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