Thai Fish Cakes (Tod Mun Pla) ทอดมันปลา

Step 1

For the dipping sauce:

Step 2

Place both chilies, garlic, vinegar, water, sugar and salt in a blender and blend just until there are no more chunks. I like to use low speed to blend so I still have chili seeds seeds and chili pieces for a nicer visual.

Step 3

Pour the blended chilies into a small pot and bring to a simmer, then simmer for about 3-5 minutes or until it has a consistency of a thin syrup. The sauce will thicken as it cools, so if it is too thick once it is cool, you can add more water. Set aside until ready to use.

Step 4

Tip: The dipping sauce, without the cucumber/shallots/peanuts, will last you months when kept sealed in the fridge, so only add the add-ins to as much of the dipping sauce as you will need for serving.

Step 5

For the fish cakes:

Step 6

Combine the fish, curry paste, egg yolk and sugar in a food processor. Process until fine, scraping the sides as needed. Then keep processing for a few minutes longer until the fish is firm enough that it holds its shape well when spooned (see video). If this is your first time, cook up a bit of the mixture to taste for salt and spiciness. If you want a stronger curry flavour or more spiciness, add more curry paste, keeping in mind that that also adds more saltiness. If you just want more saltiness, add a little fish sauce.

Step 7

Transfer the fish paste into a mixing bowl and add chopped long beans, Thai basil and kaffir lime leaves; stir until well combined.

Step 8

(At this point you can deep fry the fish cakes like we traditionally do, or you can pan fry them as per instructions below)

Step 9

Get your station ready by having a bowl of cold water and some paper towel (for your hands) by the stove.  Heat a skillet over medium heat until hot, then add just enough oil to coat the bottom of the skillet. Wet your hands and a tablespoon in the cold water, then scoop a heaping tablespoon of fish paste with the wet spoon and place in your hands. Gently pat the fish cakes to form into patties and place in a preheated skillet. Fry until browned on both sides, about 2 minutes per side. You may need to add more oil as you go.

Step 10

Tip: I find it easier to form the cakes as you fry them, as opposed to pre-forming them all, because the mixture is quite soft and it’s hard to pick up a pre-formed cake.

Step 11

To serve, stir cucumber slices, peanuts and shallots into the dipping sauce and serve with the fish cakes. You can also serve extra cucumber on the side as it goes so well with fresh cucumber.