Sweet & Spicy Catfish with Petai

Ingredients:

• 500 grams (1.1 pounds) catfish (approximately 5 pieces)
• 2 carrots (sliced lengthwise)
• 3 baby corn (sliced lengthwise)
• 6 bird’s eye chilies (sliced)
• 1/2 onion (coarsely chopped)
• 1 clove garlic (crushed)
• Oyster sauce (to taste)
• Chili sauce (to taste)
• Sweet soy sauce (to taste)
• Salt (to taste)
• Granulated sugar (to taste)
• Water (as needed)
• Cornstarch slurry (to thicken, as needed)
• Petai (stink beans, to taste, optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Catfish:
   Begin by cleaning the catfish thoroughly. Soak the fish in a mixture of lime juice and salt for about 15 minutes to remove any fishy odor and to tenderize the flesh.

2. Fry the Catfish:
   Heat oil in a deep pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the catfish pieces until they are golden brown and crispy. Once fried, drain them on paper towels to remove excess oil.

3. Sauté Aromatics:
   In a separate pan, heat a little oil and sauté the coarsely chopped onion and crushed garlic until they are fragrant and translucent.

4. Cook the Vegetables:
   Add the sliced bird’s eye chilies, carrots, baby corn, and petai (if using) to the pan. Stir-fry these ingredients until the vegetables are slightly tender.

5. Add Sauces and Seasonings:
   Season the vegetables with salt, granulated sugar, oyster sauce, chili sauce, and sweet soy sauce. Pour in enough water to create a flavorful sauce. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.

6. Thicken the Sauce:
   Once the sauce starts to simmer, taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Gradually add the cornstarch slurry to the pan, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens and starts to bubble.

7. Combine with Catfish:
   Gently fold the fried catfish pieces into the sauce, ensuring they are well-coated. Let it cook for a few more minutes until the flavors meld together.

8. Serve:
   Remove from heat and transfer the dish to a serving platter. Enjoy your spicy sweet catfish with rice or as a standalone dish.

This vibrant and flavorful dish blends the boldness of spicy chilies with the rich sweetness of sauces, creating a memorable meal that’s both satisfying and delicious.