Description
Learn how to make delicious salt and pepper fish at home with our easy-to-follow recipe. Crispy, flavorful, and perfect for your next meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) white fish filet (catfish, tilapia, sea bass, or sole)
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) apple cider vinegar (or apple juice)
- 1/2 teaspoon (3 ml) salt
- 1/4 teaspoon (1 ml) white pepper
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) vegetable oil
- 3 tablespoons (45 ml) cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon (3 ml) white pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon (1 ml) salt
- 1/2 teaspoon (3 ml) sugar
- 3 tablespoons (45 ml) vegetable oil (or any neutral oil)
- 3 green onions, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, sliced
- 1/4 teaspoon (1 ml) ground Sichuan peppercorn (Optional but highly recommended)
- 3 dried red chili peppers, cut into 3 pieces
- Chopped cilantro (for garnish) (Optional)
Instructions
- Cut the fish fillets into slices about 1/2 inch (1 cm) thick by angling your knife at 45 degrees, ensuring thin edges and a thicker center. Place the fish in a medium bowl, then add apple cider vinegar, salt, and white pepper. Blend thoroughly using your hands.
- In a separate small bowl, mix together the ingredients for the spice blend, stirring until well combined.
- When ready to cook, incorporate vegetable oil and cornstarch into the marinated fish, mixing until the fish is evenly coated.
- Warm 2 tablespoons of oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Arrange the fish pieces in the skillet without overlapping. Cook without disturbing until the bottom is golden brown, then flip to cook the other side until it is golden and the fish is just cooked through. Promptly move the fish to a plate.
- Pour the remaining tablespoon of oil into the skillet and add green onions, garlic, dried red chili peppers, and ground Sichuan peppercorns. Stir a few times to release their aromas.
- Turn off the heat. Return the cooked fish to the skillet and sprinkle with the spice mixture. Gently stir to combine without breaking the fish pieces. Transfer everything onto a serving plate. Serve hot as a main course or over rice.
