How to Make Thai-Style Fish Cakes (Tod Mun Pla)

If you're looking to spice up your meal with a delectable dish, Thai-style fish cakes, known as Tod Mun Pla, are a perfect choice. These flavorful snacks are not only easy to make but also offer a delightful burst of Thai flavors. Here’s how you can whip them up at home.

Ingredients for Thai-Style Fish Cakes

To make authentic Tod Mun Pla, gather the following ingredients:

  • 500 grams of fish fillet (such as mackerel or tilapia)
  • 2 tablespoons of red curry paste
  • 2 tablespoons of fish sauce
  • 1 tablespoon of sugar
  • 2 tablespoons of finely chopped Thai basil leaves
  • 2 tablespoons of finely chopped green beans
  • 1 egg
  • Vegetable oil for frying

Instructions to Prepare Thai-Style Fish Cakes

  1. Prepare the Fish: Start by removing any skin or bones from the fish fillets. Rinse the fish under cold water and pat it dry with a paper towel.
  2. Make the Mixture: In a food processor, add the fish fillet, red curry paste, fish sauce, sugar, and the egg. Pulse until you have a smooth paste. Make sure all the ingredients are well combined.
  3. Add Vegetables: Transfer the fish mixture to a mixing bowl. Gently fold in the chopped Thai basil leaves and green beans until evenly distributed.
  4. Shape the Fish Cakes: Using your hands, take a small amount of the fish mixture and shape it into small patties, about the size of a golf ball, and then flatten them slightly. Repeat this until you’ve used all the mixture.
  5. Fry the Cakes: Heat vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the fish cakes to the pan. Fry them for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they turn golden brown and crispy. Don’t overcrowd the pan; you may need to fry them in batches.
  6. Drain and Serve: Once the fish cakes are cooked, remove them from the pan and drain on paper towels to absorb any excess oil.

Serving Suggestions

Thai-style fish cakes can be served warm or at room temperature. They are traditionally accompanied by a sweet chili dipping sauce, which complements the savory flavors of the fish cakes beautifully. You can also serve them with fresh cucumber slices and a sprinkle of lime juice on top for an extra zing.

Variations and Tips

If you want to add a twist to your Tod Mun Pla, consider experimenting with the following:

  • Substitute fish with shrimp or a combination of seafood for a varied taste.
  • Add finely grated carrots or zucchini for added texture and flavor.
  • For an extra kick, mix in some chopped fresh chili peppers.

By following this recipe, you can enjoy homemade Thai-style fish cakes that are sure to impress family and friends. Whether as a snack or a main dish, Tod Mun Pla brings a taste of Thailand right to your kitchen.