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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Infuse fish fillets with zesty lime juice, crushed aromatics, and binding agents. Allow marinade to penetrate for 15-20 minutes at room temperature.
- Heat oil to medium-high and carefully fry marinated fish until golden and crisp. Transfer fried pieces onto paper towels to drain excess oil.
- In a separate skillet, warm oil and gently sauté minced garlic, ginger, and green chilies until fragrant and translucent, releasing their robust flavors.
- 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.
- 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.
- Gently fold fried fish into the aromatic sauce, ensuring each piece gets evenly coated without breaking delicate fish texture.
- Create a quick cornstarch slurry to thicken sauce, stirring constantly until mixture reaches desired consistency and glossy appearance.
- 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