Noodlepedia
A glossary of both familiar and lesser-known Asian ingredients and terms.
Fish Crackers
Light, crispy snacks made from fish paste and starch, then deep-fried to golden perfection. Savory, airy, and satisfying!
Pro Tip: Pop them in the air fryer or toaster oven for an even crispier texture and revived crunch.
How to Use It:
- Eat as a snack (dip in chili sauce!)
- Serve with soups or noodle dishes
- Crush and sprinkle over salads or rice
1. Spicy Thai-Style Salad with Crushed Fish Crackers
Vibe: Fresh, tangy, crunchy, and spicy with a punch of umami from the fish crackers. Think larb meets snack mix.
🛒 Ingredients:
1/2 cup crushed fish crackers (lightly crushed by hand)
1/2 cup ground chicken, pork, or tofu
1 shallot or red onion, thinly sliced
Juice of 1 lime
1 tbsp fish sauce
1 tsp sugar
1–2 Thai chilis or jalapeño, thinly sliced
Handful of fresh mint and cilantro
Optional: toasted rice powder or cucumber slices
👩🍳 Instructions:
Cook ground protein in a pan with a pinch of salt until fully cooked. Let cool slightly.
In a bowl, mix with sliced onion, lime juice, fish sauce, sugar, and chili.
Toss in herbs and crushed fish crackers right before serving for max crunch.
Serve on lettuce leaves or over rice.
🌶️ Why it slaps: The fish crackers add salty-crunchy umami that replaces nuts or crispy onions. It’s spicy, bright, and addictive.
2. Fish Cracker Crusted Chicken Tenders or Tofu
Vibe: Crispy, golden, snackified comfort food with a Southeast Asian twist. Serve with sweet chili sauce or spicy mayo and you’ve got a hit.
🛒 Ingredients:
Chicken tenders or tofu slices
1 egg, beaten
1 cup crushed fish crackers (fine, like breadcrumbs)
Optional: flour for dredging
Oil for frying or air-frying
Dipping sauce: sweet chili sauce, sriracha mayo, or ponzu
👩🍳 Instructions:
Crush fish crackers into fine crumbs (use a zip bag + rolling pin or food processor).
Dip chicken/tofu in flour (if using), then egg, then coat in crushed crackers.
Fry in hot oil or air-fry at 375°F until golden and crispy.
Serve hot with your favorite sauce.
🔥 Why it works: The fish crackers give an instant umami crust that’s way more exciting than plain breadcrumbs. Super crunchy and snacky.