Crispy Sweet Chilli Fish
Crispy Sweet Chilli Fish
Contents
Crispy Sweet Chilli Fish is a Filipino-inspired dish featuring crispy fried fish fillets coated in a tangy, sweet, and spicy sauce. It’s a perfect balance of flavors, often served with steamed rice and garnished with fresh vegetables.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 6
Ingredients
- 6 boneless white fish fillets (e.g., sea bass, tilapia, or cod)
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp chili flakes
- 1 tsp crushed black pepper
- 3-4 tbsp cornstarch (for coating)
- 1/2 onion, sliced
- 1/2 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1/2 green bell pepper, sliced
- 6-8 tbsp tomato ketchup
- 2 tbsp sriracha
- 2 tbsp white vinegar
- 3 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp oil (for frying)
- Spring onions, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Fish: Pat dry the fish fillets with a paper towel. Season with soy sauce, salt, garlic powder, chili flakes, and black pepper. Mix well until evenly coated.
- Coat the Fish: Dredge the fish fillets in cornstarch, ensuring they are fully coated. Shake off any excess flour.
- Fry the Fish: Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Fry the fish fillets until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
- Cook the Vegetables: In the same pan, add onion, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper. Sauté for 2 minutes until slightly softened.
- Make the Sauce: Add tomato ketchup, sriracha, white vinegar, and honey to the pan. Stir well and let the sauce simmer for 1-2 minutes until thickened.
- Combine: Add the fried fish fillets to the pan, gently coating them with the sauce. Cook for another minute.
- Garnish and Serve: Transfer to a serving plate, garnish with spring onions, and serve with steamed rice.
Tips and Notes
- For extra crispiness, double-coat the fish in cornstarch.
- Adjust the sweetness or spiciness by tweaking the honey and sriracha amounts.
- Replace white fish with salmon or bluefish for a richer flavor.
FAQ
Q: Can I grill the fish instead of frying?
Yes, grilling is a healthier alternative. Baste the fish with the sweet chili sauce while grilling for added flavor.
Q: What can I substitute for white vinegar?
Apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar can be used as substitutes.
Q: Is there a way to make this dish gluten-free?
Ensure the soy sauce and cornstarch used are gluten-free certified.
Comparison Table
| Feature | Fried Version | Grilled Version |
|---|---|---|
| Texture | Crispy exterior | Smoky and tender |
| Prep Time | 20 minutes | 20 minutes |
| Cook Time | 45 minutes | 30 minutes |
| Healthiness | Less healthy (due to oil) | Healthier option |
| Flavor | Rich and tangy | Light and smoky |
Related guides
- Daing na Bangus (Marinated Fried Milkfish) – A Complete Guide
- Fish Escabeche: A Filipino Sweet and Sour Delight
- Ginataang Hipon Recipe: Filipino Shrimp in Coconut Milk
- Ginataang Tilapia: A Creamy Filipino Delight
- Grilled Bangus (Inihaw na Bangus): The Ultimate Guide to Filipino-Style Grilled Milkfish