We had a jar of Thai Red Curry paste in our fridge from our Thai Pumpkin Curry night a little while back, so we figured it was time to use that as a featured ingredient (and to clear out the fridge). However, this time, we wanted to use it in a different way than last time, so we decided to think out of the “stir fry box,” and instead use the paste as a topping for broiled fish! Originally, we planned to use red snapper…but it was more than double the price of other fish that looked pretty fresh, so we changed the plan. That’s how Branzino entered the picture. That said, this recipe will work with any mild white fish fillet you have at your disposal.
We served this with Sesame Bok Choy and Red Peppers, but it would also go well with jasmine rice or even ginger and garlic infused mashed potatoes.
Time: 20 Minutes
Ingredients:
- Branzino Fillets. You can swap this out for any mildly flavoured white fish fillet though.
- Thai Red Curry Paste (from a jar or make your own)
- Peanuts
Method:
- Set your broiler to low, and line a broiler pan with foil. Give the foil a quick oil spray.
- Pat your fillets dry, and place them skin side down on your broiler pan.
- Scoop your red curry paste out of the jar, and plop it on the fish.
- Spread the curry paste thinly with a spatula as though you are “painting” it on. (Go thinner than what’s in the pictures. We wanted to finish the jar, but the thick layer was a little salty.)
- Put your fish under the broiler for about 5-7 minutes.
- Crush some peanuts in a coffee grinder, with a mortar and pestle, or by putting them in a plastic zip top bag (not fully sealed) and having at them with a meat tenderizer (this is the most cathartic method).
- After the initial broil, take your fish out, and place your peanuts atop your fish.
- Put everything back under the broiler for another 3-5 minutes (until your fish is flaky and turns a white colour, and your peanuts begin to char). You want to make sure your fish is cooked to at least 145 degrees F before you take it out.
- When everything is cooked, remove from the broiler.
- Plate, devour, and enjoy!
