Crispy Spicy Mackerel with Savory Chili Sauce

Discover a burst of flavor with this Spicy Battered Mackerel, a dish that combines crispy, golden-fried fish with a tangy, spicy sauce. Perfect as a main course or a flavorful addition to any meal, this recipe brings together simple ingredients to create a delightful experience for your taste buds.

Ingredients:

• 3 whole mackerel, cleaned and gutted
• All-purpose flour (as needed, for coating)
• 5 bird’s eye chilies
• Chicken stock or seasoning powder (to taste)
• Granulated sugar (to taste)
• Cooking oil (for frying and sautéing)
• For the spice paste:
  • 5 curly red chilies
  • 5 shallots
  • 1 clove garlic
  • Coriander seeds (to taste)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Mackerel:

   • Ensure the mackerel is thoroughly cleaned and gutted. Pat dry with paper towels.
   • Lightly coat the fish with all-purpose flour to prevent sticking during frying. This step helps achieve a crispy texture.

2. Fry the Mackerel:

   • Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
   • Fry the mackerel until they are golden brown and crispy. This typically takes about 4-5 minutes per side. Once done, remove the fish from the pan and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.

3. Make the Spice Paste:

   • While the fish is frying, prepare the spice paste. In a mortar and pestle or food processor, blend together the curly red chilies, shallots, garlic, and coriander seeds until smooth.

4. Cook the Spice Mixture:

   • In a separate pan, heat a little oil over medium heat.
   • Add the prepared spice paste and sauté until fragrant. This should take about 2-3 minutes.

5. Add Seasonings:

   • Stir in chicken stock or seasoning powder, and granulated sugar to the spice mixture. Adjust the amounts based on your taste preferences.
   • Add a small amount of water to reach your desired sauce consistency.

6. Combine with Bird’s Eye Chilies:

   • Slice the bird’s eye chilies and add them to the sauce. Mix well and let it simmer for another 2 minutes. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if needed.

7. Combine Fish and Sauce:

   • Gently add the fried mackerel to the pan with the sauce. Toss to coat the fish evenly with the spicy sauce. Be careful not to break the fish apart.

8. Serve:

   • Once the fish is well-coated and heated through, remove from heat.
   • Transfer the spicy battered mackerel to a serving platter. Serve immediately and enjoy the crispy, spicy goodness!

This Spicy Battered Mackerel is a delightful treat that brings a spicy kick to your dinner table. Perfect for a special occasion or a flavorful weeknight meal, it’s sure to impress your family and friends with its robust flavors and satisfying crunch.