Thai Salt Baked Fish in Singapore: A Delicious Seafood Experience

Are you a seafood lover looking for a unique and flavourful dish to try? Look no further than Thai-style salt baked fish! This delicacy is a must-try for anyone who appreciates the art of cooking and enjoys bold, savoury flavours.

Thai-style salt baked fish is a traditional Thai dish that involves baking a whole fish in a thick layer of salt. The salt helps to retain the moisture in the fish, resulting in a succulent and juicy texture. The fish is infused with a variety of Thai herbs and spices, giving it a bold and complex flavour profile. It's no wonder that this dish has become a favourite among seafood enthusiasts in Singapore.

So, whether you're a seasoned foodie or just looking to try something new, Thai-style salt baked fish is definitely worth a try. Keep reading to learn more about the art of cooking this dish and how to master the process yourself.

Key Takeaways

• Thai-style salt baked fish is a unique and flavourful dish that seafood lovers should definitely try.
• This traditional Thai dish involves baking a whole fish in a thick layer of salt, resulting in a succulent and juicy texture.
• By learning the art of cooking Thai-style salt baked fish, you can enjoy this delicious dish in the comfort of your own home.

The Art of Thai Salt Baked Fish

If you're a fan of seafood, you must try Thai salt baked fish. It's a delicious and healthy dish that's easy to prepare. In this section, we'll explore the origins and popularity of Thai salt baked fish in Singapore, how to select the right fish, and how to prepare the salt crust.

Origins and Popularity in Singapore

Thai salt baked fish is a traditional Thai dish that has become popular in Singapore. It's a simple dish that involves baking a whole fish in a salt crust. The salt crust helps to keep the fish moist and infuses it with a delicious salty flavour. It's a popular street food in Thailand and is now a common dish in many Thai restaurants in Singapore.

Selecting the Right Fish

To make Thai salt baked fish, you need to select the right fish. Sea bass, tilapia, sea bream, and other whole white fish are good options. Make sure the fish is fresh and has clear eyes, bright skin, and a firm texture. You can ask your fishmonger to clean and gut the fish for you or do it yourself at home.

Preparing the Salt Crust

To prepare the salt crust, you'll need coarse sea salt, all-purpose flour, and water. Mix the salt and flour together in a bowl and gradually add water until the mixture forms a dough. Make sure the dough is not too wet or too dry. Roll out the dough into a thin layer and wrap it around the fish, making sure to cover it completely. Bake the fish in the oven until the crust is golden brown and the fish is cooked through.

Mastering the Cooking Process

Assembling Ingredients for Flavour

To make the perfect Thai salt baked fish, you will need to gather the right ingredients. The recipe typically calls for a whole white fish, at least 2 lb, gutted, and seasoned with a mixture of salt, flour, and water. However, to add more flavour to your dish, you can add some fragrant herbs, such as lemongrass, garlic, kaffir lime leaves, and galangal.

To enhance the taste of your fish, you can also squeeze some lime juice over it before baking. The lime juice will add a tangy flavour to your fish and help tenderize the meat. You can also serve your fish with some jasmine or sticky rice to balance out the saltiness.

The Baking Technique

The baking technique is crucial to ensure your fish comes out moist and juicy. You can cook your fish either in the oven or on a barbecue.

If you are using an oven, preheat it to 200°C and place your fish on a baking sheet lined with foil. Bake the fish for about 20-30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 60°C.

If you prefer to cook your fish on a barbecue, you can use either direct heat cooking or indirect heat cooking.

For direct heat cooking, place your fish directly on the grill over hot charcoal. For indirect heat cooking, place your fish on a baking sheet and put it on the grill away from the hot coals. Cover the grill and cook the fish for about 20-30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 60°C.

To ensure your fish is cooked to perfection, use a thermometer to check the internal temperature. The temperature should reach 60°C to ensure the fish is fully cooked.

Serving and Pairing

Once your fish is cooked, serve it immediately with some seafood sauce or chilli sauce. The sauce will complement the saltiness of the fish and add some extra flavour.

You can also serve your fish with some steamed vegetables, such as bok choy or broccoli, to add some freshness to your dish.

To pair your fish with the right drink, you can serve it with some light beer or a crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc. The light beer will refresh your palate and complement the saltiness of the fish, while the white wine will bring out the flavours of the herbs and spices.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you prepare Thai-style salt baked fish?

To prepare Thai-style salt baked fish, you will need a whole fish, salt, and some herbs and spices. The fish is first cleaned and gutted, then stuffed with a mixture of herbs and spices. The fish is then coated with a layer of salt and baked in the oven or grilled until the salt crust becomes hard. Once cooked, the salt crust is cracked open, revealing the juicy and succulent fish inside. For a more detailed recipe, visit laabicook.com.

What's the average cost of salt baked fish at Singaporean Thai restaurants?

The average cost of salt baked fish at Singaporean Thai restaurants varies depending on the restaurant and the type of fish used. Generally, the cost ranges from $20 to $50 per fish.

Which eateries serve the best salt baked fish in Singapore?

There are many eateries in Singapore that serve delicious salt baked fish. Some of the popular ones include Noodle Thai Thai Kitchen, Kin Hoi, and Thai Gold Food. However, the best salt baked fish is a matter of personal preference, so it's best to try a few places and see which one you like best.

Are there any authentic Thai salt baked fish recipes available online?

Yes, there are many authentic Thai salt baked fish recipes available online. You can find them on websites such as tastythais.com and laabicook.com.

Can you recommend a Thai restaurant in Singapore known for its salt baked fish?

One Thai restaurant in Singapore known for its delicious salt baked fish is Kin Hoi. They use fresh and high-quality ingredients to prepare their dishes, and their salt baked fish is a must-try.

What kind of salt is traditionally used in Thai salt baked fish dishes?

Traditionally, coarse sea salt is used in Thai salt baked fish dishes. The salt helps to create a crust around the fish, which helps to keep the moisture inside and infuse the fish with flavour.