Tod Mun Pla (lao-style Fish Cakes)

Tod Mun Pla is a popular Lao dish made with fish and aromatic herbs. These flavorful fish cakes are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, making them a delightful appetizer or main course.

Tod Mun Pla (lao-style Fish Cakes)

Ingredients

  • 1 lb white fish fillets, such as cod or tilapia, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 shallot, finely chopped
  • 1 stalk lemongrass, finely chopped
  • 1 red chili, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup long beans, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1/4 cup green beans, finely chopped
  • 1 tbsp fish sauce
  • 1 tbsp red curry paste
  • 1 egg
  • 1/4 cup tapioca flour
  • Oil for frying
  • Sweet chili sauce for serving

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, mix together the chopped fish, garlic, shallot, lemongrass, red chili, long beans, cilantro, and green beans.
  2. Add the fish sauce, red curry paste, and egg to the bowl, and mix until well combined.
  3. Sprinkle the tapioca flour over the mixture and mix until the flour is fully incorporated.
  4. Form the mixture into small patties and place them on a plate.
  5. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry the fish cakes in batches until golden brown and cooked through, about 3-4 minutes per side.
  6. Transfer the cooked fish cakes to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
  7. Serve the Tod Mun Pla hot with sweet chili sauce for dipping.

Cooking & Preparation

Preparation time:
20 minutes
Cooking time:
15 minutes
Total time:
35 minutes
Cooking method
Stovetop

Nutritional facts per 1 serving

Calories
180 per serving
Protein
15g
Carbohydrates
10g
Fat
8g

Supplies

Large bowl Skillet Plate Paper towels

Tools

Knife Cutting board Measuring spoons Measuring cup Spatula

Serving suggestions

Serving suggestions: Serve Tod Mun Pla with a side of steamed jasmine rice and a refreshing cucumber salad.

Tips & tricks

Tips: Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying the fish cakes to ensure a crispy exterior.

Cost

$15