If you're looking for a quick and easy dish to impress your friends and family, a fried kuning fish recipe might be just what you need. Kuning fish, also known as ikan kuning, is a popular fish in Southeast Asia that is known for its firm texture and mild flavour. When fried, it becomes crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, making it a delicious and satisfying meal.
To prepare the kuning fish for frying, you'll need to clean and season it with turmeric powder, salt, and pepper. Then, you can fry it in hot oil until it's golden brown and crispy. The result is a flavourful and satisfying dish that can be served with rice, vegetables, or your favourite dipping sauce.
Whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, a fried kuning fish recipe is a great way to add some variety to your meal repertoire. With just a few simple ingredients and some basic cooking techniques, you can create a delicious and impressive dish that your loved ones will surely enjoy.
Key Takeaways
- Kuning fish is a popular fish in Southeast Asia that is known for its firm texture and mild flavour.
- To prepare kuning fish for frying, you'll need to clean and season it with turmeric powder, salt, and pepper.
- Fried kuning fish is a flavourful and satisfying dish that can be served with rice, vegetables, or your favourite dipping sauce.
Preparing the Kuning Fish
Before you start frying the Kuning fish, it's important to prepare it properly. Here are the steps you need to follow:
Selecting the Fish
When buying Kuning fish, look for fresh fish with clear eyes, shiny skin and a firm texture. The fish should also have a fresh smell. If you're not sure how to select good quality fish, ask your fishmonger for advice.
Making the Marinade
To make the marinade, mix turmeric powder, a pinch of salt, and some lemon or lime juice in a bowl. The marinade will help to flavour the fish and keep it moist during cooking. You can also add other ingredients to the marinade, such as garlic or ginger, to give it more flavour.
Marinating the Fish
Rub the marinade all over the fish, making sure to coat it evenly. You can also make a few cuts on the fish to help the marinade penetrate the flesh. Once the fish is coated in the marinade, cover it with cling film and leave it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This will allow the flavours to develop and infuse into the fish.
Frying and Serving
Heating the Oil
Before you start frying the kuning fish, you need to heat up the oil in a wok or saucepan. Make sure you use enough oil to submerge the fish entirely. You can use any cooking oil, but vegetable oil or sunflower oil are good options. Heat the oil on medium heat until it's hot enough to fry the fish. You can check the temperature by dropping a small piece of bread into the oil. If it sizzles and turns golden brown in seconds, then the oil is ready for frying.
Deep Frying the Fish
Once the oil is hot, you can start frying the kuning fish. Gently place the fish into the hot oil and let it fry for about 5-10 minutes, until the surface turns golden brown and crispy. Make sure you don't overcrowd the wok or saucepan, as this will lower the temperature of the oil and make the fish less crispy. You can fry the fish in batches if necessary. Use a slotted spoon to remove the fish from the oil and drain the remaining oil before serving.
Accompaniments and Presentation
Fried kuning fish goes well with Nasi Lemak, a fragrant rice dish cooked with coconut milk, pandan leaves, and some spices like ginger and garlic. You can also serve the fish with sambal, a spicy sauce made with chillies, cumin, garlic, and shallots. To make the sambal, you can blend the ingredients in a food processor until smooth. Garnish the fried fish with some sliced cucumbers and crispy fried ikan bilis and peanuts to add some crunch and freshness to the dish. Serve the fish whole with bone, if you have fried it really crispy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the simplest method to prepare fried kuning fish?
The simplest way to prepare fried kuning fish is to clean and remove the scales by scraping the skin with a knife. Then, season the fish with salt and coat it with a mixture of flour, salt, and pepper. Heat up oil in a wok or saucepan and fry the fish for about 5-10 minutes, until the surface turns golden brown. Remove the fish from the wok or saucepan and drain the remaining oil before serving.
How can I achieve a crispy texture when frying kuning fish?
To achieve a crispy texture when frying kuning fish, you need to coat the fish with a mixture of cornflour, plain flour, salt, and pepper. Then, deep-fry the fish in hot oil until golden brown and crispy. It's important to use small kuning fish in order to make it crispy.
Can I use an air fryer for frying kuning fish, and if so, how?
Yes, you can use an air fryer for frying kuning fish. Preheat the air fryer to 200°C. Coat the fish with a mixture of flour, salt, and pepper. Place the fish in the air fryer basket and spray it with cooking oil. Cook for 10-12 minutes, until the surface turns golden brown and crispy.
What are some tips for frying kuning fish with a Chinese flavour profile?
To fry kuning fish with a Chinese flavour profile, you need to coat the fish with a mixture of cornflour, plain flour, salt, and pepper. Add some Chinese five-spice powder to the mixture for an added flavour. Then, deep-fry the fish in hot oil until golden brown and crispy.
How long should kuning fish be fried to ensure it's cooked properly?
Kuning fish should be fried for about 5-10 minutes, until the surface turns golden brown. Make sure to flip the fish occasionally to ensure it's cooked evenly. Use a thermometer to check the internal temperature of the fish, which should reach at least 63°C.
Is it recommended to marinate kuning fish in buttermilk before frying?
Marinating kuning fish in buttermilk before frying is not necessary, but it can add a tangy flavour and make the fish more tender. Mix buttermilk with salt and pepper, and soak the fish in the mixture for at least 30 minutes before frying.