmony of sweet, spicy, and savory notes. Ideal for a cozy dinner or a special occasion, this dish promises a flavorful experience that will captivate your taste buds.

Ingredients

• 3 whole catfish (cleaned, heads and tails intact)
• 1 tablespoon margarine
• Oil for frying

Marinade 1:

• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 50 ml water

Marinade 2:

• 2 shallots
• 2 cloves garlic
• 2 candlenuts
• 1 teaspoon coriander seeds
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon sweet soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon palm sugar

Sweet Soy and Spicy Sauce:

• 2 shallots, thinly sliced
• 5 bird’s eye chilies (or to taste)
• 1 tomato, finely diced
• Sweet soy sauce, to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare the Catfish:

   • Thoroughly clean the catfish, ensuring they are free from any residual scales or impurities. It is preferable not to cut the fish for a more robust flavor and presentation.

2. Marinate with Garlic Mixture:

   • In a blender or food processor, combine the garlic, salt, and water to create a smooth paste. Rub this mixture all over the catfish, ensuring that it is well-coated. Allow the fish to marinate for at least 15 minutes to absorb the flavors.

3. Fry the Catfish:

   • Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Fry the catfish until they are halfway cooked. Remove from the pan and drain on paper towels.

4. Marinate with Spice Paste:

   • In a separate blender or food processor, blend the shallots, garlic, candlenuts, coriander seeds, salt, sweet soy sauce, and palm sugar into a smooth paste. Rub this spice paste generously over the partially cooked catfish. Let the fish marinate for another 15 minutes to enhance the flavor profile.

5. Prepare for Grilling:

   • Preheat a non-stick skillet or grill pan over medium heat. Lightly grease with margarine to prevent sticking.

6. Grill the Catfish:

   • Place the marinated catfish onto the preheated skillet or grill pan. Grill each side until the fish is thoroughly cooked and has developed a beautiful, slightly crispy exterior, about 5-7 minutes per side.

7. Prepare the Sweet Soy and Spicy Sauce:

   • In a small bowl, combine the sliced shallots, bird’s eye chilies, diced tomato, and sweet soy sauce. Mix well to incorporate all the ingredients.

8. Serve:

   • Transfer the grilled catfish to a serving platter. Serve hot with the sweet soy and spicy sauce on the side for dipping. Enjoy the dish with steamed rice or as a stand-alone treat.

This Grilled Catfish with Sweet Soy and Spicy Sauce captures the essence of Indonesian flavors and makes for an impressive and delicious meal. Perfect for gatherings or a flavorful weeknight dinner, this dish combines simplicity with gourmet appeal.