Sweet & Sour Fish
Sweet & sour fish offers tender fish fillets coated in a tangy sauce, complemented by crunchy vegetables—perfect for a vibrant, flavorful meal suitable for seafood lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Prepare the sweet & sour sauce and set aside.
- Place cornstarch in a shallow dish.
- Dredge the fish fillet squares in the cornstarch until evenly coated.
- Heat salad oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Add the fish pieces and fry until golden and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- In the same pan, add onion cubes and green bell pepper strips; sauté for 3-4 minutes until slightly tender.
- Add the tomato cubes and cook for another 1-2 minutes.
- Return the fish to the pan, pour the prepared sweet & sour sauce over, and toss gently to coat.
- Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until heated through and flavors meld.
- Serve hot with steamed rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For a crispier texture, consider double-dipping the fish in cornstarch after the first coating. If you don't have turbot or halibut, any firm white fish like cod or tilapia can work well. To enhance the sweetness, add a dash of pineapple juice to the sweet & sour sauce. For a vegetarian option, substitute tofu for the fish in this recipe.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the sweet & sour fish over a bed of steamed rice to soak up the flavorful sauce. It pairs beautifully with Sesame Chinese Noodles or a fresh salad. For a complete meal, consider adding a side of stir-fried vegetables or spring rolls to round out the dining experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, adding a splash of water to prevent drying out. For best results, avoid microwaving as it can make the fish rubbery.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sweet & Sour Fish contains roughly 267 calories, with 9g protein, 57g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (369% of the Daily Value), iron (66% of the Daily Value), and potassium (34% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and vitamin A. It also contributes 7g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 fillets, but it's best to thaw them completely before cooking. Pat the fish dry to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve a crispy coating when dredged in cornstarch.
What can I substitute for the green bell pepper?
If you prefer a different flavor, you can substitute the green bell pepper with red, yellow, or orange bell peppers, which will add sweetness and a vibrant color to the dish. Broccoli or snap peas also make great alternatives.
How can I make the sauce spicier?
To add some heat to your sweet & sour sauce, consider incorporating a splash of hot sauce, red pepper flakes, or finely chopped fresh chili peppers. Adjust the quantity to your heat preference for the perfect spicy kick.
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).