Crispy Sea Bass Larb is a fresh and zesty Thai-inspired dish that pairs the crunch of fried sea bass with the vibrant flavors of a traditional larb salad. Featuring a tangy, spicy lime dressing and fragrant herbs, this dish offers a perfect balance of textures and tastes. It’s ideal as a refreshing appetizer or a light main course served with lettuce wraps or steamed rice.
Ingredients:
For the crispy sea bass:
- 2 sea bass fillets (skin-on or skinless)
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
For the larb dressing:
- 3 tablespoons lime juice
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon toasted rice powder (optional, for authentic flavor)
- 1 tablespoon palm sugar (or brown sugar)
- 1-2 red chilies, finely chopped (adjust to taste)
For the salad:
- 1/2 cup mint leaves
- 1/2 cup cilantro leaves
- 1/4 cup Thai basil leaves (optional)
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup cucumber, julienned
- 1 tablespoon shallots, thinly sliced
For serving:
- Butter lettuce or iceberg lettuce leaves
- Lime wedges
Directions:
- Prepare the sea bass:
- Pat the sea bass fillets dry and season lightly with salt.
- Mix cornstarch, all-purpose flour, and a pinch of salt in a shallow dish. Dredge the sea bass fillets in the mixture, coating evenly, and shake off any excess.
- Fry the sea bass:
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or wok to 180°C (350°F). Fry the coated fillets until golden brown and crispy, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove and drain on paper towels. Once cool enough to handle, break the fried sea bass into bite-sized pieces.
- Make the larb dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, fish sauce, toasted rice powder (if using), palm sugar, and chopped red chilies. Adjust seasoning to taste, balancing tanginess, saltiness, sweetness, and heat.
- Assemble the salad:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the crispy sea bass pieces, mint leaves, cilantro, Thai basil (if using), red onion, cucumber, and shallots. Pour the larb dressing over the mixture and toss gently to coat.
- Serve:
- Arrange the crispy sea bass larb on a serving platter. Serve with lettuce leaves for wrapping or alongside steamed jasmine rice. Garnish with additional herbs and lime wedges.
This Crispy Sea Bass Larb is a stunning fusion of crunch, zest, and fresh herbs. Its bold flavors and refreshing qualities make it a favorite for summer meals or when you’re craving something light yet flavorful.
