If you're craving a dish that perfectly balances crispy textures with bold flavors, look no further than Salt and Pepper Fish! This Chinese classic is not only a feast for the eyes but also a delight for your taste buds, making it the ideal recipe to impress your family and friends. With just a handful of ingredients and a quick cooking time, you can whip up this delectable dish in under 30 minutes. Ready to dive into the world of savory, golden-brown fish fillets seasoned to perfection? Let’s get cooking!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Chinese
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb fish fillets (e.g., cod or tilapia)
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon white pepper
- Oil for frying
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1 red chili, sliced (optional)
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the fish fillets. Rinse them under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. This step helps ensure that the coating adheres well to the fish.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cornstarch, salt, black pepper, and white pepper. Mix well to ensure that the spices are evenly distributed throughout the cornstarch.
- Coat each fish fillet thoroughly with the cornstarch mixture. Make sure to cover both sides of the fillet evenly. Shake off any excess cornstarch before frying.
- Heat oil in a large frying pan or wok over medium-high heat. You will need enough oil to cover the bottom of the pan, about 1/4 inch deep. To test if the oil is hot enough, you can drop a small piece of the cornstarch mixture into the oil; it should sizzle immediately.
- Once the oil is hot, carefully place the coated fish fillets into the pan. Do not overcrowd the pan; you may need to cook the fish in batches. Fry the fillets for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. The fish should flake easily with a fork.
- Once cooked, remove the fish from the pan and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
- In the same pan, you can add the chopped green onions and sliced red chili (if using) to the remaining oil. Stir-fry for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant. This will add a nice flavor to the dish.
- To serve, place the fried fish fillets on a serving platter and top them with the sautéed green onions and red chili. Enjoy your Salt and Pepper Fish hot, accompanied by steamed rice or your choice of side dishes.
Tips
- Choosing the Right Fish: For the best results, opt for firm white fish like cod or tilapia. These varieties hold up well during frying and provide a mild flavor that complements the spices beautifully.
- Drying the Fish: Make sure to thoroughly dry the fish fillets before coating them. This step is crucial for ensuring the cornstarch adheres properly, resulting in a crispy exterior.
- Temperature Check: To achieve that perfect golden-brown crust, ensure your oil is hot enough before adding the fish. A simple test is to drop a small amount of the cornstarch mixture into the oil; it should sizzle immediately.
- Avoid Overcrowding: Fry the fish in batches if necessary. Overcrowding the pan can lower the oil temperature, leading to soggy fillets instead of crispy ones.
- Garnish for Flavor: Don’t skip the sautéed green onions and red chili! They not only enhance the dish's presentation but also add a burst of flavor that elevates your Salt and Pepper Fish to the next level.
- Serving Suggestions: Pair your crispy fish with steamed rice or a fresh salad for a complete meal. The contrasting textures and flavors will leave everyone asking for seconds!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 55mg
