Vietnamese Grilled Catfish with Noodles (Cha Ca)

• minced shallot1⁄3 cup
• asian fish sauce (nuoc mam or nam pla)↗3 tablespoons
• red curry powder or 1 tablespoon yellow curry powder↗1 tablespoon
• ground ginger↗1 1⁄2 teaspoons
• ground turmeric↗1 teaspoon
• cayenne↗1⁄8 teaspoon
• garlic, peeled,minced↗2 cloves
• boned catfish fillets or tilapia fillets6 ounce
• oil2 tablespoons
• iceberg lettuce, in bite-size pieces (8 oz)↗4 cups
• bean sprouts, rinsed (6-8 oz)3 cups
• fresh cilantro leaves↗1⁄2 cup
• cooled cooked rice noodles (about 1/8 in. wide, mai fun, rice sticks, or rice vermicelli)6 cups
• chopped dry roasted salted peanut1⁄2 cup
• thinly sliced green onion (including tops)1⁄3 cup
• cup chopped fresh dill1⁄2
• cup fried shallot (see below)1⁄2
• dipping sauce
• cup asian fish sauce (nuoc mam or nam pla)↗1⁄2
• cup rice vinegar↗1⁄4
• cup lime juice↗1⁄4
• tablespoons sugar↗2
• cloves garlic, minced↗2
• teaspoon minced hot red chile, such as thai,serrano,fresno,or asian red chili paste1 - 1 1⁄2

Step-by-step instructions

1. 1

   Mix minced shallots, fish sauce, curry powder, ginger, turmeric, cayenne and garlic.

2. 2

   Rinse fish and pat dry.

3. 3

   Place fillets and shallot mixture in a large plastic bag, turn to coat.

4. 4

   Refrigerate and marinade at least 30 min.

5. 5

   up to 24 hours.

6. 6

   Lightly coat fillets with oil and place on foil.

7. 7

   Grill on high heat, turning once, until barely opaque but still moist-looking in center of thickest part, 4-8 min.

8. 8

   total.

9. 9

   Divide lettuce, bean sprouts, cilantro between 6 deep wide bowls.

10. 10

    Mound noodles over vegetables.

11. 11

    Lay a fish fillet on each mound of noodles.

12. 12

    Sprinkle peanuts, green onions, dill and fried shallots over the top.

13. 13

    Drizzle with dipping sauce and pass remaining sauce in bowl.

14. 14

    Fried shallots-Saute 1 c.

15. 15

    thinly sliced shallots in 2 tbsp.

16. 16

    salad oil in a 10 inch skillet until golden, 6-10 min.

17. 17

    Vietnamese Dipping Sauce-Mix 1/2 cup water, fish sauce, vinegar, lime juice, sugar, garlic.

18. 18

    Add chili to taste.