Crispy Fried Fish with Starfruit & Broccoli
Whole fish fried until golden and crackling, served alongside quick-steamed broccoli, tart starfruit slices, and a punchy Vietnamese dipping sauce. A restaurant-quality weeknight dinner in under 20 minutes.
- Total time
- 18 min
- Servings
- 2
- Calories
- 320
- Protein
- 36g
Ingredients
- 2 medium (8 oz each) whole fish (sea bass, branzino, or similar)
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 1 medium starfruit
- 3 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 whole (juiced) lime
- 1 whole Thai bird's eye chili or red chili
Instructions
- 1
Pat fish dry inside and out with paper towels. Score the skin in a crosshatch 3–4 times on each side.
- 2
Heat neutral oil in a skillet to 350°F (or until a breadcrumb sizzles on contact). Working carefully, slide fish into oil.
- 3
Fry 5–6 minutes per side until the skin is golden and crispy and flesh flakes easily at the thickest point.
- 4
While fish cooks, steam broccoli in a separate pot or microwave for 3–4 minutes until tender-crisp.
- 5
Slice starfruit crosswise into thin rounds. Mince chili finely and stir into fish sauce with lime juice.
- 6
Transfer fish to a plate. Arrange broccoli and starfruit alongside. Serve dipping sauce on the side.
Tools you’ll need
- 12-inch heavy skillet or wok
- instant-read thermometer
- paper towels
- pot or microwave-safe container
- small bowl
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