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Choo Chee Pla Recipe (Fish in Thick Red Curry Sauce)

Curries, Seafood, Thai Food

Embark on a gastronomic adventure with our Choo Chee Pla Recipe, a tantalizing Thai dish that promises a symphony of flavors and textures. Choo Chee Pla, also known as “Fish in Thick Red Curry Sauce,” showcases the perfect blend of creamy coconut, fragrant herbs, and succulent fish, all harmoniously united in a luscious red curry embrace. This culinary masterpiece hails from the heart of Thailand and invites you to savor every bite while experiencing the rich traditions of Thai cuisine.

From its rich history and cultural significance to the flavors and spices that make it so unique, we’ll explore all aspects of Choo Chee Pla.

Whether you’re a seafood lover or looking for a special dish to impress your guests, Choo Chee Pla is a must-try delicacy that will leave your taste buds craving for more.

The History of Choo Chee Pla Recipe

The history of Choo Chee Pla Recipe is fascinating and dates back several centuries. This traditional Thai dish has a rich heritage that has been passed down through generations. It originated in the royal court of Thailand, where it was prepared for the king and his guests. As time went on, Choo Chee Pla became popular among the common people as well.

The name ‘choo chee’ refers to the sound made when cooking the dish. The ingredients are stir-fried with a thick curry sauce until they make a sizzling noise, hence the name. Choo chee pla was traditionally made with fish, typically using local varieties such as snapper or mackerel. Over time, variations of the dish began to emerge, incorporating different types of seafood like shrimp or squid.

Choo chee pla has become a staple in Thai cuisine and is enjoyed by locals and tourists alike. Its unique blend of flavors and aromatic spices make it a truly special dish. Whether you’re dining at a fancy restaurant or enjoying street food, you’re sure to find Choo Chee Pla on the menu.

The Cultural Significance of Choo Chee Pla

Explore the cultural significance of this flavorful Thai dish known as Choo Chee Pla. Choo Chee Pla holds a special place in Thai cuisine and culture. It is not just a dish, but an expression of Thai culinary traditions and values. This dish represents the harmony between bold flavors and delicate textures, which are highly valued in Thai cuisine.

Choo Chee Pla is often served during important celebrations and gatherings, reflecting its status as a symbol of abundance and prosperity. Its vibrant colors and aromatic spices make it visually appealing, adding to the festive atmosphere. The act of preparing Choo Chee Pla involves careful selection of ingredients and meticulous cooking techniques, showcasing the importance of attention to detail in Thai culture.

Beyond its visual and gastronomic appeal, Choo Chee Pla also carries deep cultural meanings. It connects people to their heritage by preserving traditional recipes that have been passed down through generations. Sharing this dish with family and friends fosters a sense of community and strengthens social bonds.

Furthermore, Choo Chee Pla embodies the essence of Thailand’s coastal regions, where seafood plays an integral role in local cuisine. By enjoying this dish, you connect with the rich marine resources that sustain many coastal communities.

Choo Chee Pla: From Market to Table

From market to table, Choo Chee Pla brings together the freshest seafood and aromatic spices to create a flavorful Thai dish. When you order this delectable dish at a Thai restaurant, the journey of its creation begins at the local market. The chefs carefully select the best quality fish, usually a white fish like snapper or sea bass, ensuring that it is fresh and full of flavor. They then combine it with a medley of vibrant spices such as red curry paste, coconut milk, kaffir lime leaves, and Thai basil to create a rich and fragrant sauce.

Once the ingredients are assembled in the kitchen, they begin to work their magic. The fish is lightly fried until crispy on the outside while remaining tender on the inside. The choo chee sauce is then poured over the fish, allowing all the flavors to meld together perfectly.

When your plate arrives at your table, you can expect a burst of flavors with every bite. The succulent fish is complemented by the creamy coconut curry sauce that has just the right amount of heat from the red curry paste. Each mouthful transports you to Thailand with its authentic taste and aromatic scent.

Choo Chee Pla: Exploring Thai Flavors and Spices

When you try Choo Chee Pla, you’ll experience a symphony of Thai flavors and spices that will tantalize your taste buds. This traditional Thai dish is known for its rich and complex taste, which comes from a combination of various ingredients and cooking techniques.

The key to the vibrant flavors of Choo Chee Pla lies in the use of fresh herbs and spices such as kaffir lime leaves, lemongrass, galangal, chili peppers, and Thai basil. These ingredients are carefully blended together to create a fragrant and spicy sauce that coats the fish perfectly.

The flavors in Choo Chee Pla are further enhanced by the addition of coconut milk, which adds a creamy sweetness to balance out the heat from the spices. The result is a harmonious blend of savory, tangy, spicy, and sweet flavors that dance on your palate with each bite. Every mouthful is an explosion of taste sensations that transport you to the vibrant streets of Thailand.

To fully appreciate the complexity of Choo Chee Pla’s flavors, it’s best enjoyed with steamed jasmine rice or warm fluffy roti bread to soak up all the delicious sauce. The combination of textures – tender flaky fish and creamy sauce – adds another layer of enjoyment to this already delightful dish.

Choo Chee Pla in Traditional Thai Cuisine

The use of fresh herbs and spices in Choo Chee Pla creates a fragrant and flavorful sauce that perfectly complements the fish. When you take your first bite of this traditional Thai dish, you will be greeted by a burst of aromatic flavors that dance on your taste buds. The combination of ingredients like lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and galangal adds a refreshing citrusy note to the dish.

The vibrant red color of the choo chee sauce is derived from the use of red curry paste, which is made from a blend of fiery red chilies, garlic, shallots, and various spices. As you savor each mouthful, you will notice how these spices come together to create a harmonious balance between heat and sweetness.

Another key component in Choo Chee Pla is coconut milk. Its creamy texture not only helps mellow out the spiciness but also adds richness to the sauce. The coconut milk acts as a base for all the other flavors to meld together into one delightful symphony.

Overall, Choo Chee Pla showcases the essence of Thai cuisine – bold flavors, aromatic herbs, and carefully balanced spices. It is a dish that exemplifies how simple ingredients can be transformed into something truly extraordinary with just a touch of skillful culinary artistry.

Choo Chee Pla: A Dish for Seafood Lovers

You’ll love the combination of fresh seafood and aromatic flavors in Choo Chee Pla. This dish is a perfect choice for all you seafood lovers out there. The succulent fish, bathed in a rich and creamy sauce, will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving for more.

Choo Chee Pla is a Thai delicacy that showcases the freshness of the sea. The use of high-quality ingredients ensures that every bite bursts with flavor. Whether it’s tender pieces of fish or plump shrimp, each morsel is cooked to perfection, resulting in a dish that is both satisfying and indulgent.

The secret to the irresistible taste lies in the aromatic flavors that are infused into every spoonful. Fragrant herbs like lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and galangal add depth and complexity to the dish. Combined with red curry paste, coconut milk, and a touch of sweetness from palm sugar, Choo Chee Pla delivers an explosion of flavors that will leave you wanting more.

How to make Choo Chee Pla (Fish in Thick Red Curry Sauce) at home

Choo Chee Pla, also known as Fish in Thick Red Curry Sauce, is a popular Thai dish that features a fillet of fish cooked in a rich and flavorful red curry sauce. The dish is known for its creamy, slightly sweet, and mildly spicy taste. Here's a detailed recipe for Choo Chee Pla:

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Prep Time 40

Cook Time 30

Total Time 1 10

Course Main Course

Cuisine Asian, Thai

Servings 4

Equipment

Chef's knife : For slicing and chopping ingredients like shallots, garlic, lemongrass, and galangal.
Cutting board : To provide a clean and stable surface for chopping and preparing ingredients.
Mortar and Pestle or Food Processor: For grinding and blending the curry paste ingredients if you're making the paste from scratch.
Wok or Skillet : To cook the curry sauce and fish. A wok is traditional, but a skillet will work as well.
Wooden spoon or spatula : For stirring and mixing the curry paste, coconut milk, and other ingredients.
Can opener : If using canned coconut milk, a can opener is necessary to open the can.
Ladle : To spoon the curry sauce over the fish fillets as they cook.
Tongs or Fish Spatula : To carefully flip and handle the fish fillets while they cook in the curry sauce.
Plate or Platter : To serve the cooked Choo Chee Pla.
Serving Spoon : To ladle the curry sauce over the fish when serving.
Rice cooker or pot, : If you're serving the dish with rice, a rice cooker or pot will be needed to cook the rice.
Individual Serving Plates : To plate and serve the individual portions of the dish.
Small bowl : To prepare the lime juice for seasoning the fish fillets.
Measuring spoons and cups : For accurately measuring ingredients like fish sauce, sugar, and lime juice.
Fine Mesh Strainer : If you're making your own curry paste, a fine mesh strainer can help remove any large particles from the paste. (optional)

Ingredients

For the fish:

2 fillets of firm fish (such as snapper, sea bass, salmon, mackerel or cod)
salt and pepper to taste
1 tbsp lime juice

For the curry sauce:

2 tbsp red curry paste
1 can coconut milk (14 oz)
1 tbsp fish sauce
1 tbsp palm sugar (or brown sugar)
Kaffir lime leaves, torn into pieces (optional)
Thai basil leaves, for garnish

For the curry paste (you can also use store-bought):

3-4 dried red chili peppers, soaked in hot water and seeds removed
2 shallots, peeled and chopped
3 cloves garlic, peeled
1 stalk lemongrass, sliced (use only the bottom half)
1 tsp teaspoon galangal or ginger, sliced
1 tsp shrimp paste (optional)
1 tsp ground coriander
1/2 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp ground white pepper
a pinch of salt

Instructions

Prepare the Fish:

Rinse the fish fillets and pat them dry with paper towels.
Season the fillets with salt, pepper, and lime juice. Set aside while you prepare the curry sauce.

Prepare the Curry Paste:

In a mortar and pestle or a food processor, pound or blend all the curry paste ingredients until you get a smooth paste. If using a mortar and pestle, start with the harder ingredients and gradually add the softer ones.

Cook the Curry Sauce & Fish:

In a wok or large skillet, heat a small amount of coconut milk over medium heat. Add the curry paste and cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant and the oil starts to separate from the paste.
Pour in the remaining coconut milk and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in the fish sauce, palm sugar, and torn kaffir lime leaves. Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Gently slide the seasoned fish fillets into the simmering curry sauce. Spoon some of the sauce over the fish.
Allow the fish to cook in the sauce for about 5-7 minutes, or until it's cooked through. Be careful not to overcook the fish.

Serve:

Once the fish is cooked, carefully transfer the fillets to serving plates.
Spoon the thick red curry sauce over the fish & garnish with fresh Thai basil leaves.

Notes

Fish Selection:

Opt for firm white fish fillets like snapper, sea bass, or cod. These types of fish hold up well in the curry sauce without falling apart.

Curry Paste:

If you’re short on time, you can use store-bought red curry paste. However, making the paste from scratch using fresh ingredients will enhance the flavor of the dish.

Spice Level:

Adjust the spice level by adding more or fewer dried red chili peppers in the curry paste. Remember that Thai cuisine is known for its spiciness, so adjust according to your preferences.

Coconut Milk:

Use good-quality coconut milk for the creamiest texture and flavor. Shake the can before opening to ensure the fat and liquid are well combined.

Kaffir Lime Leaves and Thai Basil:

These ingredients contribute to the authentic Thai flavors of the dish. Kaffir lime leaves can be found in Asian grocery stores, and Thai basil adds a wonderful aromatic touch.

Cooking Time for Fish:

Be cautious not to overcook the fish, as it can become dry and lose its delicate texture. Fish fillets usually take around 5-7 minutes to cook in the curry sauce.

Garnish Creatively:

Garnish with fresh Thai basil leaves for an added burst of flavor and aroma. You can also consider adding some sliced red chili peppers for a pop of color and heat.

Serving Suggestions:

Choo Chee Pla is often served with steamed jasmine rice or rice noodles. The creamy curry sauce pairs wonderfully with the plain rice or the slightly chewy texture of rice noodles.

Side Dishes:

Complement this dish with other Thai sides like a fresh cucumber salad, Thai spring rolls, or a simple stir-fried vegetable dish.

Experiment with Vegetables:

While this recipe focuses on fish, you can also adapt it for a vegetarian version by using tofu or your favorite vegetables. Adjust cooking times accordingly.

Keyword curry, fish, seafood, Spicy, Thai, Thai food

Choo Chee Pla: A Dish for Special Occasions

If you’re a seafood lover, then Choo Chee Pla is the perfect dish for you.

But did you know that it’s not just a dish for everyday meals? Choo Chee Pla is also a popular choice for special occasions.

Whether it’s a birthday celebration or a festive gathering, this flavorful Thai dish adds an extra touch of elegance to any event.

The rich and creamy curry sauce of Choo Chee Pla, combined with the succulent fish fillets, creates a truly indulgent experience for your taste buds.

The vibrant colors and aromatic spices make it visually appealing as well, making it a feast for both the eyes and the palate.

Serving Choo Chee Pla on special occasions not only showcases your culinary skills but also demonstrates your appreciation for fine dining experiences.

It’s like treating yourself and your loved ones to something extraordinary.

So, next time you’re planning a special event or looking to impress someone with your cooking prowess, consider preparing Choo Chee Pla.

Its exquisite flavors and elegant presentation will leave everyone craving for more.

Choo Chee Pla: A Must-Try Thai Delicacy

Choo Chee Pla is a delectable Thai delicacy that should definitely be on your must-try list. This dish is a true delight for seafood lovers. The combination of flavors and textures will leave you wanting more.

The star ingredient of Choo Chee Pla is usually fish, such as snapper or salmon, which is cooked in a rich and creamy curry sauce. The dish gets its unique taste from the fragrant blend of herbs and spices used in the curry paste. Lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, galangal, and Thai chilies are just some of the ingredients that give Choo Chee Pla its distinct flavor profile. The curry sauce itself is thick and velvety, with hints of sweetness and spiciness.

When you take your first bite of Choo Chee Pla, you’ll experience a burst of flavors in your mouth. The tender fish absorbs all the wonderful flavors from the curry sauce, creating a harmonious balance between sweetness, spiciness, and creaminess. Each spoonful is an explosion of taste that will keep you coming back for more.

Whether you’re dining at a fancy restaurant or trying it at home, Choo Chee Pla is sure to impress your taste buds. So don’t miss out on this amazing Thai delicacy – add it to your must-try list today!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Choo Chee Pla Be Made With Different Types of Fish?

Yes, you can definitely make Choo Chee Pla with different types of fish or even shrimps! The beauty of this dish is that it can be customized to your liking. Whether you prefer a flaky white fish like cod or a heartier option like salmon, the choice is yours.

Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as different types of fish may require slightly different cooking times for optimal flavor and texture.

Is Choo Chee Pla a Spicy Dish?

Yes, Choo Chee Pla is a spicy dish. The flavors of the curry paste, coconut milk, and other seasonings come together to create a deliciously fiery taste.

The spiciness level can vary depending on your preference and the amount of chili used in the dish. If you enjoy bold and spicy flavors, then Choo Chee Pla will definitely satisfy your cravings for heat. Just be prepared to have a glass of water nearby!

Can Choo Chee Pla Be Made Vegetarian or Vegan?

Yes, Choo Chee Pla can definitely be made vegetarian or vegan! The traditional version of this dish uses fish as the main ingredient, but you can easily substitute it with tofu or vegetables like eggplant or mushrooms.

By skipping the fish sauce and using plant-based ingredients, you can create a delicious vegan Choo Chee Pla that still has all the aromatic flavors and spicy kick.