Sweet And Sour Fish

Cook: 15 min Cuisine: Chinese

Sweet and tangy fish dish featuring vibrant flavors of pineapple, orange, and vegetables, perfect for seafood lovers seeking a zesty, colorful meal.

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Ingredients

  • 3 Tbsp. brown sugar
  • 1/2 Tbsp. vinegar
  • 1 (8 oz.) can tomato puree
  • 2 sticks celery, chopped
  • 2 oz. onion
  • 1/2 cup orange juice
  • 2 slices pineapple and juice
  • 1 green pepper, cut up
  • 1 large fish, cut in chunks

Instructions

  1. In a skillet or pan, blend all ingredients except the fish.
  2. Bring to a boil and stir until the vegetables are tender but still crisp, about 10 minutes.
  3. Add the fish chunks to the sauce and cook for an additional 5 minutes.

Tips & Substitutions

For a balanced flavor, adjust the sweetness by adding more or less brown sugar based on your preference. You can substitute the fish with shrimp for a different texture, or use firm tofu for a vegetarian version. If you prefer more heat, consider adding a dash of red pepper flakes. This dish is versatile and can incorporate other vegetables like carrots or snap peas, making it a great option for experimenting with various ingredients in your pantry.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Sweet and Sour Fish over steamed rice or noodles to soak up the delicious sauce. It pairs beautifully with a side of sautéed vegetables or a fresh salad for a refreshing crunch. For a complete meal, consider serving with Chinese recipes like Crab Won Ton or a light soup to enhance the dining experience.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the fish and sauce in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, taking care not to overcook the fish. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring often, but be cautious as this may alter the texture of the fish.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Sweet And Sour Fish contains roughly 278 calories, with 11g protein, 36g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (62% of the Daily Value) and protein (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1239mg per serving (54% of the Daily Value).

278 kcal 14% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 10.9g 22% DV
Total Fat 10.8g 14% DV
Carbs 35.6g 13% DV
Fiber 3.2g 12% DV
Sugar 10.6g 21% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1239.3mg 54% DV
Potassium 540.2mg 11% DV
Cholesterol 21.3mg 7% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 26mcg 3% DV
Vitamin C 56mg 62% DV
Vitamin D 0.4mcg 2% DV
Calcium 101.9mg 8% DV
Iron 2.9mg 16% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen fish for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen fish, but make sure to thaw it completely before cooking to ensure even cooking and proper texture. It’s best to do this overnight in the refrigerator or place it in a sealed bag and submerge it in cold water for quicker thawing.

What kind of fish works best for this dish?

Firm white fish like tilapia, cod, or snapper work best for this recipe as they hold their shape well during cooking. You can also experiment with salmon for a richer flavor, but adjust cooking time accordingly since it cooks faster.

Can I make this dish in advance?

While it's best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just add the fish shortly before serving to maintain its texture and flavor. Reheating the fish can lead to a rubbery consistency, so it’s recommended to cook it fresh.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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