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16 Asian Catfish Recipes for a Flavorful Dinner

If you’re looking to add some new and flavorful dishes to your recipe repertoire, these 16 Asian catfish recipes are a great place to start.

Vietnamese Claypot Catfish

Catfish is a versatile and flavorful fish that works well in a variety of different dishes, and these recipes showcase the diverse range of flavors and cooking techniques used in Asian cuisine.

From spicy stir-fries to sweet and savory braises, these recipes will help you explore the delicious world of Asian catfish cooking.

1. Ca Kho To: Vietnamese Caramelized Catfish

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Why not take a tasty trip to Vietnam with this delicious Ca Kho To?

This scrumptious catfish dish is the perfect blend of sweet, savory, and spicy – and you’ll be the envy of all your friends when you show off your culinary prowess with an authentic Vietnamese dish.

And, it’s so simple to make – no need to book a flight!

Fun Twist: Up the spiciness of this dish by adding a few teaspoons of chili garlic sauce!

2. Catfish Kabayaki

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Unleash your inner chef and bring a taste of Japan to your table with this Catfish Kabayaki recipe!

With only 15 minutes of preparation, you’ll enjoy the sweet and delicate tare sauce that’s spread over tender juicy catfish, and topped with sesame seeds.

For an easy and delicious, one-of-a-kind meal, look no further!

Fun Twist: Sprinkle 2 teaspoons of katsuobushi (dried bonito flakes) onto the catfish before grilling to add even more Asian flavor.

3. Caramel-Coated Catfish

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This sugar water-simmered Catfish dish is perfect for any special occasion!

The delicate flavor of the Catfish is enhanced by the sharpness of cilantro, garlic, and green onion, while the fish sauce, lime juice, and black pepper create a delicious savory taste.

Plus, the coating of white sugar makes each bite irresistible – you won’t be able to stop at just one!

Fun Twist: This dish is also delectable when served over steamed white rice.

4. Catfish Curry

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The great thing about this Catfish Curry is that it’s easily adaptable to your family’s allergies and preferences.

You can use either fresh or frozen catfish, and you can swap out any of the produce for something you have on hand.

The only thing you really need to worry about is the spice level – whether you want it to be more mild or fiery.

And don’t forget the coconut cream! It seriously takes this curry to the next level.

Fun Twist: Serve with some steamed rice for a complete meal.

5. General Tso’s Catfish

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Is there anything better than a nice, juicy catfish fillet? This dish is perfect for those who love the taste of fried fish but don’t want to take the time to fry it yourself.

All you need is some fresh seafood, produce, condiments, and some simple ingredients to make a delicious and easy-to-follow General Tso’s Catfish recipe.

The soy sauce, hoisin sauce, ginger, and cornstarch give the fish a wonderful complexity that will excite your taste buds.

Serve over cooked rice and you’ll have a complete meal on your hands.

Fun Twist: For an extra bit of flavor, top off your General Tso’s Catfish dish with some diced green bell peppers before serving.

6. Braised Catfish Fillets with Ginger and Soy

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This recipe is simple, delicious, and perfect for a quick and easy dinner.

The soy sauce, water, ginger, and cilantro give the fish a delicious flavor, while the rice vinegar keeps it fresh.

You can serve the fish over steamed or stir-fried vegetables or simply enjoy it with some rice on the side.

And don’t forget to garnish it with some shredded scallions – they add a beautiful color and flavor to this dish.

Fun Twist: If you want a bit more of a kick in your seafood meal, try adding 2 green onions to the recipe instead of the scallions and cilantro.

7. Ca Nuong Da Don Vietnamese Roasted Catfish

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Never had whole roasted catfish before?

This is the recipe for you!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8jZcxiynzFs

By including scallions in the ingredients, you’re giving your fish a delicious and aromatic offsetting flavor.

The dry rub is packed with flavor, while the melted butter and nuoc mam cham dipping sauce create the perfect finishing touch.

Serve over some fresh noodles and fresh herbs for a truly delightful dining experience.

Fun Twist: For a slightly spicier dish, try adding a bit of chili garlic sauce to the dry rub before cooking.

8. Spicy Asian Catfish with Stir-Fried Vegetables

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This spicy Asian catfish with stir-fried vegetables is a delicious and healthy dinner loaded with flavor.

The Farm-Raised Catfish is moist and delicious, thanks to the 3 teaspoons of Chinese 5 Spice, while the vegetables complement it perfectly.

The dish is easy to make, and you can serve it with cooked rice or noodles for a complete and satisfying meal.

Fun Twist: For an even more intense flavor, try spiking the marinade with Sriracha sauce before cooking.

9. Baked Catfish (Cá Bông Lau Nướng Da Giòn)

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Just when you thought catfish couldn’t get any better, this recipe comes along!

The fish is beautifully baked, and the toppings are hard to resist.

It’s sweet, savory, spicy, and crispy – just like a delicious catfish dinner should be.

And if you’re feeling really decadent, make the honey mixture and drizzle it over the fish before serving.

Fun Twist: If you don’t have a catfish handy, see if you can get your hands on some salmon instead.

10. Thai Style Catfish Soup With Tomatoes And Okra

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Yes, catfish may not be your favorite seafood, but this Thai-style soup is sure to convert you!

This delicious bowl of soup is packed with fresh flavors and textures, including juicy catfish, sweet tomatoes, crunchy okra, and tender celery.

And if that’s not enough to make you love it, add in some juicy pineapple and fresh sawtooth herb for even more flavor.

Serve with a dollop of chili paste sauce on top and enjoy!

Fun Twist: If you’re looking for something a little bit more hearty, try adding a scoop of creamy rice or noodles to the soup for an added dimension of texture and flavor.

11. Grilled Lemon Grass Catfish with Hoisin-Ginger Sauce

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When you combine the sweetness of the lemon grass with the heat of the chili paste, you get an incredible flavor profile in this grilled catfish dish.

The fillets are lightly coated with oil and grilled over hot coals until cooked through, then served with a delicious hoisin-ginger sauce.

If you’re looking for a delicious and healthy meal, give this recipe a try!

Fun Twist: For an even more luxurious experience, try serving the catfish with a side of steamed rice.

12. Cambodian Ginger Catfish

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If there’s one thing Cambodia is known for, it’s its amazing fish dishes.

This ginger-infused catfish is a fast and easy way to show off your culinary skills – not to mention it’s packed with flavor.

The king of all Cambodian flavors is papaya (you’ll need about 1/2 of a large papaya), so you can omit it if you don’t have any on hand.

Serve over rice or noodles for a hearty and satisfying meal.

Fun Twist: Give this dish an Eastern twist by omitting the bell pepper and onion and adding 1 handful of fresh cilantro leaves instead.

13. Catfish Curry Salad Sandwich

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Who can resist a delicious sandwich made of fish fillets cooked in a delicious curry sauce?

With buttery croissants, tender catfish, and a tangy mayonnaise, this salad sandwich is sure to please.

Make sure to season the curry sauce to taste with salt and pepper before serving, so that each bite is just the right level of spicy.

You can also try substituting celery for the onion and parsley for the pecans if you’d like.

Fun Twist: Switch up the bread – try using jalapeño poppers or roti shells for an extra delicious filling experience!

14 Ginger and Turmeric Catfish with Vermicelli

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Here’s a dish that packs a punch of flavor and nutrition!

This recipe combines fragrant, ginger, and turmeric marinated catfish with crisp fresh veggies and tangy fish sauce.

Plus, with the addition of turmeric, you’ll get a boost of powerful anti-inflammatory nutrients!

Serve over rice vermicelli for an easy twist on this classic Vietnamese dish.

Fun Twist: For even more flavor, try marinating the catfish in the ginger and turmeric mixture overnight before cooking!

15. Thai-Style Catfish Burgers

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This Thai-inspired catfish burger is a real show-stopper with its bold flavors of ginger, garlic, chiles, and lime.

Wrap your burgers in some tender lettuce leaves and garnish with basil, mint, and cilantro for an extra touch of freshness.

Serve with your favorite sides for an unforgettable meal experience!

Fun Twist: Instead of serving the burgers straight from the pan, you can also grill them for a smoky flavor!

16. Thai Fish Cakes

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My mind starts to wander each time I take a bite of these irresistibly mouthwatering Thai fish cakes.

Despite their complex and flavor-packed ingredients, they are so easy to make and require minimal effort.

Best of all, the aromatic combinations, crunchy peanuts, crispy green beans, and sweet chili sauce will tantalize your taste buds and make you crave them again and again!

Related:

21 Easy Asian Pizza Recipes for the Busy Home Cook

20 Mouthwatering Asian Radish Recipes to Try

27 Easy Asian BBQ Recipes to Fire Up Your Summer Grilling

20 Easy Asian Tuna Recipes for Your Next Meal

16 Easy Asian Mussel Recipes That Will Make Your Mouth Water

Vietnamese Claypot Catfish

16 Easy Asian Catfish Recipe Collection

This blog post is all about Asian catfish recipes! From traditional Chinese catfish recipes to spicy Thai-style fried catfish, I've got you covered. Whether you're looking for quick weeknight meals or something special for a dinner party, I have a variety of recipes that will please even the pickiest eaters. With detailed instructions and step-by-step photos, you'll be able to cook up delicious Asian catfish dishes in no time. So dig in and get ready to experience the amazing flavors of Asian catfish!
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Asian
Servings 4 people
Calories 598 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • Ca Kho To: Vietnamese Caramelized Catfish
  • Catfish Kabayaki
  • Caramel-Coated Catfish
  • Catfish Curry
  • General Tso’s Catfish
  • Braised Catfish Fillets with Ginger and Soy
  • Ca Nuong Da Don Vietnamese Roasted Catfish
  • Spicy Asian Catfish with Stir-Fried Vegetables
  • Baked Catfish (Cá Bông Lau Nướng Da Giòn)
  • Thai Style Catfish Soup With Tomatoes And Okra
  • Grilled Lemon Grass Catfish with Hoisin-Ginger Sauce
  • Cambodian Ginger Catfish
  • Catfish Curry Salad Sandwich
  • Ginger and Turmeric Catfish with Vermicelli
  • Thai-Style Catfish Burgers
  • Thai Fish Cakes

Instructions
 

  • Pick your favorite recipe from this collection to serve for dinner tonight.
  • Prepare all of the required ingredients.
  • Cook your meal in 30 minutes or less.