- 1 whole (10 ounce) tilapia, or more as desired
- oil for deep frying
- Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil, or as desired
- 1 yellow onion, chopped
- 5 large red chile peppers, sliced
- 5 cloves garlic, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce
- 2 tablespoons light soy sauce
- 1/4 cup Thai basil leaves, or to taste
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, or to taste
- Cut several angled slits along the body of the fish, cutting down to the rib bones. Cut 2 lateral slits along the back of the fish, from head to tail on either side of the dorsal fin. These cuts will ensure quick cooking and maximum crispiness.
- Heat oil for frying in a deep-fryer or large saucepan to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- Gently place fish into the hot oil and fry until crispy, 3 to 4 minutes per side. Gently remove fish from the oil and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
- Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium heat; cook and stir onion, red chile peppers, and garlic until lightly browned, 5 to 10 minutes. Add fish sauce and soy sauce and remove wok from heat. Quickly stir basil and cilantro into sauce.
- Place fish on a large serving platter and pour sauce over fish.