Crispy Lime-Marinated Fried Catfish

Ingredients

• 1 kg fresh catfish
• Juice of 1 lime
• For the spice paste:
  • 4 cloves garlic
  • 1 piece turmeric root (about 2 inches)
  • 1 piece ginger root (about 2 inches)
  • 1 tablespoon coriander seeds
  • 1 tablespoon salt
• Cooking oil

Instructions

1. Prepare the Catfish: Clean the catfish thoroughly by removing the head and internal organs. Make a few shallow cuts along the body, then wash the fish under cold water.

2. Marinate with Lime: Rub the catfish with lime juice and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes. Rinse off the lime juice and pat the fish dry with paper towels.

3. Make the Spice Paste: In a mortar and pestle, grind the garlic, turmeric root, ginger, and coriander seeds into a smooth paste. Add a little water if necessary to achieve a paste-like consistency.

4. Season the Catfish: Combine the spice paste with the cleaned catfish. Allow the fish to marinate in the spice mixture for about 5-10 minutes to absorb the flavors.

5. Fry the Catfish: Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Carefully add the marinated catfish and fry until golden brown and crispy on all sides. Remove the fish from the oil and drain on paper towels.

6. Serve: Serve the fried catfish hot with a variety of side dishes or sambal for added flavor.

Enjoy your delicious classic fried catfish!