Sizzling Garlic Pepper Fish Recipe: A Zesty Seafood Sensation

Seafood enthusiasts adore this garlic pepper fish that brings Mediterranean coastal magic right to your kitchen.

Fragrant spices dance across tender fillets, creating an irresistible aroma.

Delicate yet bold flavors combine in a surprisingly simple preparation.

Salt and pepper become background notes to the star ingredient’s natural richness.

Fresh herbs scattered across the plate add unexpected brightness.

Quick cooking techniques ensure the fish remains succulent and perfectly seasoned.

You’ll want to savor every single bite of this restaurant-quality dish.

Why Sizzling Garlic Pepper Fish Is Packed With Flavor

• Boost Flavor Fast: Packed with bold garlic, zesty lime, and spicy green chili, this recipe delivers an explosion of taste in every bite.
• Master Cooking Techniques: Learn professional-level stir-frying and marinating skills that transform simple fish into a restaurant-quality dish.
• Perfect Family Dinner Solution: Combines protein, vegetables, and exciting flavors that appeal to both adults and kids, making mealtime enjoyable and nutritious.
• Quick Weeknight Meal Magic: Requires minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, allowing busy home cooks to create a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

What Goes Into Sizzling Garlic Pepper Fish

• Fish Fillets: The star of the dish, providing a tender and flaky base for the sizzling garlic pepper sauce.

• Lime/Lemon Juice: Adds a zesty tang and helps tenderize the fish.
• Ginger, Garlic, Green Chili: Create a bold and aromatic flavor profile for the fish.
• Salt: Enhances the overall taste of the dish.
• Cornstarch, Plain Flour: Help create a crispy coating for the fish.
• Eggs (or Baking Powder and Water): Assist in binding the coating and creating a light, crispy texture.

• Garlic, Ginger: Provide a fragrant and spicy foundation for the sauce.
• Green Chili: Adds an optional kick of heat.
• Bell Peppers, Onions: Contribute a sweet and colorful vegetable component to the dish.

• Sauce Ingredients: Bring depth and complexity to the overall flavor.
• Cornstarch, Water: Create a slurry to thicken the sauce and give it a glossy finish.
• Black Pepper: Adds a final layer of spicy warmth.
• Coriander Leaves/Green Onions: Provide a fresh, herbal garnish.

How To Make Sizzling Garlic Pepper Fish Step By Step

Step 1: Prepare Flavorful Fish Marinade

• Lime or lemon juice
• Crushed ginger
• Garlic
• Green chili
• Salt
• Cornstarch
• Plain flour
• Eggs (or baking powder and water)

Coat the fish fillets thoroughly and let them soak up the marinade for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to penetrate deeply.

Step 2: Crisp Up the Fish

Heat oil in a pan and carefully fry the marinated fish until it turns a beautiful golden brown. Once crispy, remove and drain excess oil on a paper towel.

Step 3: Build the Aromatic Base

• Garlic
• Ginger
• Green chili (optional)

The kitchen will fill with an irresistible aroma that signals something delicious is cooking.

Step 4: Add Colorful Vegetables

Toss in bell peppers and onions, stirring until they become slightly softened but retain a delightful crunch.

Step 5: Create the Signature Sauce

Combine sauce ingredients in a bowl and pour over the vegetables. Let the mixture simmer, developing rich, complex flavors.

Step 6: Reunite Fish with Sauce

Gently add the crispy fried fish back into the pan, carefully coating each piece with the vibrant sauce.

Step 7: Thicken the Sauce

Mix cornstarch with water to create a smooth slurry.

Pour into the pan and watch the sauce transform into a glossy, clinging coating.

Step 8: Finish and Serve

Plate the Garlic Pepper Fish while it’s steaming hot.

• Freshly cracked black pepper
• Chopped green chilies
• Fresh coriander leaves or green onions

Tips To Master Sizzling Garlic Pepper Fish

• Select fresh, firm white fish like tilapia or cod for the best texture and flavor absorption.
• Pat fish fillets dry before marinating to ensure crispy golden-brown coating when frying.
• Adjust green chili quantity based on personal spice tolerance for a milder or spicier version.
• Prepare cornstarch slurry just before adding to prevent settling and ensure smooth sauce thickening.
• Use fresh garlic and ginger for enhanced aromatic flavors that elevate the entire dish's taste profile.

Tasty Twists For Sizzling Garlic Pepper Fish

• Spicy Citrus Fish: Replace bell peppers with zesty orange and tangerine segments, adding extra chili flakes for a bright, fiery kick.
• Coconut Curry Fish: Swap the original sauce with a creamy coconut milk and mild curry powder blend, introducing a rich southeast Asian flavor profile.
• Mediterranean Herb Fish: Use rosemary, thyme, and lemon zest instead of green chilies, incorporating white wine into the sauce for a Mediterranean-inspired version.
• Japanese-Style Fish: Substitute soy sauce and mirin for the original sauce, garnish with toasted sesame seeds and nori strips for an authentic Japanese approach.

Perfect Sides For Sizzling Garlic Pepper Fish

• Refresh with Zesty White Wine: Choose a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio that complements the fish's tangy garlic and pepper notes, cutting through the richness while enhancing the dish's bright flavors.
• Pair with Jasmine Rice: Serve the Garlic Pepper Fish over fluffy jasmine rice to absorb the delicious sauce, creating a perfect balance of texture and flavor that elevates the entire meal.
• Cool Down with Cucumber Salad: Create a light cucumber salad with mint and a touch of vinegar to provide a refreshing contrast to the spicy and bold fish, cleansing the palate between bites.

How To Store Sizzling Garlic Pepper Fish Properly

• Refrigerate: Store leftover fish in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Freeze: Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe containers to preserve for up to 2 months without losing flavor.
• Microwave Reheating: Place fish in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of water, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals until warm throughout.
• Skillet Reheating: Warm fish in a non-stick skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of oil, gently turning pieces to prevent drying and maintain crispy texture.

Top Questions About Sizzling Garlic Pepper Fish

• Can I use a different type of fish for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute the fish with tilapia, cod, or snapper. Choose firm white fish that holds its shape during frying.

• Is this dish spicy?

The spice level depends on the amount of green chili and black pepper you use. You can adjust the heat by reducing or increasing these ingredients according to your preference.

• Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Replace plain flour with gluten-free flour or rice flour. Ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free, especially if using any pre-made sauces.

• What cooking oil works best for frying the fish?

Vegetable oil, canola oil, or sunflower oil are ideal for frying. They have high smoke points and neutral flavors that won’t overpower the fish’s taste.

Sizzling Garlic Pepper Fish Recipe

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4.7 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Mediterranean-inspired Sizzling Garlic Pepper Fish brings ocean-fresh flavors to your dinner table with bold, zesty seasonings. Crisp exterior and tender flesh make this quick dish a perfect weeknight meal for seafood enthusiasts seeking simple yet spectacular culinary experiences.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 425 grams (15 ounces) boneless skinless tilapia fillets
• 450 grams (16 ounces) bell peppers (different colors)
• 220 grams (8 ounces) onions
• 25 grams (1 ounce) garlic cloves
• 20 grams (0.7 ounces) ginger

Marination Ingredients:

• 2 teaspoons fresh lime/lemon juice
• 1 heaped teaspoon crushed ginger garlic green chili
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 4 to 5 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons plain flour
• 2 eggs (or 1 tablespoon baking powder and cold chilled water)

Sauce and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon regular soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon mushroom sauce/oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon sweet chili sauce (or honey with 1/8 teaspoon chili flakes)
• 1 tablespoon hot sauce
• 2 tablespoons tomato ketchup
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 & 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch (for slurry)
• 3 tablespoons water (for slurry)
• 1/2 inch cinnamon stick
• 1 teaspoon fennel seeds
• 2 to 3

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Instructions

1. Infuse fish fillets with zesty lime juice, crushed aromatics, and binding agents. Allow marinade to penetrate for 15-20 minutes at room temperature.
2. Heat oil to medium-high and carefully fry marinated fish until golden and crisp. Transfer fried pieces onto paper towels to drain excess oil.
3. In a separate skillet, warm oil and gently sauté minced garlic, ginger, and green chilies until fragrant and translucent, releasing their robust flavors.
4. Introduce bell peppers and onions to the pan, stir-frying rapidly over high heat for 2-3 minutes until edges slightly caramelize but retain a slight crunch.
5. Whisk sauce ingredients in a small bowl, creating a harmonious blend of flavors, then pour into vegetable mixture. Simmer gently for 2 minutes to meld tastes.
6. Gently fold fried fish into the aromatic sauce, ensuring each piece gets evenly coated without breaking delicate fish texture.
7. Create a quick cornstarch slurry to thicken sauce, stirring constantly until mixture reaches desired consistency and glossy appearance.
8. Plate immediately, garnishing with freshly cracked black pepper, optional green chilies, and chopped herbs for a vibrant, fresh finish.

Notes

• Marinate fish for maximum flavor infusion by ensuring each fillet is evenly coated with marinade ingredients and letting it rest at room temperature.
• Choose fresh, firm white fish like tilapia, cod, or sea bass to maintain texture and absorb seasonings effectively during cooking process.
• Adjust spice levels by reducing green chilies for milder version or adding extra for heat lovers, creating personalized taste experience.
• Create crispy fish coating by patting fillets dry before marinating and using minimal cornstarch to prevent soggy texture during frying.

• Prep Time: 35 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 310
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 720 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 33 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg