Thai Fried Fish with Garlic and Turmeric

Steps

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1. 1
   Prepare the ingredients by placing 35 garlic cloves into a mortar.
   ▶ ≈0:31
2. 2
   Add 1 teaspoon of whole black peppercorns and pound together with the garlic.
   ▶ ≈0:44
3. 3
   Peel and chop fresh turmeric into small pieces, then add to the garlic and peppercorns and pound together. Keep the garlic-pepper mixture chunky rather than fine so it will crisp up nicely when fried.
   ▶ ≈1:03
4. 4
   Set aside the pounded garlic-pepper-turmeric mixture. Take additional fresh turmeric, peel and chop it finely.
   ▶ ≈2:29
5. 5
   Trim the lemongrass and cut into small pieces, adding about 1 teaspoon to the chopped turmeric. Add 1 teaspoon salt and pound the lemongrass, salt, and turmeric until it reaches a paste-like consistency.
   ▶ ≈3:58
6. 6
   Pat the fish dry with paper towels. Make three diagonal cuts on each side of the fish at a 45-degree angle to help it cook evenly.
   ▶ ≈5:48
7. 7
   Gently rub the turmeric-lemongrass paste all over the fish, inside and out. Let sit for at least 10 minutes to marinate.
   ▶ ≈7:18
8. 8
   While the fish marinates, deep-fry the reserved garlic-pepper-turmeric mixture in oil until the bubbling stops and the garlic turns golden. Remove before it darkens too much and drain in a bowl.
   ▶ ≈9:00
9. 9
   Using the same oil from frying the garlic, carefully place the marinated fish into the hot oil. Fry for about 7-8 minutes on each side until the exterior is crispy and the fish is cooked through, gently flipping once.
   ▶ ≈10:48
10. 10
    Transfer the fried fish to a plate and drain excess oil. Top generously with the crispy fried garlic and turmeric garnish, and serve with seafood dipping sauce.
    ▶ ≈12:20