Deep-Fried Perch With Chili Lime Dressing - cooking recipe

Ingredients

3 medium carrots
2 small cucumbers
4 small whole ocean perch, cleaned
None None Vegetable oil, for deep-frying
1/2 cup flour
2 tsp salt
2 tsp ground white pepper
None None FOR THE CHILI LIME DRESSING
1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
2 tsp fish sauce
1/4 cup lime juice
1 tsp sesame oil
2 tbsp coarsely chopped fresh Thai basil
2 tbsp coarsely chopped fresh Vietnamese mint

Preparation

Using vegetable peeler, slice carrots and cucumbers lengthwise into thin strips; combine in medium bowl.
For the chili lime dressing, whisk all ingredients and 2 tbsp water in a small bowl.
Discard fish heads; score each fish three times on both sides.
Heat vegetable oil in wok on medium-high heat. Combine flour, salt and pepper in medium shallow bowl; coat fish in flour mixture. Deep-fry fish, in two batches, until lightly browned and cooked through. Drain on paper towels.
Divide carrot mixture among plates. Top with fish and drizzle with chili lime dressing.