- 1 (3 1/2) pound whole mackerel, gutted and cleaned
- 2 cups water
- 1 tablespoon tamarind soup base
- 1 teaspoon fish sauce
- oil for frying
- Combine the mackerel, water, tamarind soup base, and fish sauce in a pot over medium heat. Cover and cook at a simmer for about 15 minutes. Flip the fish, cover again, and simmer another 15 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to sit, covered, for 1 hour.
- Heat oil in a deep-fryer or large saucepan to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Remove the fish from the pot and pat dry with paper towels to remove as much excess moisture as possible.
- Fry the fish in the hot oil until golden brown, 7 to 10 minutes. Serve hot.