Name: Sweet and Sour Fish
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 4 white fish fillets (tilapia, cod, or haddock); 1/2 cup cornstarch or flour (for coating); Salt and pepper, to taste; Vegetable oil, for frying; 1 medium onion, chopped; 1 red bell pepper, chopped; 1 green bell pepper, chopped; 1 cup pineapple chunks (canned or fresh); 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/4 cup vinegar (white or rice vinegar); 3 tablespoons sugar; 1/4 cup ketchup; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1/2 cup water or pineapple juice; 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (cornstarch slurry)

Why You’ll Love Sweet and Sour Fish Recipe

This Sweet and Sour Fish recipe is a delightful blend of textures and flavors. The crispiness of the fish pairs perfectly with the glossy, flavorful sauce. It’s easy to prepare at home, making it a go-to option when you’re craving something savory, sweet, and slightly tangy. It also works well with a variety of white fish types, making it versatile and budget-friendly. Serve it with steamed rice for a satisfying meal that everyone will love.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

White fish fillets (such as tilapia, cod, or haddock)
Cornstarch or flour (for coating)
Salt and pepper
Cooking oil (for frying)
Onion, chopped
Red and green bell peppers, chopped
Pineapple chunks (canned or fresh)
Garlic, minced
Vinegar (white or rice vinegar)
Sugar
Ketchup
Soy sauce
Water or pineapple juice
Cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water, for thickening)

Directions

Pat the fish fillets dry, then season them with salt and pepper.
Coat the fish evenly with cornstarch or flour.
Heat oil in a frying pan and fry the fish until golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.
In another pan or wok, heat a little oil and sauté garlic, onions, and bell peppers until slightly softened.
Add the pineapple chunks and cook for another 2 minutes.
In a small bowl, mix vinegar, sugar, ketchup, soy sauce, and water or pineapple juice to make the sweet and sour sauce.
Pour the sauce into the pan with the vegetables. Bring it to a simmer.
Add the cornstarch slurry and stir until the sauce thickens.
Gently add the fried fish into the sauce, turning to coat evenly.
Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes

Variations

Use shrimp or tofu instead of fish for a different protein.
Add more vegetables like carrots, zucchini, or snap peas for extra crunch.
For a spicy kick, include chili flakes or chopped fresh chili in the sauce.
Try using apple cider vinegar or lemon juice for a twist in flavor.
Replace sugar with honey or brown sugar for a deeper sweetness.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover Sweet and Sour Fish in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
To reheat, gently warm in a pan over low heat until heated through. Avoid microwaving as it can make the fish soggy. If needed, reheat the sauce separately and add it to freshly fried fish to retain crispiness.

FAQs

What type of fish is best for Sweet and Sour Fish?

Firm white fish like tilapia, cod, haddock, or halibut work best because they hold up well during frying.

Can I bake the fish instead of frying?

Yes, you can bake the fish at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes until crispy, but frying gives a more traditional texture.

Is Sweet and Sour Fish gluten-free?

It can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free soy sauce and cornstarch instead of flour.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can prepare the sauce and vegetables ahead of time, but it’s best to fry the fish fresh to maintain its crispiness.

What can I serve with Sweet and Sour Fish?

It pairs well with steamed jasmine rice, fried rice, or even noodles.

Can I use frozen fish fillets?

Yes, but thaw them completely and pat dry before seasoning and coating to avoid excess moisture.

How do I make the sauce thicker?

Use a cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with cold water) and add it gradually to the sauce while stirring.

Is the dish very sweet?

The sweetness can be adjusted by reducing the amount of sugar or ketchup used.

Can I freeze Sweet and Sour Fish?

It’s not recommended to freeze after combining the fish with the sauce, as the fish may become soggy.

What if I don’t have pineapple?

You can skip the pineapple or substitute it with mango, orange slices, or extra bell peppers for a fruity touch.

Conclusion

Sweet and Sour Fish is a flavorful and colorful dish that’s easy to make at home and sure to impress. With its balance of crispy texture and tangy-sweet sauce, it’s a perfect meal for both weeknights and special occasions. Whether you stick to the classic or try one of the variations, this dish is bound to become a favorite in your kitchen.