Tod Man Plan: Thai fish cakes with red curry paste
Jan 11, 2025
The central region of Thailand is home to numerous natural and artificial rivers and canals rich in freshwater fish. Thai chefs categorize fish according to flavor and texture. Pla Krai (knifefish) is the best choice for this recipe, as its elastic flesh is ideal for fish cakes. Since Pla Krai is difficult to find, this recipe can be made with any fresh white fish (e.g., carp or roach). Alternatively, many Asian fish shops offer ready-made fish cake mixes that are excellent for this dish.
The red curry paste gives the fish cakes their characteristic spiciness and depth. It consists of a blend of spices and herbs such as red chilies, garlic, lemongrass, and galangal, which together form an aromatic base. This paste is an essential ingredient in many Thai dishes and provides the distinctive flavor that makes these fish cakes so special.
Ingredients for 4 - 6 servings Tod Man Pla
Preparation time 30 minutes
Just follow our cooking instructions.
| Fish fillet (e.g. carp or roach | 1 kg |
| Red curry paste | 2 tbsp |
| Starch (corn or tapioca) | 2 tbsp |
| egg | 1 piece |
| Kaffir lime leaves (thinly sliced) |
4 pieces |
| fish sauce | 2 tbsp |
| Sugar | 1 tbsp |
| Long beans (thinly sliced) | 1 cup |
| Vegetable oil (for frying) | as needed |
| Nam Yim Gai dipping sauce |
Preparation of Tod Man Pla with red curry paste
1. Combine all ingredients, including the red curry paste , except the long beans and oil, in a food processor. Process until the mixture forms a thick paste.
2. Pour the mixture into a bowl and fold in the long beans. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
3. Heat the oil in a deep pan or wok to 175 to 190 °C.
4. With wet hands, form the fish paste into meatballs (approx. 2.5 cm in diameter and 0.6 cm thick).
5. Fry the meatballs for 4 to 6 minutes until golden brown on all sides.
6. Remove and drain on absorbent paper.
7. Our Nam Jim Gai is ideal as a dipping sauce.
Did you know...?
Traditional preparation : In Thailand, Tod Man Pla is often sold as a snack and is traditionally offered by street vendors. These vendors used to carry the fish cakes in baskets hung from long bamboo poles.
Different variations : In addition to the classic fish version, there are also versions of Tod Man made with shrimp, pork, or chicken. There's even a vegan version made with corn and wheat flour.
Nutritional Information : A typical serving of Tod Man Pla (about 55 grams) contains about 140 calories. They are rich in protein and fat, making them a filling snack.
Aromatic Ingredients : The red curry paste used in Tod Man Pla is a blend of spices and herbs such as red chilies, garlic, lemongrass, and galangal. These ingredients give the fish cakes their distinctive flavor.
