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Best Easy Sweet and Sour Whole Fish Recipe

Name: Best Easy Sweet and Sour Whole Fish Recipe
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 210 g
Ingredients: whole white fish (snapper or sea bass, cleaned and scaled) 2 lbs; all-purpose flour 0.5 cup; cornstarch 0.25 cup; vegetable oil (for frying) 2 cups; red bell pepper (sliced) 0.5 cup; pineapple chunks 0.5 cup; scallions (diagonally sliced, for garnish) 0.25 cup; soy sauce 2 tbsp; rice vinegar 3 tbsp; ketchup 2 tbsp; sugar 3 tbsp; water 0.5 cup; salt 0.5 tsp; white pepper 0.25 tsp

Whole sweet and sour fish with a tangy, glossy sauce is a festive family centerpiece. A high protein, fresh dish symbolizing abundance and prosperity.

Cook 50 min Difficulty NORMAL 290 kcal

#high protein #mediterranean

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Ingredients

Main ingredients

whole white fish (snapper or sea bass, cleaned and scaled) 2 lbs
all-purpose flour 0.5 cup
cornstarch 0.25 cup
vegetable oil (for frying) 2 cups
red bell pepper (sliced) 0.5 cup
pineapple chunks 0.5 cup
scallions (diagonally sliced, for garnish) 0.25 cup

Seasonings/Sauce

soy sauce 2 tbsp
rice vinegar 3 tbsp
ketchup 2 tbsp
sugar 3 tbsp
water 0.5 cup
salt 0.5 tsp
white pepper 0.25 tsp

Nutrition summary

Carbohydrates 21 g 29%

Protein 28 g 39%

Fat 8 g 25%

Serving size 210g

Cooking steps

1

Pat the whole fish very dry, make 3 diagonal slashes on each side, and season with salt and white pepper.
2

Dredge the fish thoroughly in a mixture of flour and cornstarch, ensuring all surfaces are evenly coated.
3

Heat vegetable oil to 340°F in a deep skillet. Fry the fish for 8–10 minutes per side, turning once, until crisp and golden. Drain on a rack.
4

In a separate pan, stir-fry red bell pepper and pineapple in 1 tbsp oil on medium-high heat for 2 minutes. Remove and set aside.
5

Prepare the sauce: In the same pan, combine soy sauce, rice vinegar, ketchup, sugar, and water. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened and glossy.
6

Return the bell pepper and pineapple to the sauce, stir to coat, and cook for 1 minute.
7

Place the fried fish on a platter, spoon the hot sweet and sour sauce over the top, and garnish with scallions. Serve immediately.

Personalized Q&A

Q. What's the key ingredient in this recipe?

The whole white fish, such as snapper or sea bass, is the key ingredient defining this dish. Its delicate flesh and mild flavor are essential for highlighting the tangy, sweet, and savory notes of the sauce.

Q. How do I achieve crisp skin and a moist interior when frying the fish?

Pat the fish thoroughly dry, dredge it evenly in flour and cornstarch, and maintain the oil at 340°F. Fry without overcrowding, and turn only once to ensure an even, golden crust while keeping the flesh juicy inside.

Q. How can I prevent the fish from becoming soggy after frying?

Drain the fried fish on a rack instead of paper towels, let excess oil drip off, and wait to pour the sauce over until just before serving. This helps preserve the crispiness and keeps the skin from absorbing excess moisture.

Q. How many calories are in each serving, and what’s the protein-to-carb ratio?

Each serving contains about 290 kcal, with 28g protein (39% of energy), 21g carbs (29%), and 8g fat (25%). This makes it a high-protein dish, suitable for those seeking balanced nutrition.

Best Easy Sweet and Sour Whole Fish Recipe

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